Institute for Democracy, Pluralism, and Community Empowerment

College of Humanities and Sciences

2024 Virginia Government Simulation

Virginia State Capitol buildingThe inaugural Virginia Government Simulation was led by VCU's Institute for Democracy, Pluralism, and Community Empowerment from Oct. 3-5.

The 45 student participants represented VCU, Bridgewater College, George Mason University, Hampton University, Radford University, Reynolds Community College, the University of Richmond, Virginia Peninsula Community College and Virginia Tech.

Meet our Elected Governors  View the Official 2024 Bill Book

2024 Award Recipients

  • Rising Star Award: Riley Johnson, Radford University
  • Leadership Award: Julian Namez, Virginia Commonwealth University
  • Impact Award: Jess Montgomery, Virginia Peninsula Community College
  • Jay Pearson Award: Jory Cardoza, Bridgewater College
  • Future Delegate Award: Aaron Ress, University of Richmond
  • Virginia Public Access Project (VPAP) Award: Tony Lucy, Bridgewater College

Student Coverage

A group of students sitting in the chamber of the Virginia State Capitol

The Divide on the Republican Party

Oct. 16, 2024

VGS simulation participants initially exhibited a welcoming atmosphere, but underlying divisions emerged during leader nominations, particularly between rural and urban representatives.

Democratic Delegates Riley Johnson and Jarret Lilly requested to speak (sitting and raising their right hands), as the rest of the Democratic Delegates sat in contemplation (screens/journals with information on HB 318).

Frustrations and Tensions Arise Within the Virginia Government Simulation

Oct. 4, 2024

Upon hearing Housing Bill 318, the first signs of tension began to rise within the two Delegate Parties.

Bridgewater College Delegates (left to right) Ethan Thee, Dylan Shifflet, and Collin Nicholson. Delegate Nicholson is standing, speaking into his microphone.

Feed the People: The Bridgewater College Delegation and Senate Bill 110

Oct. 4, 2024

Bridgewater delegates passionately fought for Senate Bill 110: Food Tax, which proposed the elimination of local sales and use tax on food and essential personal hygiene products in Virginia.

Robert's Rules

The Robert's Rules Cheat Sheet is a comprehensive guide that provides concise instructions on the use of various parliamentary motions and points for conducting formal meetings according to Robert’s Rules of Order. This cheat sheet helps participants navigate meeting procedures efficiently by outlining key motions, their procedures, and the conditions under which they can be used.

A group of students sitting in the chamber of the Virginia State Capitol

A student speaks from the podium in the Virginia State Capitol chambers

A student sitting in a chair in the Virginia State Capitol chambers

Four VGS program affiliates stand inside the Virginia Capitol

A student speaks into a microphone inside the Virginia State Capitol chambers

A group of students sit in the Virginia State Capitol chambers

A group of students gathered together in the Virginia State Capitol chambers

Students sit in the Virginia State Capitol chambers

A student speaks into a microphone and points

In the Media