JD Shows Up for Arlington
Arlingtonian Julius D. (JD) Spain, Sr. has dedicated his life to serving the public. He is a proud US Marine Corps veteran who served honorably for 26 years before retiring in 2016. JD is more than just a veteran and a leader. He is also a passionate community activist who has actively worked to ensure that every member of the Arlington community has a voice.
For over a decade, he has served in various Arlington County institutions such as PTAs, neighborhood associations, commissions, and the NAACP. His advocacy and leadership in the community are widely recognized, having received numerous awards and recognitions, including The FBI Director's Community Leadership Award, NAACP National Thalheimer Award, Volunteer Arlington Racial Equity Civic Engagement Award, and SunGazette Best of Best Public Servant/Civic Worker Award. JD was also awarded the Luminary Award in 2023 for enhancing his company's accessibility internally and externally.
JD completed two two-year terms as the President of the NAACP Arlington Branch with over 1000 members in 2022. During his tenure, he led a team of volunteers and grew the branch membership by 400% and its revenue by over a quarter-million dollars. JD is keen on continuing to serve the people of Arlington, and he has a vision for the community, the experience to lead, and the drive to fight for shared values.
“I believe that great leaders advocate for the people, which requires connecting to understand their diverse perspectives. Expanding equitable access to opportunities, including public education, is one of my core values that inspires most of my community involvement. Whether serving as an advisor, president, or member of an organization, I am committed to doing my part to make our community a better place.”
Organizations & Community Service
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Arlington County Government Service
Civil Service Commission (CS)
(2015 – 2018) -
NAACP Arlington Branch
Advisor
Chair, Environmental & Climate Justice Committee, (Sep 2023 - Present)
President
(2018-2022)1st Vice President
(2014-2018)2nd Vice President
(2012-2014) -
Dream Project
Board of Directors
(2022-Present) -
Virginia State Conference NAACP
Regional Vice President of 13 Northern Virginia Branches
(2018-2021)Executive Committee (At-Large)
(2021-Present)NAACP Gold Life Member
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Leadership Arlington
Class of 2022
Class Co-AmbassadorThe purpose of Leadership Arlington is to connect and develop a diverse network of established leaders and empower them with the knowledge and commitment to transform and support our community.
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Wakefield High School PTSA
Current Member
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Sierra Club
Current Member. The Sierra Club is the most enduring and influential grassroots environmental organization in the United States. We amplify the power of our millions of members and supporters to defend everyone’s right to a healthy world.
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Dr. Charles R. Drew Elementary School PTA
Current Member
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Green Valley Civic Association
Non-Resident Member
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John M. Langston Civic Association
Non-Resident Member
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Penrose Neighborhood Association
Current Member. An association of residents & business owners in the Penrose Neighborhood of Arlington, VA.
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Member, National Fair Housing Alliance (2023 - Present)
MISSION: The National Fair Housing Alliance leads the fair housing movement. NFHA works to eliminate housing discrimination and ensure equitable housing opportunities for all people and communities through its education and outreach, member services, public policy, advocacy, housing and community development, tech equity, enforcement, and consulting and compliance programs.
Use of military rank, titles, or photographs in uniform do not imply endorsement by
the United States Marine Corps or the Department of Defense.