Jenny Lawson
Jenny Lawson began as Executive Director for the Virginia Civic Engagement Table in June of 2009. She joined the Table as the first staff person and has worked to expand the Table, coordinate issue advocacy efforts and develop leadership training opportunities. Jenny believes strongly in long term capacity building and the power of strong permanent indigenous organizations. She is currently leading the Table through a process to create a common capacity building plan, cultivate a leadership development program and raise new funds. She is working with partners to utilize new and innovative technologies to enhance their field programs.
Prior to working with the Virginia Civic Engagement Table, Jenny worked for community organizations in Seattle and Florida. In Florida, she supervised seven organizing offices around the state with up to 40 full time permanent organizing staff. She successfully mobilized members to advocate for utility reform in Central and South Florida winning relief for families during extreme heat and reducing a rate increase requested by Florida Power and Light. She also developed a state legislative program for three legislative sessions, which included training 5 community leaders a week in Tallahassee about the legislative process, policy analysis and the creation of field strategies in key districts.
In mid 2008, Jenny joined America Votes and became the state director in Florida. She coordinated the c4 and PAC electoral work of over 20 organizations in Florida to achieve common goals and increase progressive voter participation for the 2008 election cycle. She brought together unions, community groups and single issue organizations to coordinate an effective GOTV plan in Central Florida.
When not working for social justice in our society, Jenny attempts to achieve equity and justice in her family. She enjoys spending time with her husband, Brian Kettenring, daughter Meridian and dog Riley. Riley would contest the equity and justice achieved by some family members. It is a work in progress.
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