Sam Rasoul for Delegate (HD-11)
Poetry of the Organizers Series
Welcome to our first profile in the “Poetry of the Organizers” series. Each week we will showcase a politician, community leader, or union organizer advancing the public good in their hometown, state, or on the national stage.
To kick off this series, we are pleased to share the work of Delegate Sam Rasoul of Virginia and the poetry that motivates him.
Which poem(s) or stanza(s) inspire you to make the future a place we all want to live in?
"Yesterday I was clever, so I tried to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself."
Rumi
How does this relate to your fight for ambitious improvements for working class people?
The largest impediment to being part of the change I want to see, is myself.
The Candidate
Meet Sam Rasoul, a former healthcare professional and small business owner, who hopes to continue working for his constituents as the Delegate for HD-11.
As a member of the Virginia House of Delegates since 2014, Rasoul has spent his legislative career pushing forward a wide range of legislation including housing initiatives for formerly incarcerated citizens, clean drinking water, and releasing body camera footage within 15 days of a police incident.
Endorsed by End Citizens United and Let America Vote, along with local and state leaders, Rasoul exemplifies coalition building and community involvement in the legislative process.
The Green New Deal Coalition
As a co-founder of Green New Deal Virginia, he joined with a number of groups to push for:
A rapid 100% renewables plan that leaves no workers or communities behind
Tens of thousands of high paying green jobs which would require strong enforcement of labor, workplace safety, wage standard, and the right to unionize
Direct large investments & job-training programs in renewables, building an energy efficient smart-grid, residential and commercial energy efficiency, and more
Investing in and supporting farmers to expand sustainable locally sourced agriculture
Clean water and air for all Virginians
Green New Deal VA
“You Write the Bill”
Over the years, Rasoul has continued his “You Write the Bill” initiative, encouraging voters to brainstorm, write, and lobby for policies to improve their community. These proposals range from mental health, criminal justice reform, education, corruption in politics and the environment.
In one of these public meetings, eleven ideas were sent to the Department of Legislative Services for drafting. From those eleven, seven began in the House of Delegates, leading to the signing of two citizen bills into law.
“A Marshall Plan For Moms”
sam4va.com
Interested in Joining?
If all this sounds like a candidate that fights for your values, consider volunteering or donating to the Rasoul campaign here: https://www.sam4va.com/get-involved