West Virginia Legislature's Page Program
The West Virginia Legislative Page Program gives our young students an opportunity to communicate with lawmakers and get involved in the legislative process. Each year, hundreds of students in grades 6 through12 serve as pages for one day. Pages serve members of both the House of Delegates and Senate, assisting legislators during session with various errands. Normally students will get an excused absence, depending upon the school. Young people get to observe government in action and be a witness to history. Most kids find it exciting and rewarding -- it can be more fun if a friend joins them.
Because Legislators need remain in their seat to vote, they have a button for summoning pages. Page duties include bringing copies of bills, getting coffee etc., but can extend to getting snacks and meals when sessions run several hours long.
When I was in high school, I applied to be a page in the U.S. Congress but was denied because as a girl, I was told I might not be able to carry heavy bills. This is almost unbelievable but it is true – girls were not allowed to be pages. After my experience, I'd like to encourage not only just Monongalia County students to serve as pages but all students throughout our state. I try to ensure each page is introduced to House members and has their picture taken with me (along with their friends or family members who accompany them) if time permits.
For more information on the page program, please visit the WV Legislature's website at:
http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Educational/page_program/page.cfm and the page request form. If a student is interested in serving as a page, please contact my Charleston office at (304) 340-3169.
While in Charleston, I recommend taking tours of the Capitol, the new state museum at the Cultural Center, and more. Information to schedule tours is at the following link: Tour Information