NoVA New Leaf - Climate and Environmental Action Team!

Take the Polar Bear Plunge with us on February 7, either at National Harbor in Maryland, or "brrr-tually"! JOIN OUR PLUNGE TEAM!

CCAN is celebrating its 21st annual Polar Bear Plunge to "Keep Winter Cold!", and NoVA New Leaf has its very own plunge team for you to join! Get chilly and raise money for climate action. Every winter for the past 20 years, hundreds of passionate climate activists have dashed into icy cold waters for a winter swim to raise funds in support of the work of the Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN). Just like a charity fun run, Plunge participants accept donations from their friends and family to support CCAN's vital climate work!

NATIONAL HARBOR PLUNGE AGENDA:
10:00 - 11:00 AM: Arrive and check in at the Capital Canopy! We'll have action tables, music, games, face painting, warm drinks, and yummy snacks.
11:00 - 11:40 AM: Pre-Plunge rally and costume contest.
11:40 - 11:50 AM: March to the Plunge point and get ready to plunge.
11:50 AM - 12:10 PM: PLUNGE TIME! After plunging, you can change into warm clothes in our changing tents.
12:15 - 2:30 PM: Head back to the Capital Canopy for continued fun and celebration with your fellow Plungers! We'll have pizza, a hot cocoa bar, a FREE beer from Denizens brewery (Plungers age 21+), games, and music!

More info here!!

Transportation options available from NoVA include carpools and a bus leaving from Gainesville at 5:30 a.m.

The Virginia Data Center Reform Coalition is excited to announce our Lobby Day for the 2026 General Assembly session. Together, we are urging state lawmakers to take action on the unchecked, exponential growth of data centers in Virginia. This event is your chance to lobby with fellow advocates in your district for a smarter development approach to data centers in our state – no prior experience required.

Breakfast and lunch are included! Register now!

Basic schedule:
7:30 AM | Arrival & Registration

8:00 AM | Breakfast & Opening Speakers

9:00 AM | Meetings with Elected Officials

12:30 PM | Lunch & Regroup

2:00 PM | Departure from Richmond

Join us for our 2026 Climate Lobby Day to channel our collective voices into action as we lobby for priority legislation. Whether you have lobbied for years or are brand new, this event is welcome to you. This is a free event, and training and lunch will be provided!

Our Lobby Day Priorities:

• Make Polluters Pay
• Stop Dirty Data Centers
• Build Solar Energy
• Defend Climate Progress

When: Tuesday, February 17, 2026, 8:00 AM
Where: St. Paul’s Episcopal Church 815 E. Grace St., Richmond, VA
Schedule:

• 8:00-8:15 AM — Check-in
• 8:15-8:40 AM — Intro and Overview of the Day
• 8:40-9:10 AM — Lobby Groups mingle and divide up talking points
• 9:10-9:20 AM — Walk over to the General Assembly
• 9:20-11:30 AM — Lobby Groups meet with legislative offices. Return to meeting place for thank you cards if finished early
• 11:30 AM-12:30 PM — Lunch
• 12:30 PM-1:00 PM — Wrap-up/Reflection

What to Expect:

• Comprehensive advocacy resources and lobby training
• Detailed talking points on key policies to discuss with legislators
• Full support throughout the entire lobbying process
• Meetings with state representatives
• Networking with experts and advocates
• Breakfast and lunch provided! (Vegan and vegetarian options available)

Space is limited. Register now to receive more details about this empowering opportunity to push the Commonwealth towards a fair and livable future!