RICHMOND FIRST

A civic organization dedicated to responsible citizenship and the improvement of government since 1919.

"The Need for Bipartisanship in Congress"

Speaker headshot

While the news is filled with partisan battles in Washington, some elected officials are reaching across the aisle from time to time, to get the public's work done. Republican Rep. Rob Wittman and Democrat Rep. Abigail Spanberger have conferred about certain legislation and co-sponsored the "Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow's Workforce Act."

Both have been asked to speak about the need for greater bipartisanship in Congress. As May 8 is an active legislative day in Washington, they will not be available to be with us in person. Rep. Wittman will provide a short video on the subject, and Rep. Spanberger will join us from her office via ZOOM.

Congressman Wittman represents America's First Congressional District, which covers a diverse portion of the Commonwealth, stretching from the Middle Peninsula and Northern Neck into Henrico, Hanover, Chesterfield, and down to Poquoson. He has served in Congress since 2007.

Congresswoman Spanberger's former district included much of the metro Richmond region. Her current 7th Congressional District spans across much of Central and Northern Virginia, including Orange County, Culpeper, Fredericksburg, King George, and the eastern half of Prince William County and a small sliver of Albemarle County. She was first elected to Congress in 2018.

Please arrive around 11:30 a.m. to check in, with lunch served at noon. The program begins at 12:30 p.m. and will conclude around 1:30 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Willow Oaks Country Club, 6228 Forest Hill Avenue, Richmond 23225.


On Wednesday, January 17, 2024, the Richmond First Club Board of Directors awarded the 2023 Richmond First Good Government Award to James E Ukrop on behalf of its members and countless number of citizens of the greater Richmond Area.

Jim Ukrop is a true embodiment of the values of integrity, excellence, and service that we cherish and aspire to. He is a role model for inspired community service and a champion for good government and leadership.

Please join us in congratulating Jim Ukrop on receiving this well-deserved award.

The Richmond First founders shared a common vision of creating an organization that would inform the public and political leaders about a broad range of civic issues, policies and solutions. The spirit of enlightened activism that initially inspired the formation of the organization in 1919 lives on in our current review of and involvement in current issues in the Richmond metropolitan area. During its 104-year history, the organization has provided nonpartisan leadership on a number of issues critical to the quality of governance in the region. Through its work, Richmond First (RFC) promotes responsible citizenship and governance.

WHEN ARE MEETINGS?

Monthly luncheon meetings are held at noon on the second Wednesday of each month at Willow Oaks Country Club. Excellent speakers have long been the centerpiece of RFC's work. Known as a knowledgeable, informed group, our membership attracts respected, well-known leaders.

Speakers include educators, candidates for office, government officials, political analysts, and specialists in transportation, tourism, regional cooperation, health care, housing, and other matters of public interest.

WHO BELONGS?

Membership is open to all who want to stay well informed about community and governmental issues.

If you're looking for an opportunity to learn and to contribute to our region, RFC is the right choice.

IS RFC PARTISAN?

No, RFC strives to be nonpartisan in the selection of speakers and topics for meetings. Balance has always been a hallmark of the club and its leadership.

ADVOCACY:

RFC joins with like-mined organizations to advocate for good government and community development:

HOW CAN I JOIN?

Please check our Membership page for additional information.