People’s Policy Day
How Virginias Can Influence Policy at Marijuana Justice’s People’s Day Policy Day on January 27
by E. Jackson
On January 27th, Marijuana Justice, a Black-led organization focused on reversing the effects of the drug war, invites community members to the General Assembly to let their voices be heard by Virginia lawmakers on People’s Policy Day. This annual event gives attendees the chance to visit the Capitol Building and the General Assembly, and speak directly to those making the laws.
We spoke with Chelsea Higgs Wise, executive director of Marijuana Justice, who stressed not only how vital community voices are, but also the influence of testimonies and life experiences that have the power to change laws.
For more context on Virginia’s cannabis market and the latests policy debates, see this Cardinal News article from Marijuana Justice.
“These bills are usually not brought to the General Assembly by legislators,” Higgs Wise tells us. “People in groups like ours actually write the bills and then find a legislator to carry them. That’s how the bills get up there. We write these bills ourselves, and so can you. We can change the law. That’s where people get really empowered.”
Instead of posting their experiences online, community members can now bring their voices straight to the lawmakers shaping Virginia’s policies.
“A lot of people don’t realize where the General Assembly is, or even what the building looks like where they make the laws,” Higgs Wise said. “It’s one of those places we just aren’t in, these ‘walls of power.’ We’re really working to destigmatize that.”
People’s Policy Day is completely free, with lunch provided. It is strictly in person, but by following Marijuana Justice and signing up for their newsletter, you can get rapid updates on when public testimony sign-ups are open.
“They see me all the time. Legislators are sick of hearing from me.”
Now it’s our turn now — we’ll see you on the 27th.
Sign Up for People’s Policy Day here.
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