Advocacy Roundup: Budgeting Our Advocacy Energy During Budget Season

While budgets are absolutely critical and provide a glimpse into what is actually valued by decision-makers, it is necessary to not lose sight of passing key legislation that will remain law well beyond the current budget cycle.

ACTION ALERT: Increase Data Center Transparency (HB 153)

Virginians need an increase in transparency surrounding the data center industry, especially when it comes to the construction of new data centers and other high energy use facilities. HB 153 requires local governments to have a site assessment measuring noise levels, the impact on water supply, and other critical factors before approving construction of new, high-energy facilities, such as data centers, within 500 feet of residential communities and schools. Tell your legislators to vote for HB 153!

We also encourage you to check out our General Assembly Hub to identify your legislators and get up-to-date information on key bills, action alerts, ways to engage, important dates, and more.

Arlington Students Donate Over 1,500 Clothing Items to Local Community with Free Clothing Pop-Up

On February 21, Arlington Students for Climate Action collected over 1,500 clothing items and had over 100 community "shoppers" attend, making this their largest and most successful clothing swap thus far. All clothes that did not get taken were donated to local nonprofit organizations. This student-led group is a 2024 FACS Sustainability Champion.

Nature's Soil Builder: Ecology, Composting, & Soil Health

Tue | Mar 10 | 6:30–9 PM | @Aldersgate United Methodist Church, Wesley Hall

Hosted by Aldersgate UMC, join us for a community dinner and discussion with Dan Schwartz, soil scientist with the Northern Virginia Soil & Water Conservation District, on the nuts and bolts of composting. Dive deeper into the ecology of your soil and how additions of compost can be one of the best things you can do for the health of the nearly invisible ecosystem that exists just below our feet. The ticket cost includes dinner and is pay-at-the-door: $10 per person, $20 per family.

Spring Tree Rescue Extravaganza

Mar 21–Apr 12 | @Across Fairfax County and Falls Church

Only YOU can save our trees! Are you ready to join the community-wide effort to save our trees from the invasive plants that are threatening them? Organized by the Fairfax Tree Rescuers PRISM (Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management), the many events will take place across Northern Virginia to celebrate the end of winter by getting out in the fresh air to clip invasive vines or dig up other invasive plants. This is how we save our natural areas, one tree at a time, multiplied by hundreds of people. Registration is required.

One Planet, Shared Voices

Wed | Apr 8 | 4–6 PM | @George Mason University, Spiritual and Interfaith Center (Fenwick Library, Wing A)

Hosted in collaboration with GMU’s Student Environmental Justice Alliance, leaders from diverse faith backgrounds will explore how spirituality, environmentalism, and environmental justice intersect in our communities.

Join a FACS Committee: Tree of Life & Finance

Tree of Life

We're looking for 2-3 passionate, big-hearted people to join the Tree of Life Committee to help extend the wave of green action across our faith congregations. This is your chance to turn shared values into meaningful impact while caring for creation, strengthening community, and inspiring hands-on initiatives. If you feel called to help faith communities become champions for biodiversity and creation care, we would love to hear from you at info@faithforclimate.org.

Finance

Interested in supporting an organization’s financial health and long-term sustainability? Finance Committee members help review budgets, monitor financial performance, and ensure responsible stewardship of resources so FACS can continue to grow its impact with integrity and transparency. To learn more or express interest, please contact info@faithforclimate.org.

Nominate a FACS Sustainability Champion

Do you know an organization, faith community, business, elected official, and/or local advocate in Northern Virginia or Rockingham County making a real impact? Now is the time to nominate them to be a 2026 Sustainability Champion! Nominees should demonstrate a commitment to FACS’ mission through impactful actions, leadership, and a dedication to equity and inclusion.

ROCKINGHAM COUNTY (CENTRAL SHENANDOAH VALLEY

It has been an active month for the Hub:

• Three advocates traveled to Richmond for Conservation Lobby Day and advocated for environmental legislation with their lawmakers.
• Several advocates spoke at a Rockingham County Board of Supervisors meeting in support of a proposed 20-acre solar installation. The proposal was, unfortunately, unanimously voted against, which is extremely frustrating for the Hub as even an appropriately sized and sited solar installation was rejected.
• The Hub toured the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank facility to better understand regional food needs of vulnerable households. They were impressed with the large amount of food supplied, knowledge, and commitment of the staff. Living in a major agricultural region, the Hub is interested in exploring how supporting local, small-scale, sustainable farming can support both community resilience and climate goals.

Sign up for the “Rockingham County (Central Shenandoah Valley)” FACS Hub’s mailing list to get connected and stay tuned to what’s happening in the Shenandoah Valley.