By, Jeff Tsai
Multimedia Intern, Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy
(Photo: VICPP interns meet with Delegate Betsy Carr – in the middle – including author Jeff Tsai – second from right)
In early spring last year, my friends and I visited Richmond’s Valentine Museum for the Student Day of Action (SDOA) hosted by the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy (VICPP). As the multimedia intern at VICPP, I enjoyed photographing SDOA because great moments come spontaneously, and learning about policy and people. Participants started filling the conference room, and conversations grew from our morning debrief session. The intern team distributed name tags and fact sheets, emphasizing our support for specific bills advocating social, racial, and economic justice before the Virginia General Assembly (GA).
Each fact sheet outlines the issues and the proposed legislation to address them, covering topics like affordable housing, worker justice, higher education in prison, health equity, worker rights, and more. We sorted participants into teams, assigning a captain to lead the visits to the offices of delegates and senators. As I talked with students from across the state, I learned about their impetus to join SDOA and the issues that matter most to them. For example, historical redlining has left many Black neighborhoods in some of the hottest parts of the city with fewer trees and more heat-trapping pavement. These urban heat islands can make area residents more susceptible to heat-related illnesses.
As each team arrived at the doorstep of their representatives’ offices, we were excited about our scheduled meetings at the General Assembly building. Our team met with Delegate Betsy Carr, a Democrat in the 78th District. She was welcoming and respectful, addressing our questions by emphasizing community collaboration. The SDOA was a meaningful opportunity for students like me to encourage policymakers to advocate for bills that promote community well-being.
One conversation that struck me was about advancing public education quality in Richmond. I left the office with a newfound appreciation for my friends who volunteer at local middle schools and offer tutoring services. Although passing a bill can funnel more resources into closing the gap of educational inequity, a huge volunteering base in the city supports the work done at the General Assembly.
When we left the General Assembly and returned to Valentine Museum, other interns shared their experience meeting with local representatives. One friend who cares deeply about wage theft gained reassurance that their local delegate also believes in enforcing the Virginia Pay Law for everyday workers.
In the afternoon as we attended workshops led by key activists around the state,I discovered that our conversations could turn into concrete action plans for serving affected communities. As we wrapped up our day, I thought about bringing small changes to my community to spread awareness about avoiding single-use plastics or bringing educational resources to those in need. SDOA invites participants to think big about passing legislation and act locally by bringing community spirit to those around us.
In Taiwan, my family always commends the best efforts of any initiative as 「細水長流」(Xìshuǐchángliú). A direct translation of the phrase is: “let a thin stream flow steadily as hard work prospers.” I understand that each bill we try to advocate at VICPP adds to the thin, steady stream culminating in the growth of communities around Richmond. Attending the upcoming SDOA will be my way of contributing to this stream of positivity and faith.