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.

Why We Sign Up for the L.O.C.A.L. Summits

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 steps toward protecting democracy and strengthening our local community.   

The themes below reveal a deep need for connection, leadership, and collective power in this moment of crisis. We are not just looking for a place to talk—they are looking for a supportive community of action to be part of. We are driven by urgency, fear, and hope and recognize that working together is the only way forward.

Two participants summed it up best:
🗣️ "We have to fight now, or our children will have to fight later."

🗣️ "i am scared spitless for the future of my kids, my country, the world."

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.

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

• "Continually looking for opportunities to help locally."  

• "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 something bigger, even when specific actions aren't named.

• "Life as we know it is at stake."  

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

• "Together we can make a difference!"

3. We are protecting democracy and resisting authoritarianism.

We are urgently working to defend democratic institutions and fight against the rise of authoritarianism.

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

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

• "We must defy tyranny!"  

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.

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

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

• "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 immigrants, refugees, LGBTQ+ individuals, and others who face injustice and exclusion.

• "I want to support vulnerable populations and resist threats to democracy."  

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

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

6. We are turning frustration and fear into constructive action.

We are transforming anger, despair, and helplessness into positive activism and tangible contributions to change.

• "Action is the antidote to despair!"  

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

• "Have to channel rage into action somehow!"  

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

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

• "Learn about opportunities and ways to speak out and resist."  

• "I’d like to learn how to flip congressional seats."  

8. We are advancing specific issues and policy changes.
We are focused on efforts like ranked choice voting, environmental protection, and structural democratic reforms.

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

• "Interested in participating in efforts around environmental and climate action."