Al Willis first learned about Virginia Organizing through his church, and he’s been a leader in the organizing drive on the Eastern Shore ever since.

“I want to help people empower themselves and make their community better,” he said.

Since getting involved earlier this year, Al is most proud of the successful Dismantling Racism workshop that he helped organize in October. With more than 30 participants, the workshop brought a diverse group of people together to reflect on personal experiences and develop a shared understanding of racism on the Eastern Shore. Al is already looking forward to what comes next.

“We’ll pick some issues that we can be successful with and start working,” said Al, lifting his own passion for good-paying jobs and support for young people.

And Al knows what it means to make a difference in his community. As a member of the board of directors of the Mary N. Smith Cultural Center, he helped establish a space for alumni of the county’s old segregated high school and community members to come together. Al has seen change happen when people work together.

“It’s good to be a part of the statewide organization. When we pick an issue that we want to work on, we have other Chapters to learn from and people who can help us reach our goals.”

Thank you, Al, for your work to build a more just Virginia!