Instead of seeking peace, the governor has doubled down on police use of force. He can help stop the violence by lifting regulations on state property, telling state police to allow people to gather undisturbed, and ending his order expanding police power.

Make sure Gov. Northam hears from you. Your phone call and email are the most effective ways to pressure the governor to withdraw his executive order and stop his over-reliance on militarizing our communities as a solution for peace.

1. CALL GOV. NORTHAM AT (804) 786-2211 WITH THIS MESSAGE

My name is (full name), and I live in (your city). As our Governor, you should be seeking peace and order by working with the community, not increasing militarized police presence in our neighborhoods. The State Police who you oversee have shown aggression towards peaceful protesters continuously over the past month with excessive use of force, tear gas, flash bangs and rubber bullets. Your executive order allows the police to continue to infringe on our constitutional rights to free speech and assembly and deny us space to heal from the systemic, anti-Black racism in Virginia. It’s your responsibility to work with advocates and community members to find solutions to address the racism in our over-policed communities. You can start by canceling your executive order and STOP your reliance on militarizing our communities as a solution for peace.

If you live in Richmond, ask the governor to do this:

My name is (full name), and I live in (your city). As our Governor, you should be seeking peace and order by working with the community, not increasing militarized police presence in our neighborhoods. The State Police who you oversee have shown aggression towards peaceful protesters continuously over the past month with excessive use of force, tear gas, flash bangs and rubber bullets. Your executive order allows the police to continue to infringe on our constitutional rights to free speech and assembly. And, by limiting our access to the Marcus-David Peters Circle you deny us a sanctuary space to heal from the systemic, anti-Black racism in Virginia. It’s your responsibility to work with advocates and community members to find solutions to address the racism in our over-policed communities. You can start by removing the restrictions around the Lee Monument, withdrawing your executive order, and STOP your reliance on militarizing our communities as a solution for peace.

2. Email Gov. Northam and tell him to stop the violence against protesters.

Calling public officials is usually the best way to make your voices heard. However, if you prefer emailing, use this form to send Gov. Northam a message.