Take Action

How to Advocate: Your Role in Shaping Virginia’s Future

At VGEA, we fight for competitive pay, fair benefits, and policies that support Virginia’s state employees and retirees—but we can’t do it alone.

Your membership dues fund expert lobbyists who meet with legislators, staff, and decision-makers to educate them on the real challenges state employees face and persuade them to support or oppose key legislation. However, lobbying is just one piece of the puzzle.

The real power lies with you.

Why Your Voice Matters

We the people are the government. Legislators work for us—but they can only represent our interests if they hear from us. Advocacy isn’t someone else’s responsibility. It’s ours.

When state employees mobilize and take action, we build pressure, shift policies, and drive real change.

8 Ways to Advocate for Virginia’s State Workforce

1. Contact Your Legislators (Most Effective!)

Legislators listen when their constituents reach out. A call, email, or letter can make a huge impact. Tell them why state employee pay, benefits, and hiring policies matter.

Find your legislators: whosmy.virginiageneralassembly.gov

2. Mobilize Your Colleagues & Retirees

More voices = more influence. Encourage fellow employees and retirees to contact their representatives. The louder we are, the harder we are to ignore.

3. Show Up: Attend Committee Hearings & Speak Up

Decisions about your pay and benefits happen in committee hearings. Attending and speaking out sends a strong message that we’re paying attention and we care about the outcome.

4. Participate in Grassroots Advocacy

Beyond direct lobbying, you can help amplify our message by:
✅ Writing letters to the editor of your local newspaper
✅ Posting on social media to raise awareness
✅ Attending rallies and advocacy events

5. Build Relationships: Host a Legislator

Invite a legislator to visit your workplace or meet with VGEA members. The more they know about your job, the better they can represent you. Personal connections are powerful.

6. Testify at Public Hearings

Your story matters. Public hearings give you the opportunity to share how policies impact you, your family, and your colleagues. Your testimony can shape legislation and shift priorities.

7. Support Pro-VGEA Candidates

Elections determine who represents us. Support and vote for candidates who understand the needs of Virginia’s state workforce. Attend town halls, ask them where they stand, and help elect leaders who will fight for us.

8. Grow the VGEA—Strengthen Our Voice

The larger our membership, the louder our voice. A strong, united VGEA means greater influence in Richmond. Encourage your colleagues to join—more members mean more power to negotiate for better pay, benefits, and policies.

Take Action—Be Part of the Change

Advocacy isn’t just about what happens at the General Assembly once a year. It’s about sustained action, year-round pressure, and a commitment to standing up for ourselves.

✅ Find & contact your legislator → whosmy.virginiageneralassembly.gov
✅ Have questions or want to get involved? Contact us at info@vgea.org