Vcdl lobby day frequently asked questions
Below is a compilation of questions people ask every year. If you still have questions after reviewing these, there is a contact form at the bottom of the page. You can also use the form to volunteer to be a Team Leader.
Please check the other Lobby Day pages for useful and important information.
FAQs
The topics below apply to most, if not all, VCDL Lobby Day events. Specific details will be relayed in the VA-Alert, our free email service. VCDL Lobby Day is always held on Martin Luther King Day.
When is the VCDL Lobby Day?
The VCDL Lobby Day is always held on MLK Day, the third Monday in January. We begin lobbying at 8:00 a.m. and break for our rally, then continue lobbying if necessary. The rally lasts for one hour and is usually held at the Bell Tower in Capital Square.
It's a holiday. Will the General Assembly be in session?
Yes, the General Assembly is in sesson on MLK Day. We pick this day because many of our members have the day off, and it is near the beginning of the session.
What bills are we lobbying for?
The list of bills is not complete yet, but we are reasonably sure that we will see most or all of the gun control bills that were vetoed in the previous two years. There will also be favorable bills.
VCDL will be compiling a legislative analysis which will be distributed to every Senator and Delegate by our lobby teams. We will make that available to members as soon as it is completed.
We suggest that you select one or two bills that affect you personally, and speak on those when you visit your representatives. Personal stories are more engaging.
I've never lobbied before. How will I know what to say?
We encourage you to join a team so you will be with experienced Lobby Day veterans. You don't have to speak if you don't feel comfortable doing so, but just by being there you are having an impact.
If you do choose to speak on a bill that you care passionately about, speak from experience. Make it personal. Showing how something impacts real people carries more weight. Be polite and respectful, but let your passion shine through.
Tip: It helps to make a list beforehand. Jot down a few key points you want to make so you don't get off track or forget to say something important.
Can I bring my kids? They don't have school that day.
Please do! Lobby Day can be an educational opportunity, especially if they are school age. Older high school and college-age participatns may want to connect with Jill McDaniel of the VCDL Academy.
How should I dress:
Business casual or nicer. We want to make a good impression with the legislators and their staff. Be newat and polite. Dressing appropriately not only conveys respect, it commands it! You are more likely to be taken seriously if you dress the part.
Please note that the rally is outside. Take the weather forecast into account when you choose your outer garments. It has been said that there is no bad weather, only bad clothing choices!
Where do I find my team?
Teams will be forming near the corner of 9th and Bank Streets. Team Leaders will be wearing yellow vests and Guns SAVE Lives stickers. They will probably be holding oragne clipboards as well. Visit VCDL.org/Lobby Day for useful information and updates, and watch the VA-Alert for important notices.
Will there be a rally this year?
Yes, we have reserved the space in front of the Bell Tower in Capital Square again this year. We do not have a list of speakers yet, but watch our website for updates.
The rally will begin at 11:00 a.m. and last for one hour. Once the full schedule is published you will find it at VCDL.org/LobbyDaySchedule.
Can I carry?
Carry will be allowed on 9th Stree except on the sidewalk that borders Capitol Square. State law still prohibits firearms in Capitol Square and all state government offices and parking garages. See this map for the boundaries.
We need your help to repeal these dangerous laws. The first step is showing up for Lobby Day. If we let the ban keep us from lobbying, the anti-rights faction has won. We cannot let that happen!
Does the ban on carry in government buildings mean I have to travel unarmed?
No! VCDL Member Brandon Howard is offering a gun check service. Visit VCDL.org/GunCheck for details and to sign up. There is a nominal fee of $15.00 and there will be armed guards watching over your EDC piece while you fight for your rights.
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