I will keep this page updated daily until the event. We are now 2 weeks out. Weather guess is now showing up. Monday the 20th looks like a high in the mid 50s with possible rain.
I will, closer to the event, post a meet up location for the Capitol grounds and likely a gathering location for an after action meet up.
I will post the applicable carry information (I Am Not A Lawyer) based on my understanding to keep all of our activists (BLESS YOU ONE AND ALL!!!!!) on the right side of the legal structure.
It is my goal to keep this as THE page to look for information regarding the Lobby Day event.
First, Lobby Day is an opportunity for the citizens to talk with their elected legislature about issues. Being on the Martin Luther King federal and state holiday, it is easier to get people to the Capitol in Richmond. While this may appear as a protest, it is intended as an opportunity to persuade and inform. Women and children are among our best ambassadors for this and children can learn much from the legislative process. There will be other people actively protesting. There will be other groups lobbying for their issues that may or may not be our issues. Not everyone is there for the same issues. Historically VCDL (the Virginia Citizen's Defense League) has lobbied the "pro-gun" cause in the morning and the anti-gun crowd makes their (from their fully funded and catered free buses) appearance in the after noon. VCDL and itsLobby Day is the type of civic activism that Appleseed preaches: Communicate with your elected officials and let them know how you feel on the issue. While the members may have varied viewpoints on other things, they are willing to act together on gun issues. It is devoted exclusively to firearm rights issues in the Commonwealth of Virginia. VCDL will be providing their well recognized orange "GUNS SAVE LIVES" stickers for you to wear. an absolute sea of orange stickers will be a wonderful sight.
January 20th is an active day for the legislature. There will be committee meetings and votes on some issues. The legislators are busy.
Firearm carry info:Virginia is an open carry state, no permit is required to openly carry a firearm.
Virginia recognizes all other state's concealed carry permits.
Certain cities and counties in Virginia have limitations on magazine size of carried firearms. Richmond, where the Capitol is, is one such. The limit is a capacity of more than 20 rounds is "not allowed". A "Virginia Concealed Handgun Permit" preempts this restriction. For out of state folks, leave the larger capacity magazines at home for your own legal safety.
The Virginia Governor some years ago (petty tyrant that he was) made carry of firearms into state run buildings INCLUDING REST AREA BUILDINGS illegal by executive order. (Virginia being an ABC state, this also included liquor stores.) Do not enter state buildings carrying.
The General Assembly controls their own building.
Currently, carry is allowed with a "Virginia Concealed Handgun Permit" in this building. This could well change before Lobby Day. Everyone who enters their building will pass through security and be wanded. Anyone carrying will have to provide proper picture ID and Permit. (Personal side note: It is quite entertaining to pass through security and identify the beeps "Gun" "Magazine", "Other gun" and be waved through while briefcases and backpacks are thoroughly searched

). Last year with a turnout of about 2000 people lobbying their issues (maybe 6-700 were VCDL) it took over an hour to get through security and into the building at the peak. The security detail (Virginia Capitol Police) has historically been pleasant and professional but will be under additional stress due to numbers. Do not add to their stress.
The Process:Lobby Day has a process: Gather, Assemble, Enter, Lobby, Exit, Rally.
Gather: Come to the Virginia Capitol.
Assemble: Join a group to visit legislators in their offices. It need not include YOUR legislators.
Enter: Pass through security.
Lobby: Present to the legislator or their staff (the Aide is preferred) a copy of VCDL's agenda. The printed agenda lists all submitted bills that can or do relate to firearms and firearms rights for the current session, gives a synopsis of what the bill will do or not do, and VCDL's stance on the bill (Strongly in Favor, In Favor, Neutral, Opposed, Strongly Opposed), all in a single easy to use document. This document is usually available online a day or two ahead of time for your opportunity to read and interpret.
Exit: Once lobbying duties have been completed, hopefully including a side trip to YOUR legislators' offices, make your way out of the building (good news here: there numerous exits as opposed to the one entrance).
Rally: Unlike previous years we are granted permission to rally on the Capitol steps this year. The official VCDL rally begins at 11AM and ends at noon. The speaker list is worth hearing.
Between "Exit" and "Rally" (depending on how early your group enters the building) this could be over an hour, hang out on the Capitol grounds and enjoy the fellowship of "Gun People" until time to assemble at the steps. I will try to select an "Appleseed" location to meet and greet and will publicize this ahead of time.
Be polite. Be friendly. Do not give provocation but stand firm. There will be provocateurs. Remember "the Press" is no friend to gun rights; anything they hear will likely be twisted.
A practical consideration:RESTROOMS!
If you pass security and enter the building there are numerous restrooms on each floor. There are no restrooms on Capitol grounds readily accessible to the public. Other state buildings are likely closed for the holiday. Plan accordingly. This event blocks out at least 4 hours from "Gather" to the end of "Rally".