The Anniversary Edit: 10 Lessons to Help You Film Like a Pro and Move Your Community Celebrate our first anniversary with the essential toolkit every activist needs to turn their smartphone into a force multiplier.

Happy one-year anniversary to the Video Activists Kit! Over the last year, we’ve learned a lot together and helped create videos that create change. Let’s take a look back at 10 posts that can help you get started with smartphone video and make a difference in your community. buff.ly/fSZc8Sn

If you cannot tell, you should consult your physician.

For all those still feeling the moon joy—Artemis II was brought to you by public schools and publicly funded science. Copy that! 👩‍🚀🚀💕

*All four astronauts went to public schools!

You don’t have to live in Virginia to help us with the Vote YES campaign to counterbalance the gerrymandering trump demanded of NC, OH, MO, and TX!

The “First 3 Seconds:” Designing Powerful Scroll-Stopping Video Hooks You have almost no time to grab a viewers attention whether for marketing, educational, or activist videos. Learn how to start your videos energetically.

Are you engaging your viewers as quickly as possible? In this week’s Substack, we have tried-and-true tips to help you stop that scroll and win over your viewers. Read more here: buff.ly/Uy9Vkan

There is no truth to the rumor that we are going to war with Albania. I repeat, none.

Vote YES! Charlottesville Canvassing with Leader Jeffries, Mayor Wade, Sen. Deeds, and Del. Callsen · Virginians for Fair Elections Free and fair elections are the cornerstone of our democracy — and right now, they’re under attack. Across the country, politicians are rigging congressional maps, and this Spring, Virginians have the chance to level the playing field. Join Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and us as we knock on doors and speak to voters face to face about the importance of voting yes to fair elections in Charlottesville! Looking forward to seeing you there!

I'm attending Virginians for Fair Elections's event, “Vote YES!" Charlottesville Canvassing with Leader Jeffries, Mayor Wade, Sen. Deeds & more!

Interviewing for Impact: How to Elicit the Best Stories from Volunteer Storytellers Personal stories are a critical part our human existence, but asking someone to tell theirs takes a polished approach.

Are you interviewing for impact? In this week’s Substack we go over the importance of structuring your interview to get the best stories from your volunteers and interviewees. Read more here:

[UPDATED with Photos, Video] Virginia "No Kings" Events for Saturday (3/28) - Blue Virginia See below (and here) for maps of No Kings events in Virginia for Saturday, March 28; which one(s) do you plan to attend? (Also, see here for a good list of Virginia events, with links for detailed inf...

[UPDATED with Photos, Video] Virginia “No Kings” Events for Saturday (3/28) bluevirginia.us/2026/03/no-k...

Vertical vs. Horizontal: Do You Know How to Frame Your Videos? Choosing between vertical and horizontal can affect your reach, the authority you want to project, and the specific audience you’re trying to move.

Have you considered how your message is conveyed when using horizontal vs. vertical video? Framing isn’t just a platform issue; it’s a strategic choice that can help you reach the audience you’re looking for. More in this week’s Substack:

Group photo of the Charlottesville Democratic Committee: A group of all ages, races, genders, smiling for the camera.

The Charlottesville Democrats will meet Monday, March 23, from 6:30-8pm in the Swanson Room of the Downtown Library. All are warmly welcome!

The agenda:

The RCA photo contest is BACK! 🤩 Head over to www.rivannariver.org/photo-contest for full contest rules and guidelines 💙

Beyond Sound Bites: Crafting Videos That Drive Long-Term Engagement Viral moments might grab headlines, but real organizing—and lasting change—depends on planning and slow, steady connections.

Video activists! Do you have a long-term video engagement strategy? Planning ahead with a well-thought-out game plan can build momentum and make your viewers come back for more. Check it out in this week’s Substack:

Know Who Is Sending You Mail About the April 21 Vote YES Referendum? Abigail says: Vote YES - GOP lies, as usual

Vote yes, Virginia, and learn about the GOP lies

Fight Back Vote YES: RGG Update on Redistricting · Rural GroundGame Early voting is underway and the countdown to Election Day is ticking down. RGG and our partners have been calling voters, distributing signs, hosting town halls, placing ads, sending texts and postca...

I'm attending Rural GroundGame's event, “Fight Back Vote YES: RGG Update on Redistricting” - sign up now to join me!

Video as Mutual Aid: Leveraging Media to Support Communities in Crisis Media of many kinds, when wielded with care and skill, can knit communities together, speed up resource sharing, and cut through isolation and fear.

When crisis strikes, video can help you get your message out, provide resources, and distribute mutual aid to the communities that need it most. Read all about it in this week’s Substack: buff.ly/CXbgONf

Redrawing the Lines, Reclaiming Democracy: Vote Yes on the 2026 Virginia Redistricting Referendum A decision by voters about fairness, taking care of neighbors, and keeping power where it belongs—with the people.

Fellow Virginians! Feeling confused about all of the rhetoric around redistricting? Check out this week’s Substack for our rundown on the ballot question and why it’s important to make sure you vote YES at the polls: buff.ly/3X9Enuo

Vote YES: President Barack Obama YouTube video by Virginians for Fair Elections

Now that's an endorsement to Vote YES, Virginia!

The Power of B-Roll: Capturing Scenes, Setting the Stage, Evoking Emotions B-roll is easy to capture or acquire online and will become an essential element of your videos as you learn to think like a storyteller.

Are you remembering to capture B-roll? As a storyteller, B-roll is a powerful way to provide helpful context, and that sets the stage for your message. Read all about it here →

The Power of B-Roll: Capturing Scenes, Setting the Stage, Evoking Emotions B-roll is easy to capture or acquire online and will become an essential element of your videos as you learn to think like a storyteller.

We have a post going up later today about B-roll, the unsung hero of video creation.

So what is B-roll? Here you go:

Free and fair elections are the foundation of our democracy — and right now, they're under threat in Virginia. Vote YES starting March 6!

#TheWeekend You guys have a lot of fun on set. What it's like during the commercial breaks?

The corruption is pretty shocking!

I watched that walk-through and was stunned! 😳

The refund question is so so messy my god. But it’s an enormous political opportunity for the opposition party.

Anyone?

“We Got the Shot!”—Celebrating Small Wins and Lessons Learned Behind the Phone Camera Celebrating small wins helps to deepen connections with our colleagues and community while strengthening trust and camaraderie. And there are lessons learned.

🎉 "We got the shot!" 📸 Celebrate small wins & lessons learned behind the phone camera. Every frame counts! 👉 chuckmoran.substack.com/p/we-got-the... #CelebrateSmallWins #VideoTips

VIRGINIA 2026 ELECTION DATES REFERENDUM AND ELECTION DATES Redistricting Referendum: April 21st General Election: November 4th

Please make sure you have both of these dates on your calendar!

An absolute outrage.

Great question and I loved their answers! The only thing the guys left out is how hilarious Jackie is. :-)