And just like that, “August slipped away into a moment in time.” In our home, it was one of those months that somehow felt like 10 years in some ways and two minutes in others. There’s a sense of accomplishment in that we got the roof on the porch completely redone by a dedicated family man named David. And there’s a knowing anticipation that comes with (finally) upgrading our 60-year-old heater later this fall. Adulting is really something, isn’t it?

But right there in all the “got to’s” come the “get to’s”. I heard it put this way in a sermon a couple of years ago: “In a ‘got-to’ attitude, everything is an obligation. Everything is a responsibility. Everything is a burden,” said Michael Washington, a former chaplain at Hargrave Military Academy in Chatham. “A ‘get-to’ attitude looks at trials, looks at obstacles, looks at pitfalls as nothing more than opportunities for God to shine through my inability.”

I know and deeply respect that we don’t all believe the same way here in this newsletter family. Our faith, our politics, and our concerns may all look different from one reader to the next. But I think there’s something we can all take away from a “got-to vs. get-to” attitude—especially in a season with a contentious upcoming election and proposed constitutional amendments. We get to vote. We get to share our values. We get to make a difference in our communities. And I get to say that I’m so glad you’re here. 

By Michael O’Connor

Want to see positive changes in your community and beyond? One of the best ways to get involved is to get out and vote for candidates in your district who share your values. Yet, this election season, candidates won’t be the only slots on your ballot. That’s because three constitutional amendments are also taking center stage.

What’s at stake:

🗳️ The amendment related to reproductive freedom would enshrine the right to an abortion, birth control, miscarriage management, and in vitro fertilization (IVF) in the state constitution. 

🗳️ The marriage equality amendment would remove language from the state Constitution that bans same-sex marriage. That language is overridden by federal law, which protects same-sex marriages, but advocates worry about losing that protection if federal law changes.

🗳️ The voting rights restoration amendment would allow for the automatic restoration of voting rights for people who have served prison time for a felony conviction. Currently, people who serve time for felony convictions lose their right to vote in Virginia and have to petition the governor to get it back.

The General Assembly approved these constitutional amendments in its 2025 session, and elections for the House of Delegates were held later that year. The constitutional amendments passed again earlier this year during the 2026 legislative session. Now, the power shifts to you.

🗳️ The amendment related to reproductive freedom would enshrine the right to an abortion, birth control, miscarriage management, and in vitro fertilization (IVF) in the state constitution. 

🗳️ The marriage equality amendment would remove language from the state Constitution that bans same-sex marriage. That language is overridden by federal law, which protects same-sex marriages, but advocates worry about losing that protection if federal law changes.

🗳️ The voting rights restoration amendment would allow for the automatic restoration of voting rights for people who have served prison time for a felony conviction. Currently, people who serve time for felony convictions lose their right to vote in Virginia and have to petition the governor to get it back.

The General Assembly approved these constitutional amendments in its 2025 session, and elections for the House of Delegates were held later that year. The constitutional amendments passed again earlier this year during the 2026 legislative session. Now, the power shifts to you.

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Amie Knowles. Amie is a lifelong Virginia resident and mom to a fantastic 8-year-old who loves Pokémon. This edition includes a story by Michael O’Connor. It was edited by Paula Solis.

Dogwood is free for everyone. Your support makes our work possible.