“We are the little engine that became a locomotive,” said Board member Jay Johnson.

We were delighted to convene for our annual Power Analysis again this year in Massanetta Springs. About 40 of our Virginia Organizing State Governing Board members, staff, and chapter leaders came together to discuss issues from the past year and determine how to advance in our efforts for this year. Not only was the discussion rich with deliberation and creative thought, but members were also productive in taking collective action steps over the weekend.

For this Power Analysis, we focused on examining issues surrounding housing, restoration of rights, energy and environmental justice, and childcare. In always keeping issues that matter to our community members at the forefront, our leaders spent time determining effective ways to address concerns, identify key players, and consider tangible outcomes for progress. The weekend concluded with the Board’s annual meeting to evaluate the work done during the Power Analysis and to discuss strategies for moving forward.

Throughout the weekend, members met in various small groups to talk through the history of Virginia Organizing, current efforts, and how we can make future progress. These conversations, along with reports from action committees, stimulated important and productive discussion. As members shared personal stories and potential strategies to consider, they were also able to ask questions to the group, chat with the Board, and engage in interactive activities that would encourage individual outreach.

For example, our “gallery walk” gave participants a chance to brainstorm local, legislative, and non-legislative steps to take in each of our main topic areas. Members could also bring items related to recent chapter actions and successes to post on the “brag wall.” Finally, members were given materials to take home to empower them to reach out to community members and legislators about topics that were addressed.

Our Board was also given a special opportunity to share stories and answer questions related to decision-making, responsibilities and procedures, and membership. While each chapter community focuses on its community members and specific issues, it is the responsibility of the Board to take a birds-eye view of how state and local action progresses the collective effort. Jay stated that “sometimes you make a decision because it is the right decision,” even if it is not popular. This was followed by Del McWhorter stating that even though supporters may decide to step back after difficult decisions are made, they eventually tend to “come back in the fold because of the type of organization we are and our integrity.” This speaks to the value of having a Board made up of members who are integrated throughout our communities and working alongside our members. As Del stated, in the end, it is “all about relationships.”