How Grassroots Activists Get Recharged

The annual Women's Summit on June 28-29 is fuel for the fight

by Robbin Warner

Like so many of us, after the 2016 presidential election returns came in, I went to sleep angry and frightened. By the time I woke up I knew that I had to do something. Almost eight years later, I’m still hard at work resisting the forces that want to destroy American Democracy. It’s tough and tiring work, requiring dogged determination with no remuneration. 

I would be lying if I didn’t admit that sometimes the weight of fighting fascism gets a bit much. Even badass women grassroots activists need a shot of hope and affirmation. That’s why each year I get a much-needed recharge by attending the Women’s Summit. 

Now in its 8^th year, the Women’s Summit, produced by the unstoppable women of Network NOVA, is a celebration of all things grassroots. "This is the best event I’ve been to in thirty years of working in politics!” messaging expert Antonia Scatton emailed me after the 2023 Women’s Summit.  “The sense of belonging is powerful. This is the fuel we all need to keep us going!” And although I am one of its founders and organizers, the summit rejuvenates me as much as anyone.

This year’s Women’s Summit is June 28 - 29,  2024 at the new Capital One Hall in Tysons, Virginia, fifteen miles west of D.C.  Capital One Hall is so new it even smells new. There are pre-events Friday Night with the big event on Saturday.  The theme of this year’s summit is “It’s Up to Us.” Because as we have learned, there is no one coming to save us. It’s Up to Us!

The Women’s Summit is known for its programming of power, unity, and inspiration. We make sure that everyone learns about new strategies, gains fresh insights, and connects with powerful grassroots changemakers who share our passion for making a difference. 

Two of the speakers I’m particularly excited to hear are Simon Rosenberg (above — Hopium Chronicles) and Tom Bonier of the Tara Group.  In 2022, these two political strategists looked at the data and told the nation there would be no Red Wave and that the election would be good for Democrats. They were right.

Other speakers include: Rachel Bitecofer (Political strategist and author of Hit Em Where it Hurts), artist Maggie O’Neill (above) displaying her “Vote for Your Daughter” imagery, documentary filmmaker CJ Crim and film critic Nell Minnow talking about the power of the arts to change culture, and our own Susan Wagner (Grassroots Collaboration Project Executive Committee Member and Grassroots Connector Editorial Board Member). Plus, as always, a few special guests you won’t want to miss.

One of the unique pre-event activities is the first national Postcard Palooza on Friday night (June 28). Postcard writers from around the country will strategize, share design ideas and techniques, and write postcards. Congressman Tom Suozzi is sponsoring this event to acknowledge all the grassroots help his campaign received.

When we at Network NOVA started the Women’s Summit back in 2017, the goal was for the Virginia grassroots to come together and strategize before the big push to the Fall election. (Virginia has elections every year so we never have an off year.)  For the 2024 presidential election, we are expanding our scope to a national grassroots perspective. We are all in this together.

But along with speakers, the summit is about networking.  In fact the room with the exhibit tables is called Networking Hall. We have asked participants to transform their tables from information booths into calls-to-action hubs.  These hubs will provide tools and material to bring back to grassroots groups for immediate use. Whether it's discussing shared passions, exchanging ideas, or finding potential collaborators, it’s “Game On!” for this election in the Networking Hall!

It wouldn’t be a Women’s Summit if we didn’t finish BIG – something bold and out of the box. The final event will be the Saturday night Badass Broadway Bash demonstrating, through music, film, and the arts, that democracy is more than just a word.

I’m telling you all about this event because the editorial team of the Grassroots Connector, of which I’m a member, will be at the Women’s Summit in the Networking Hall. Come by our table to Tell Us Your Story. We want to hear what you’re doing, hear your ideas and get feedback on what you would like to read in the Connector. Also, the Grassroots Collaboration Project will be there showcasing the Grassroots Directory.

For more information or to register, go to https://networknova.org

See you at the Women’s Summit.  Remember: It’s Up to Us.”

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