We are excited to announce that registration for the 2017 Virginia Environmental Assembly has officially opened! Bringing together conservation leaders from across the Commonwealth, this event provides a forum for discussion on key environmental issues, as well as an opportunity to strategize about the best ways to tackle threats to our natural environment.

This year’s keynote speaker is Reverend Lennox Yearwood Jr., President and CEO of the Hip Hop Caucus. A national leader within the green movement, Reverend Yearwood has been successfully bridging the gap between communities of color and environmental advocacy for the past decade. Rolling Stone declared him one of our country’s “New Green Heroes,” and Huffington Post named him one of the top ten change-makers in the green movement.

Virginia Environmental Assembly 
Jepson Alumni Executive Center  |  Fredericksburg, VA
Friday, September 22 – Saturday, September 23
Tickets $35 + additional cost for field trips  |  Register here!
Questions? Contact admin@vcnva.org

There is a lot to look forward to at this year’s Assembly! See below for some highlights.

Friday programming (open to Network Partners’ staff, board, and lead volunteers only):

  • Professional development and training, including skills workshops for communications, fundraising, organizing, policy, management, and education professionals
  • Exclusive campaign updates from VCN workgroups
  • Case study presentation on the Taylorsville Basin Partnership (fracking)
  • Exercises on power-building, campaign strategy, and activism through storytelling

Conservation Reception (open to the public):

  • Beer, wine, and heavy hors d’oeuvres
  • Remarks from local/state elected officials
  • A silent art auction displaying conservation-inspired work by local artists

Saturday programming (open to the public):

  • Keynote speaker: Reverend Yearwood, President and CEO of the Hip Hop Caucus
  • Panels/presentations on tackling climate change (at all levels of government), keeping coal ash relevant  (we haven’t won yet), and understanding what 21st century land preservation looks like
  • Breakout discussions on engaging in elections as a 501c3 nonprofit, building strong grassroots campaigns, and moving Virginia from roads to rails
  • Field trips featuring the beautiful Rappahannock River