Reflecting on Model General Assembly 2018 and Expectations for This Year

Reflecting on Model General Assembly 2018 and Expectations for This Year

By Ryah Aziz – YMCA Arlington-Washington-Lee

“The Virginia way is being able to agree to disagree,” says Ralph Northam, Virginia Governor. Model General Assembly is a distinctive program that allows students from all over the commonwealth to become engaged in politics and acquire knowledge on Virginia legislation.

The assembly in 2018 was a rewarding experience, and students were given the opportunity to debate topics pertinent to the government in Virginia. Students participated in an array of contrasting activities and positions, including being the patron of an amended bill, participating as a lobbyist, and working as a reporter. All of these roles were well connected and fed into the success of the assembly.

When the students were asked how Model General assembly has shaped their views on politics and Virginia's government, the responses were varied, yet transparent of personal growth and development. “I feel that Model General Assembly has shown me that there are more issues in legislation than the ones that are very prominent and controversial. There are many issues that are left unspoken, but would provide for complex debate,” Isaiah Paley Whitman, YMCA Arlington-Wakefield.  

Another member of Model General Assembly, Ellie Dorsey, YMCA-Arlington Yorktown says, “Before coming to Model General Assembly, I thought that Virginia Politics were going to be unbalanced between Republican and Democratic points of view. Model General Assembly made it clear that despite one's preconceived views, people can debate, and compromise peacefully.”

As the 2019 assembly commences, there are new bills and fresh perspectives. Bill patrons have come prepared and are ready to get legislation passed thanks to extensive preparation and research.  Amy Tramontozzi, a bill patron from YMCA Arlington-Wakefield, states that, “Model General Assembly has made me more engaged in politics, and because of this I feel like a more well-rounded individual.”

Model General Assembly this year promises great opportunity, and if students remain focused, goal-oriented, and respectful in all that they do, this assembly will not only successful, but extremely insightful.