Virginia State Capitol Building, Wikimedia user Skip Plitt via CC BY-SA 3.0
As we enter the holiday season, NVBA wants to remind you that not all gifts are monetary. One of the most powerful gifts you can offer to the birds and birders of northern Virginia is your voice.
Advocacy at NVBA is all about using community voices to support environmental policies affecting birds in northern Virginia at both the local and state levels. This December, we’re excited to offer several opportunities for you to learn, engage, and make a real impact through advocacy. Whether you’re new to conservation policy or looking to strengthen your advocacy skills, these events aim to empower you to speak up for the issues you care about in Northern Virginia.
If you’d like to stay more deeply involved in ongoing NVBA advocacy efforts, consider joining our Advocacy Committee! Get in touch with us at [email protected] to learn more.
We hope to see you at an event this month (details below)!
In Person Watch Party for VA General Assembly When: Saturday, December 6, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Where: National Wildlife Federation, Reston, VA
We’re gearing up for Virginia’s legislative session by partnering with the Virginia Conservation Network to host a Regional Watch Party of the General Assembly Preview at NVBA’s office in Reston (located at 11100 Wildlife Center Drive, Reston, VA 20190). Participants will enjoy breakfast, a livestreamed presentation from statewide experts, and an in-person discussion on local issues with members of NVBA’s Board of Directors. Full details are available on the registration page (linked below). Registration is required! In-person registration closes at 11:59 PM on Thursday, December 4. Use code VCNREST2025 to register for free.
Any questions about NVBA’s watch party should be sent to [email protected].
Virtual Comment Writing Session - Help Protect the Endangered Species Act When: Friday, December 12, 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM Where: Online
Join us during lunchtime on December 12th (12:00 PM) for discussion of the recently proposed rules that would revert key Endangered Species Act (ESA) regulations. Next, we'll advocate virtually during an “advocacy power hour” where together we will write and submit public comments to advocate for the ESA as it stands. Additional information can be found at the registration link below; registration is required to receive the Zoom invitation.
Delegate Kathy Tran, photo courtesy of Delegate Tran
Virtual Webinar on Effective Advocacy in Virginia with Delegate Kathy Tran When: Tuesday, December 16, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM Where: Online
Want to become a more effective advocate? Join us and Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy on December 16 at 7 PM for a virtual program, “Effective Advocacy in Virginia,” featuring Delegate Kathy Tran (District 18), Majority Caucus Chair of the Virginia House of Delegates. With a new Governor and House of Delegates taking office and the General Assembly convening on January 14, 2026, now is the perfect time to learn how to influence environmental legislation and local government decisions—including county master plans and data center proposals. Delegate Tran will share practical tips for effective advocacy at both state and local levels. We’ll wrap up with an opportunity to sign up for alerts on key legislation. This free event requires registration to receive the Zoom link.
