Rural Retreat 2018

Swag from Rural Retreat 2018

    Normally, when I sit down to write about an event, an issue, or a cause the words flow freely. I could start at the beginning, which I tried, and found that strategy useless and unenthusiastic. But I am not apathetic nor am I super hyper excited. What I have found from this weekend's Democratic Retreat is that I am more focused on bringing back to my committee what I learned from the sessions that I attended.

Krystal Henson: Design Thinker

   I am grateful for the organizers that worked diligently to put this past weekend together. I am grateful for the last minute sponsorship of Deb Baum and Steve Bunn from the CD9 (congressional district). I learned about the basics of Votebuilder and how to create a strategy for canvassing in a way that helps our committee update the database and zero in on potential voters for House and Senate races. I enjoyed Barbara Jones and Krystal Henson's presentation on leveraging social media to hold Richmond accountable. I was impressed at Krystal's ability as a design thinker and strategist and Barb's unrelenting passion to get the job done.

Barbara Jones

   I listened to a presentation from the Small Business Caucus and realized how important it will be in our area to create an affiliate that helps Democratic branding and messaging. People are under the wrong assumption that Democrats want to hand out a free ride. No, we want to empower people to grow small businesses in the face of failed corporate retail structures. There is a great need for affordable healthcare for farmers to inner city stores. There is also a heavy influence of the lack of Broadband access to these rural communities. They are behind. Millennials are leaving these areas to increase their odds of success in cities. It's draining our small towns of brains and money.
   I also caught the tail end of Karen Frye Cobb's Mom's Demand Action presentation. I love the message. I love the presentation and teaching aspect of gun ownership and responsibility. But it's more than responsible gun ownership. It is also recognizing the mental health issues surrounding the causes of suicide and mass shooters. Like many groups that grew out of the ashes of the 2016 election, it is non-partisan and increasing engagement. I've discovered that Karen is my soul sister. We can look at each other across the table and know exactly what the other is thinking.

Karen Frye Cobb and Peter Volosin

   I met Tim Kaine and was able to procure his autograph for my mom who is a solid Democrat for her whole life. She's passionate about who she is and what we stand for. I think it's long past time to stop trying to hush those voices. It's hurtful and it just creates a bigger divide between people and their politics. Except for hate speech. Hate speech has no soap box anywhere in any forum and should not be given any for the sake of the 1st Amendment. There are limits. Say what you want but expect to be held accountable for it. There are reasons why libel and slander laws are on the books.
  But it was Tim Kaine's luncheon speech that renewed my commitment to being a Democrat. It just makes sense. He understands that interconnections between the issues. He stands with Red. Medicaid expansion could insure another 400,000 thousand Virginians, including myself. He is committed to small business growth and improving education to reflect a newer and broadening economy that is based in service. Democrats are all about service. That's the message that I grew up with and hope that I can continue.

           

            Delegate Sam Rasoul at breakfast

Tim Kaine luncheon speech

   Next year's Rural Retreat will be held at Holiday Inn-Valley View in Roanoke, VA on May 3rd-5th. The retreat is only $99 and includes 2 drink tickets per night (Fri/Sat), light hors d'oeuvres (Fri/Sat), breakfast (Sat/Sun), and lunch on Saturday. You may make reservations at the hotel through the Rural Retreat website, if necessary.