Why We Sign Up FOR L.O.C.A.L. Summits

Based on 500+ RSVPs for a L.O.C.A.L. Summit, people are drawn to the L.O.C.A.L. Summits Series for a mix of urgency, connection, action, and hope. Below are the main themes, ordered by frequency, along with direct quotes that illustrate the theme.

We sign up for the L.O.C.A.L. Summits because we are ready to act—but we need community, clarity, and structure. We want to connect, learn, and take tangible, lawful steps toward protecting democracy and strengthening our local community.

KEY THEMES AND DIRECT QUOTES

1. We are building strong local communities through connection and organizing. We are connecting with neighbors, strengthening community ties, and building grassroots movements for local impact.

   1. "Connecting with neighbors to build the type of community we need to survive and build a better world".

   2. "Continually looking for opportunities to help locally".

   3. "I’m very excited to organize and connect with others in the community!".

2. We want to stand together for civic engagement and positive change. We are motivated by a general sense of civic duty and the desire to be part of ongoing collective action.

   1. "Life as we know it is at stake".

   2. "This is a critical time to be undergirding democracy in our country".

   3. "Together we can make a difference!"

3. We are protecting democracy and utilizing our constitutional rights. We are urgently working to defend democratic institutions and uphold our system of law.

   1. "I want to do something to stop the destruction of our democracy".

   2. "Join in working against the fall of democracy".

4. We are staying committed and building momentum over time. We are returning again and again to keep our energy strong, to deepen relationships, and to move efforts forward.

   1. "I attended the previous session and want to continue the work!".

   2. "Be a continuing presence. This will be my 3rd".

   3. "I want to stay involved in matters that affect my community".

5. We want to support and uplift vulnerable and marginalized communities. We are standing with neighbors who face injustice and exclusion, focusing on support and mutual aid.

   1. "Supporting our vulnerable neighbors...especially immigrants, refugees, and undocumented".

   2. "I believe diversity is our strength in Harrisonburg".

6. We are channeling urgency into constructive action. We are transforming feelings of helplessness into positive activism and tangible contributions to change.

   1. "Action is the antidote to despair!".

   2. "I need to feel a part of positive action in response to current situation".

7. We want to learn, grow, and become more effective organizers and advocates. We are building skills in mobilization, advocacy, and collective leadership to increase our impact.

   1. "Interested in learning more about how to mobilize and help".

8. We are advancing specific issues and policy changes. We are focused on legitimate political efforts like structural democratic reforms, environmental protection, and legislative change.

   1. "To work on educating others about Ranked Choice Voting".

   2. "Interested in participating in efforts around environmental action".