Advocacy Day

Group of Radford University students with State Representatives

Advocacy Day 2023 Reception

Sponsored by the Student Government Association, Advocacy Day offers Radford University students the opportunity to advocate to members of the Virginia General Assembly on behalf of the University each January. Students will travel to Richmond for an overnight stay and day of Advocacy with the House of Delegates and Senate members on behalf of Radford University. Advocacy Day is a great way to get a first-hand experience with Virginia politics and a great networking opportunity to connect with state legislators and University administrators. We will be talking with our representatives about important topics that relate to the success and advancement of the University.

Advocacy Day provides experiential learning in civics and state governance. In addition to small group meetings with individual legislators, students will have other opportunities to engage with state leaders and learn about areas of state government. Opportunities have included interaction with the Governor, tour the Governor’s Mansion or Capitol Complex, hear from State leaders, observe the legislative session from the Gallery and attend a networking reception. There is no cost to the students to participate in Advocacy Day activities. Any student from any major will benefit and be able to contribute to this important conversation.

Radford University students meet with Delegate Todd Pillion’s legislative assistant, Tyler Lester ’15.
Advocacy Day 2023

Advocacy Day 2024

Represent Radford University for Advocacy Day!

Travel to Richmond and take the opportunity to talk in-person with Virginia legislators about your Radford University experience and ask them to continue support for Radford University!   

The 2024 Radford University Advocacy Day experience was held Tuesday, January 23rd through Wednesday, January 24th, 2024.

Mandatory Training Sessions

There will be three mandatory training sessions to prepare for this important experience.  If chosen, you will be expected to attend all three sessions. The learning materials will build on one another.  You will learn about the structure of governance and financing in the Commonwealth of Virginia, the topics for which we will advocate, etiquette appropriate to the experience, logistics for the trip and develop your personal narrative as an advocate for Radford University.

Students meet with Delegate Joseph Yost ’06, M.A. ‘08.
Advocacy Day 2023

What To Expect

The provided trainings will ensure you are acquainted with the General Assembly, state governance processes and important topics. 

Participants traveling to Richmond will be provided with Radford University items to wear and utilize during the experience.  We will depart main campus the morning of day one, pick up students at RUC, and arrive in Richmond just after lunch.  We will depart Richmond after lunch on day two and arrive back to both campuses that evening. Costs associated with transportation, lodging, meals and planned learning opportunities are covered by the Radford University Student Government Association.

We are committed to selecting a diverse delegation in order to represent the many voices of our Radford community. 

Share your experience and follow the story on social media with #RadfordUAdvocacyDay.

Questions may be addressed to 540-831-5433. 

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