Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find out who my Senator and House member are?

Visit whosmy.virginiageneralassembly.gov and enter your address!

When is my meeting with my legislator(s)?

When you enter the Greater Richmond Convention Center (GRCC) ballroom you will be seated with other people from your Senate District (use the code above to fine your district!) The VAPLD Planning Team has worked to schedule as many meetings as possible. Most of the meetings with Senators are at 10:00am. While you are waiting for the program to start, take a look at the talking points. Perhaps you will want to be the spokesperson for one of the issues.

After your meeting with your Senator or their staff concludes, please proceed to your Delegate’s office for your next meeting at 10:30am. Please note: you may have a different District Captain and group for your Delegate meeting depending on your district. There is a directory for the House and Senate in the red folder.

In the event that, you do not have a meeting scheduled with either your Senator or Delegate we would still encourage you to visit their office, sign their guest book, and drop-off the “leave behind” sheet that will be in your red folder. While there, simply ask if a legislative assistant is available to speak with you. Most offices have been alerted that there will be constituents stopping by today.

I haven’t heard from my District Captain, what should I do?

When you arrive at the Greater Richmond Convention Center please sit with your Senate District group – there you should meet your District Captain who will tell you about the meeting time and help to figure out who will speak on what issues. If you do not have a Captain, select someone to serve as your team leader for the day and ask for a District Captain sheet at the District Captain check-in table and follow the instructions to prepare your group.

Where are the offices we’ll be visiting?

The members’ offices are in the General Assembly Building (GAB). The public entrance for the General Assembly Building is on 201 North 9th Street, through the south-facing doors with steps and ramp. (An ADA accessible entrance is located opposite the parking deck on 9th street at the historic Capitol Bell Tower.)

To ensure the safety of employees and visitors, all non-credentialed visitors are required to pass through a security screening and have their personal items screened by an x-ray machine prior to entry to the building. Please note that all packages and bags are subject to physical search. Prohibited items include voice-amplification equipment, bullhorns, blow horns, sirens, or other noise-producing devices, as well as signs on sticks, poles, or stakes, helium-filled balloons, and weapons of any kind. (For a full list of prohibited items visit the General Assembly website at: virginiageneralassembly.gov)

The General Assembly office directory can be found online. Or download the General Assembly VPAP App ahead of time to help navigate on the day-of the event.

 What are some tips on how to meet with a member?

  • Introduce yourself to the elected official or staff – if you are a constituent, make that known.
  • Be polite, friendly and respectful, even when disagreements arise.
  • Do not be disappointed if you are only able to meet with staff. Schedules are in constant flux during the legislative session. Staff can be an ally and are best positioned to advocate your position with their member. Ask the staff members for their business card.
  • You should be able to convey your message in under 15 minutes. Identify the issues and explain how the legislator can be helpful, using the talking points found in your red folder. Practice what you and your district group will say before the meeting begins.
  • Always thank the legislator/staff for their time regardless of the outcome of the meeting and follow-up with a thank you letter.

What are the Galleries?

The Senate and House will be conducting their floor sessions starting at noon. Advocates are welcome to be present in the galleries to be recognized by the House and Senate for Virginia Pro-Life Day at the Capitol. Both chambers can be observed from above in the House or Senate Gallery, located on the 3rd floor of the capitol building. Gallery rules can be found online. The visitor entrance can be found on the corner of Bank Street and 10th Street. You will not be able to participate in Mass if you go to the gallery.

Where can I park my personal vehicle?

9th and Franklin Street Parking Deck: Paid parking for Capitol Square visitors is available from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. Monday through Friday excluding state holidays. Parking rates (cards only) are $5/hour or $20/day. This parking deck can be accessed by heading North on 9th street after turning onto or crossing Main Street. Immediately after the Bank Street stop light the parking deck entrance is on the left.

Greater Richmond Convention Center: The address for the Parking Garage of the Convention Center is 351 N. Third Street. Cost is $7.00 per vehicle for the entire day.

Public Parking: A limited number of metered public parking spaces (2 hours) are on Bank Street, between Governor and 14th Streets, on the south side of Main Street, between 9th and 12th Streets and on 12th Street between Main and Bank Streets.

Pay parking lots and decks are nearby on 8th and Grace Streets and 7th and Marshall Streets.

Note: Due to ongoing construction projects in Downtown Richmond, some parking lots listed on the links above may not exist any longer. If you have any questions about parking lots in the Capitol vicinity, please call the Capitol Tour Desk at (804) 698-1788.

Where is Bus Parking?

Between dropping off and picking up participants, buses can park all day for free at the Richmond Flying Squirrels stadium in the Yellow lot. The stadium address is: 3001 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd. Richmond, VA 23230. The best way to get to the lot is to turn at the light onto Squirrels Way. If coming from Broad Street, make a right and if coming from I64, make a left. There is a tall marquee sign at the light and the lot will be labeled.

Can I bring signs?

No signs are allowed inside the GAB.

Where can I eat?

Downtown Richmond has a variety of dining options within walking distance of the Capitol. The Truist Place building features a cafeteria (Meriwether’s Market, located on the 3rd Floor, open 8am-2pm). 

Do I have to wear a mask?

The 2025 General Assembly does not mandate masks. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Virginia Health Department guidelines will be followed regarding masks and social distancing. Fully vaccinated individuals do not have to wear masks in most indoor settings. A member, staff person or other person may wear a mask, if that is their preference. Temperature check stations will be removed from entrances, and will be placed in other parts of the building for those who would like to check their own temperature.

Note: There may be certain members that require you to be masked while in their offices.

How can I keep up with pro-life legislation after Virginia Pro-Life Day?

Join the advocacy networks of VSHL and VCC to get alerts for pro-life legislation and General Assembly updates. This is a great opportunity to use the personal connections made on Virginia Pro-Life Day to follow up with your members when an important bill is up for a vote. You can also watch the General Assembly virtually using the House and Senate streaming sites.

I am riding the shuttle, what should I do?

If you indicated that you would like a shuttle ride from the GRCC to the GAB when you registered, please make sure to pick-up a shuttle ticket at check-in. Shuttle riders will be dismissed first to board the shuttle. Please note: the shuttle trip is one-way to the GAB – there is no return trip after your meetings

Why meet on Wednesday, February 21?

The Virginia Pro-Life Day is being held on February 21, 2024 and will be the biggest pro-life advocacy event in our state’s history! We are focusing on making a statement in support of life that will be heard loud and clear by our legislators. Our message of love for unborn children and their mothers will be heard by every member of the legislature as they come to Richmond that day during the very middle of the legislative session; a key time when your senators and delegates are debating potentially life-saving bills.

What is the schedule of events?
  • 7:30am       Doors Open at Greater Richmond Convention Center
  • 8:30am       Gather in constituent groups
  • 9:15am       Short walk to General Assembly Offices (Shuttle available with prior registration for those unable to walk)
  • 10:00am     Senate Meetings
  • 10:30am     Delegate Meetings
  • 11:00 am    Appear in House or Senate Galleries to be announced during GA session
  • 11:00 am     March for Life Rally (@ Bell Tower)
  • 12:00pm       Virginia March for Life
Who's my legislator?

To find your representative, please use the following online tool:

Who’s My Legislator? >>

Where to stay?

The Commonwealth
901 Bank Street
Richmond, Virginia 23219
1-804-343-7300
VERY close to the capital (located at 1000 Bank St.)
Greater Richmond Convention Center – 15 min walk (1.1 miles)
https://www.thecommonwealthsuites.com

Lindon Rowe
100 E Franklin St
Richmond, VA, 23219
Phone: 804.783.7000
Greater Richmond Convention Center – 6 min walk (0.3 miles)
https://www.lindenrowinn.com

Holiday Inn Express ($153.00/night)
201 East Cary Street
Richmond, Va 23219
804-788-1600
Greater Richmond Convention Center 10 min walk (0.42 Miles)
https://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/richmond/ricec/hoteldetail

Please note: We have listed downtown hotels with the knowledge that they are much more expensive than hotels further away from the Convention Center. A five-to-ten-minute drive will provide a less expensive hotel, with the average price ranging from $80.00 to $140.00 a night.

 

Will there be breakfast?

Participants joining for morning advocacy are encouraged to eat beforehand or bring a snack that can be kept in their bag.  We will gather in district groups at the Richmond Convention Center where there will be coffee, hot tea and water provided.

Congregation leaders and pastors are welcome to the Virginia Pro-Life Day Pastor Breakfast.  Contact erica@familyfoundation.org for more info.

Where are the offices we’ll be visiting?

The member’s offices are located in the new General Assembly Building located at 201 N. 9th Street (Adjacent to  the Virginia State Capitol) Before entering, all visitors are screened by a magnetometer and all items that are permitted inside the building are screened by an x-ray device. 

The General Assembly office directory can be found here.

Where can I find stable Wi-Fi?

Some offices have requested Zoom or Zoom-hybrid meetings. All Va ProLife Day participants are welcome to use the auditorium on the fourth floor of the Truist Building. There you will find the Wi-Fi passcode for the building. 

As the new General Assembly Building starts its inaugural session we will be updating everyone on Wifi in the new building. We do recommend downloading the Zoom app on your phone beforehand, or using the Truist auditorium. This space can hold up to 200 people.

What are some tips on how to meet with a member?

The Virginia Catholic Conference has advocacy tools to know before you visit offices! Some things to keep in mind: 

  • Introduce yourself to the elected official or staff – if you are a constituent, make that known. 
  • Be polite, friendly and respectful, even when disagreements arise. 
  • Do not be disappointed if you are only able to meet with staff. Schedules are in constant flux during the legislative session. Staff can be an ally and are best positioned to advocate your position with their member. Ask the staff member for their business card— if they do not offer one. 
  • You should be able to convey your message in under 15 minutes. Identify the issue and explain how the legislator can be helpful, using the talking points VSHL and VCC have prepared. Practice what you and your district group will say before the meeting begins. 
  • Always thank the legislator/staff for their time regardless of the outcome of the meeting and follow-up with a thank you letter.
What do I wear?
February can have some pretty chilly weather so we recommend flat shoes and layers that you can easily take off after a 10 minute walk while you make member visits inside the Pocahontas Building.

There are coat closets on each floor of the Pocahontas building, near the elevators. But please use these at your own risk.

*And please join us in wearing RED to stand out at the capitol – whether it’s a hat, scarf or whole outfit, red is the color of Defending Life Day and we want everyone to know it!*
What are the Galleries?

The Senate and House will be conducting their floor sessions starting at noon. Advocates are welcome to be present in the galleries to be recognized by the House and Senate for Defending Life Day at the Capitol. Both chambers can be observed from above in the House or Senate Gallery, located on the 3rd floor of the capitol building. Gallery rules can be found here

The visitor entrance can be found on the corner of Bank Street and 10th Street. See the Capitol map here.

Can I be guided to the Galleries?

If you would like to be led by theVaProlife Day team to be seen and recognized in the House and Senate Galleries, please meet by the Capitol Gift Shop by 11:30am. From there, leaders will escort you and the group participants into the Capitol to be recognized during the floor session. 

The former Capitol Gift Shop is located on the lower level of the capitol, in the Capitol Extension. The entrance is on the corner of Bank and 10th Street. After walking through security, continue walking and you will find leaders waiting to meet you in the empty foyer between the former gift shop and committee rooms. The Capitol Extension also features a “grab and go” food service and restrooms located in the Visitor’s Center.

Where is the March for Life Rally?

The Virginia March for Life Rally will begin at 11:00am at the clocktower in Capitol Square, followed by the March for Life.  More information on the Virginia March for Life can be found at va.marchforlife.org.

Where is Bus Drop-Off?

If your group is attending the morning advocacy of  VaProLife Day, buses can drop off advocates at 5th street at Marshall.  This section of the road will be closed for normal traffic for bus passenger drop off.

Address: 500 E. Marshall St., Richmond

The buildings on this corner include: the Downtown Marriott, the Greater Richmond Convention Center, and a few Parking Garages.

Bus drop-off for the March for Life will be at E Main Street between 9th and 10th Street.

Where is Bus Parking?

Between dropping off and picking up participants, buses can park all day for free at the Richmond Flying Squirrels stadium.

 

Buses can utilize the Yellow Lot at the Flying Squirrels stadium, utilizing the entrance off Arthur Ashe Boulevard under Funnville arch. Click here for the parking map. 

 

Yellow Lot Address: The Diamond, 3001 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd. Richmond, VA 23230

Where can I park my vehicle?

Please note there is no public parking on the Capitol Square grounds. 

 

Greater Richmond Convention Center is a good option for parking – it is where we will gather in the morning and it is a just a 10-minute walk to the Capitol Square grounds. The address for the Parking Garage of the Convention Center is 351 N. Third Street. More detailed directions can be found HERE. Cost is $7.00 per vehicle for the entire day. 

 

Public Parking: A limited number of metered public parking spaces (2 hours) are on Bank Street, between Governor and 14th Streets, on the south side of Main Street, between 9th and 12th Streets and on 12th Street between Main and Bank Streets. 

 

Pay parking lots and decks are nearby on 8th and Grace Streets and 7th and Marshall Streets. Downloadable maps of nearby parking lots and decks are available, as well as rates for these areas. 

 

Note: Due to ongoing construction projects in Downtown Richmond, some parking lots listed on the links above may not exist any longer. If you have any questions about parking lots in the Capitol vicinity, please call the Capitol Tour Desk at (804) 698-1788.

Can I bring signs?

While signs are allowed for the March for Life portion of the day, signs are prohibited in the new General Assembly building. Stickers will be provided for participants, and everyone wearing red will serve as a way of being identified with the advocacy portion of the day. Signs will be provided at the March for Life by groups organizing the event. If you are making signs to bring, you will need to be prepared to have a place to store them until the March.

Where can I eat?

Downtown Richmond has a variety of dining options within walking distance of the Capitol. 

Meriwethers Cafe is located on the first floor of the new general assembly building.

The Truist Place building features a cafeteria (Meriwether’s Market, located on the 3rd Floor) and coffee shop (Meriwether’s Coffee & Sundries, located in the 1st Floor Lobby) located at 919 E. Main Street. 

The James Center features multiple dining options: Chopt Salad Restaurant Co. (One James Center Lobby) and in the Atrium: The Pit and the Peel, Sesame Sushi, Trevi’s Grille, The Market.

Other grab-and-go options:  

  • Pot Belly Sandwiches (800 E. Canal St)
  • Subcentral & Capitol Waffle Shop (1110 E. Main St)
  • Subway (30 N. 8th St)
  • Dunkin’ (600 E. Canal St)
  • 7-Eleven (1001 E. Main St)
  • Food trucks located near the intersections of 10th St and Cary.
Where can I find more information on the capitol tours?

The Capitol is open to the general public from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sundays. The Capitol Tour Guides are located in the Rotunda on the 2nd floor of the Capitol. 

More tour information and maps can be found here.

How can I keep up with pro-life legislation after February 21st?

Join the advocacy networks of VSHL and VCC to get alerts for pro-life legislation and General Assembly updates. This is a great opportunity to use the personal connections made from VA ProLife Day and follow up with your members when an important bill is up for a vote. 

Watch the General Assembly virtually using the House and Senate streaming sites.

HAVE Another QUESTION? Email us!