Help the Helpers
From the April 28, 2025 DoGood Virginia email newsletter:
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed individuals can change the world. In fact, it’s the only thing that ever has.” — Margaret Mead
The actions of the current presidential administration are impacting us all — directly and indirectly. Together, our community is working hard to support our neighbors, whether they are concerned about their citizenship, struggling with food insecurity, or facing any number of challenges. Fortunately, we have strong advocacy organizations doing incredible work. Thanks to your ongoing support, our DoGood Community is making a real difference!
At last week’s meeting, we heard from Suzanne Thorniley (Board Member of LEAP), Dan Crawford (Sierra Club), Dom from the Young Democrats, and Danny Clawson (Virginia Harm Reduction Coalition). Here’s how you can get involved:
LEAP (Local Environmental Agriculture Project)
LEAP connects fresh produce from local farms directly to local tables. With federal funding cuts, they are relying more heavily on businesses and individuals for support.
Ways to help:
- Shop at LEAP farmers markets and the LEAP storefront.
- Volunteer your time.
- Donate Market Bucks to help make fresh food accessible to everyone.
Learn more: LEAP Website
Sierra Club
We learned that Virginia has taken steps backward on renewable energy efforts for both solar and wind. Climate change is a growing threat — we must act now.
Ways to help:
- Join the local Sierra Club chapter: Sierra Club Roanoke
- Let your voice be heard in support of the Paris Agreement: Sign Here
Local Politics
The best way to create change is to engage at the local level. Key updates:
- Governor: Abigail Spanberger — a strong leader with a record of public service.
- Lieutenant Governor (Democratic Primary): Babur Lateef, Aaron Rouse, Ghazala Hashimi, Alex Bastani, Levar Stoney, and Victor Salgado.
- Attorney General (Democratic Primary): Jay Jones and Shannon Taylor.
- House Districts: District 40 primary between Donna Littleton and Kiesha Preston; District 41 candidate Lily Franklin;
- Delegate Sam Rasoul!!!
What you can do:
Join your local Democratic Committee, volunteer, knock doors, make calls, attend events, and most importantly — VOTE!
Virginia Harm Reduction Coalition
VHRC is dedicated to improving the health of drug-using communities by developing and implementing evidence-based solutions. Overdoses in our region are on the rise.
Ways to help:
- Carry Naloxone.
- Volunteer your time.
- Educate yourself by reading Beth Macy’s Dopesick and Raising Lazarus. (buy local).
Together, we are stronger.
Every act of support — whether large or small — builds a more compassionate, resilient, and just community. Thank you for showing up, for standing with our neighbors, and for continuing to Do Good. Let’s keep moving forward together.
In solidarity,
Dina