“If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.” – Shirley Chisholm
Architecture in practice exists at the crossroads of Policy and the Built Environment. Architects regularly advance solutions that directly address the social, environmental, and economic challenges of today and tomorrow. As natural problem solvers, architects do not see empty lots as only places to build; we see them as places to build hopes and dreams.
We need your participation in AIA Virginia’s 2022 Architects SPEAK UP! this May.
Register by filling out this Interest Form. If you participated last year, please sign up again as we will reconvene with the legislator that you met with. All participants will be properly trained before engaging in the virtual conversations.
Program Purpose
The purpose of Architects Speak Up! meetings will be for AIA Virginia members to acquaint themselves with their in-district legislator(s) and effectively articulate the importance of architects and architecture in their community. The anticipated result is a structured and coordinated outreach event that can occur simultaneously within each of the five local components. For this years’ Speak Up! event we will be meeting and reconnecting with the nine legislators we met with last year and expanding to six new legislators.
What have we already accomplished?
AIA Virginia’s Joint Legislative Committee works in partnership with the American Council of Engineering Companies of Virginia during each General Assembly session for our advocacy efforts, collaborating to define common goals that benefit the combined A/E communities.
One outcome of our advocacy efforts is the strong relationships we have made with state legislators. For example, we led the passage of HB 429 Virginia Public Procurement Act, introduced by Del. David Bulova (D-Fairfax). This bill simplifies the current Public Procurement Act regarding term contracts thus allowing more access for more firms. We have also passed bills that strengthen Qualifications Based Selection, impose a statute of limitations, and influence policy on school safety design.
Other ways to make a difference:
If you are not able to participate in the event, there are other ways you can support AIA Virginia’s legislative objectives! We are embarking on our 2022 PAC fundraising plan and we could really use your help and financial support in closing our fundraising gap for Q2. Can you contribute $50, $100, or $200 today? Give Now!
If you already are a supporter of the PAC or are a current participant in lobby month – thank you! Every aspect of participation helps support our collective goals. Please forward this email to your firms, colleagues, and other friends in the architecture community who are as interested and passionate as you are!
submitted by Maggie Dunlap, Assoc. AIA