Guide to helping in Loudoun County
Want to help people locally but don't know where to start? Whether you want to learn more, get your hands dirty or donate to a worthy cause that will help Loudouners, this guide has something for you!
Have updates? Email our Communications Committee.
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The VACIR - Virginia Coalition for Immigrant Rights is a multi-racial and multi-ethnic coalition of organizations that exists to win dignity, power and quality of life for all immigrant and refugee communities. They have resources and free clinics available. Donations go to power their organization.
A new Loudoun chapter of LULAC - League of United Latin American Citizens - is currently being stood up. They advocate for and tackle issues such as immigration, environmental concerns, Medicare, civil rights etc...
Reach out to ashburn@loudoundemocrats.org for contact information.
Did you know: every undocumented immigrant family needs to have a backup friend or family member who can take care of the kids when their parents alone are deported?
For those impacted by ICE raids a pro-bono list of immigration lawyers provided by the DOJ is available from Representative Suhas Subramanyam’s Leesburg district office. Additionally, the Congressional office can help track individual ICE cases.
Follow local award winning immigration lawyer Hassan Ahmad on Facebook as he provides practical advice for immigrants.
ACLU-VA has a very specific and comprehensive page devoted to exactly what an immigrant should - and should not - do when facing ICE whether at home, at work, in the car or anywhere else.
Did you know that there are two types of warrants and only one legally enables ICE agents to demand entry into private spaces (such as your home or a back room of an office)? A valid judicial warrant legally authorizes entry into private spaces. This is not the same as an administrative warrant. A judicial warrant is: issued by a U.S. District or state court (stated in clear letterhead at the top of a warrant), specifies the exact areas to be searched, particular people or items to be seized, and is signed by a judge. Administrative warrants do not contain these details. Learn how to tell the difference below.
Learn how to tell the difference between judicial vs. administrative warrants.
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Lambda Legal offers resources and support for LGBTQ+ and HIV+ individuals including:
Post election questions about marriage and family relationships
Identity documents checklist
Legal fund to protect civil rights
Virtual Help Desk
He She Ze and We offers education, training, advocacy and allyship in Virginia for the families of LGBTQ+ individuals and youths. They have hands on volunteer opportunities, fun events and accept donations.
Equality Loudoun focuses on inclusion, equality and respect for LGBTQ+ rights and education in the Loudoun community. They have volunteer and training opportunities for allies here in Loudoun.
Equality Virginia focuses on issues at the state level.
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The New Virginia Majority has a focus on criminal, economic and environmental justice, education and expanding democracy. Their ten year vision aims to improve democracy, justice and progress. The Loudoun and Western Fairfax chapters are especially focused on housing justice and immigrant rights. Sign up to learn more about New Virginia Majority volunteer opportunities
The Loudoun branch of the NAACP advocates locally to ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate race-based discrimination. They have monthly meetings and a resource guide for those wanting to be a better ally.
The ACLU has an extensive list of rights by topic: abortion, students, stopped by police, voting, dreamers, prisoners etc... This "know your rights" page should be book marked by everyone!
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Moms Demand Action - Loudoun is a grassroots movement fighting for public safety measures that can protect people from gun violence. They work to pass stronger gun laws and close the loopholes that jeopardize the safety of families.
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The Loudoun County Democratic Committee (LCDC) has a lot of (very fun) committees which advocate, educate and raise money to keep Loudoun blue! It's easy to find a committee who meets your skills and goals:
Communications - good writers always wanted
Voter Protection - protect the votes
Finance and Fundraising - help us raise money to keep Loudoun Blue
Membership - be the first to recruit and welcome new members
Precinct Ops - help run free and fair elections
Activities - create the events our members love
Candidate recruitment and support - support our electeds and candidates
Diversity and inclusion outreach - help diversify LCDC and advocate for their rights
Governance - helps LCDC maintain compliance with our rules to ensure equality
Grassroots engagement - expand LCDC values with allies
Issues - enable action on critical concerns
Labor - supports organized labor
Keep an eye on the LCDC Calendar to stay up to date with all our events!
We also post events to Mobilize.
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Loudoun Literacy Council’s mission is to teach English communication skills and provide literacy resources to empower adults and children. They have programs for adults and families and seek volunteers to help teach critical skills.
Loudoun Hunger Relief is an emergency grocery pantry, serving those in need with grocery supplies to feed their families. Volunteer to run food drives, help at the pantry or donate money.
Loudoun Cares connects volunteers seeking to give back as well those needing assistance across a variety of areas (rental assistance, food, medicine etc...). They can help you find a Loudoun volunteer opportunity.
The Loudoun County Government has many advisory boards, commissions, and committees which provide opportunities for direct involvement in local government by residents of Loudoun County. Opportunities to get involved cover a wide range of topics and interests - art, housing, family services, NOVA Community College and much, much more. Look for a vacancy in an area that interests you and follow the instructions to apply.
LAWS Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Services provides free, confidential services to all adults, youth and children who are victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, stalking, and child abuse. They run a free 24x7 help line as well as the "Resourceful Woman Thrift Store."
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Lasagna Love spreads kindness and community by having volunteers bake a lasagna for those in need of kindness! You can sign up to give (or receive) a lasagna on their website!
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The Piedmont Environmental Council focuses on sustainability and restoring lands and waters. Their Action Center lists campaigns of interest including making Oak Hill our newest state park and data center industry reform.
The Loudoun Climate Project supports a scientifically informed understanding of climate change and how that influences personal choices and public policy. They promote the development of a resilient local economy based on environmental stewardship, energy conservation, and the transition to renewable energy.
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Loudoun4All is an advocacy organization (527 PAC) here in Loudoun that supports policies and candidates that champion equity for all in our community. They provide a newsletter and advocacy fact sheet.
Network NOVA is a grassroots organizing hub in Northern Virginia, which works to inspire, inform and empower each other for powerful year-round political action. They host a weekly “Power Lunch” video podcast as well as a Women’s Summit each summer.
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The Virginia Mercury is an excellent free resource to keep up with Virginia news with a focus on topics such as criminal justice, the environment, politics, education and health. Sign up for their daily newsletter for quick hits to stay in the know and donate to help keep a great resource available for all.
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Use your voice! Contact our Congressman and Senators to let them know what you think of current events.
Did you know: Federal electeds keep careful count of the number and types of issues for which constituent speak out, and we can make a difference just by having our voices heard.
Contact Representative Suhas Subramanyam
The 5Calls website and app is an invaluable tool for efficiently contacting our elected officials about the issues that matter to us. Choose from a list of issues and 5Calls will provide background information as well as a script to use when making calls. Phone numbers are included as well, making it very easy to speak up for your values.