VRD NEWSLETTER
A Successful Month!
EMILY GORODETSKIY SPEAKS AT THE GOLDEN BEAR SUMMIT
Our founder, Emily Gorodetskiy, made the entire VR’ing Democracy (VRD) team proud by speaking at the Golden Student Bears Summit on June 28. As one of only three featured speakers, Emily shared her leadership journey and discussed how she’s using VRD to boost civic engagement among first-time voters and non-native English speakers.
Driven by a passion for using technology to serve the public good, Emily inspired hundreds of students with her mission to make voting more accessible, inclusive, and empowering for all.
TRIP TO STANFORD UNIVERSITY PROVED TO BE SUCCESSFUL
During her visit to Stanford University for the NextGen AI and Democracy Summer Institute, Emily Gorodetskiy had the opportunity to demo VR’ing Democracy (VRD) in one of the Thornton lecture halls. She showcased the VRD headset to both students and professors, offering a hands-on look at how immersive technology can make voting more accessible. The success of this demonstration highlights VR’ing Democracy’s commitment to building a more inclusive and equitable civic future.
OUR SUPPORT FOR THE SB 745
One of our founders, Emily Gorodetskiy, had the opportunity to advocate for Senator Ochoa Bogh’s SB 745 in front of the California State Assembly Education Committee today. SB 745—focused on both civic education and sustainable building practices—took an important step forward, passing the committee with strong support.
On the education side, SB 745 strengthens high school civic engagement by allowing students to earn the State Seal of Civic Engagement through successful completion of a one-year American government and civics course. This course would include essential content on the U.S. and California Constitutions, local and tribal governance, democratic principles, and voting. A curriculum guide will also be developed to ensure consistent and high-quality civic instruction statewide.
We’re proud that Emily’s testimony and leadership helped advance this important legislation. This is a win for students, for civic participation, and for the future of California.
