WHEREAS, Virginia Organizing is a non-partisan statewide grassroots organization dedicated to challenging injustice by empowering people in local communities to address issues that affect the quality of their lives; and
WHEREAS, Virginia Organizing encourages the participation of those who have traditionally had little or no voice in our society; and
WHEREAS, the organization encourages individuals and groups throughout the Commonwealth and in local communities to bring about change by working together and building relationships; and
WHEREAS among Virginia Organizing’s Statement of Beliefs is the belief that all people should be treated fairly and with dignity in all aspects of life, regardless of race, class, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, ability or country of origin; and
WHEREAS, the organization also believes in the enhancement and celebration of diversity in our communities and in our state; and
WHEREAS, Virginia Organizing believes that community, economic, social and environmental policy should be developed with the greatest input from the people it is meant to serve, and that policies should promote, celebrate and sustain the human and natural resources of Virginia; and
WHEREAS, leaders, members and staff of the organization work tirelessly to connect children, low-income residents, immigrants, veterans, retirees, people with disabilities and other under-represented groups to the resources that they deserve and need: and
WHEREAS, in August of 2015, Virginia Organizing is celebrating 20 years of grassroots organizing and bringing about real change for real people through countless campaigns to improve the quality of life for all Virginians,
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Mary Hughes Hynes, on behalf of the Arlington County Board, proclaim August 19, 2015 as VIRGINIA ORGANIZING DAY and urge all residents to learn about and support this organization in its efforts.