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Advocacy Day : Students Take Highlander Pride to Richmond
For 15 years, Radford University has led a group of students on a stimulating trip to Virginia’s state capital. Every February, students are immersed in the world of government for two days as they participate in Advocacy Day activities.
The annual event allows students — who represent an array of majors, grade levels and demographics — the opportunity to interact with state delegates and senators and advocate for Radford University and fellow students
Throughout the years, the trip has influenced the lives of many of its participants. Some students say Advocacy Day helped them map their career paths. Others agree the experience encouraged them to become engaged citizens and better informed about their legislative representatives.
“I think it was a great real-world experience,” said Etrenda Dillon ’17, who participated in Advocacy Day in 2016 and 2017. “I had the privilege of representing my school to high-level government officials and the opportunity to practice my professional skills. Advocacy Day was definitely a highlight of my Radford University experience.”
This year, Advocacy Day saw record participation. Fifty students spent Jan. 31-Feb. 1 in Richmond, which was a flurry of General Assembly activity.
The Virginia General Assembly convened Jan. 11, just weeks before Radford University students arrived.
On the first day of the trip, students observed several subcommittee meetings, including those of the House Education and House Appropriations committees. A group also met with staff of the attorney general’s office to learn more about its inner workings.
“It was really fascinating to witness policy in action,” said Alan Ward ’17. “Some very important bills were being discussed, and it was exciting to be surrounded by so many decision-makers.”
Students also toured the Executive Mansion, home to Virginia’s governors since 1813. The same evening, they dined with Del. Joseph Yost ’06, M.A. ’08 and fellow Radford University alumni Martin Mash ’07 and Tyler Lester ’15, who all shared their respective experiences about the legislative process.
Hearing firsthand from Radford graduates about their journey to Richmond resonated with many students.
Lester’s passion for politics can be traced to his time at Radford University.
A Richlands native, Lester transferred to Radford from a community college in 2013 and immediately immersed himself in politics. That fall, he got an internship with U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith’s office.
“I’ve always been interested in history and politics,” said Lester, who majored in political science. “That experience was a good opportunity to gain practical day-to-day exposure to what legislators and officials actually do.”
That picture became even clearer for Lester when he participated in Advocacy Day in 2014.
“The exposure that Advocacy Day gave me to the political process really cemented that this was the direction I was supposed to be going in,” he said.
After graduating, Lester was offered a full-time job in Griffith’s office. He currently serves as a legislative aide for Del. Todd Pillion.
“This is my dream job,” Lester said. “I’m happy to now be able to share my story with other Radford University students.”
On the final day of the trip, students were broken into groups to meet with their respective delegates and senators. The fast-paced sessions allowed students to discuss topics and issues important to them, such as financial aid, state job opportunities and the future of higher education. They also shared personal stories and their Radford University experiences.
“I love Radford University, and I wanted to spread the word of all the good things that go on here,” said Ward, who has participated in Advocacy Day for the past three years. “It’s critical to let our delegates and senators know that the work they do in Richmond has a significant effect on what we do at the University.”
Because Ward, of Roanoke, has repeatedly participated in Advocacy Day activities, he said his conversations with the politicians have become “deeper.”
“After you start building relationships with them, you step into their offices and they remember who you are and what university you represent. We make a lasting impression,” Ward said.
The trip was capped by an exciting visit with Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe on the steps of the Virginia State Capitol, which students later toured.
Shiza Manzoor, a junior media studies major, called the entire Advocacy Day experience “eye-opening.” She hopes to one day pursue a career in political journalism.
Advocacy Day amplified that calling, she said.
“I loved it so much,” she said. “It was insightful and educational. There were moments throughout the trip when everything just clicked.” ■
