Due to the weather conditions, we have made the difficult decision to cancel Recovery Advocacy Day at the Virginia General Assembly. The safety of our community is our top priority, and we do not want anyone traveling in unsafe conditions.

While we are disappointed that we won’t be gathering in person, advocacy does not stop here. There are still meaningful ways you can stay engaged and make your voice heard throughout the General Assembly session.

Stay Informed on Legislation

We encourage you to continue following bills being considered by the House and Senate that impact recovery, substance use, mental health, and harm reduction. Staying informed allows you to respond quickly as bills move through committees and floor votes.

Reach Out to Your Legislators

Legislators want to hear from their constituents. You can:

-Call or email your Delegate and Senator to share your support or concerns about specific bills

-Ask for a brief meeting (virtual or in-person) with their office

-Share your lived experience or why these issues matter to you personally

You can find your legislators and their contact information through the Virginia General Assembly website  or at www.saara.org/advocacy

Testifying on Bills in the Virginia General Assembly

Public testimony is another powerful way to advocate:

-Individuals can sign up to testify during committee hearings, either in person or virtually

-Sign-up instructions are typically posted on the committee agenda prior to the hearing, usually within a 24 hour window. You can find the committee schedule here: https://lis.virginia.gov/schedule  

-Testimony can also be submitted in writing if you are unable to attend live

Testifying does not require expertise—your lived experience and perspective are valuable.

We are grateful for your commitment to recovery advocacy and your willingness to show up, even when plans change. We will continue to share updates, resources, and opportunities to engage throughout the session.

Thank you for standing with us and for continuing to advocate for policies that support recovery and save lives across Virginia.

With appreciation,
SAARA of Virginia