We are a student-run non-profit organization with the mission to maximize accessibility and experience in law, government, and politic related opportunities for youth all across Virginia. Everyday we strive to turn fantasies to realities.
OUR SERVICES
Maximizing Opportunities for Virginia Youth
ABOUT US
Empowering Youth Voices
We are a student-run non-profit organization based in Virginia with the goal to provide assistance to students who are interested in law, government, politics, etc. Our mission is to maximize accessibility and opportunities in these fields for youth all across the Virginia. We believe that by empowering youths, we can create a brighter future for generations to come. Join us to turn fantasties to realities!
Sonia was only 13 years old when she made the best decision of her life. She didn't know it at the time, but her decision is what made her fall in love with law. On Tuesday, August 24, 2021, Sonia walked into her second class of the day and picked a seat next to a girl she barely knew, Michelle Liu. Fast forward to January of 2022, Michelle left for the Virginia House of Delegates Page Program, and returned with stories to share about her once in a lifetime experience. Sonia quickly took interest in the program and with the help of Michelle, she applied and got accepted as a 2023 House of Delegates Page. In the program, Sonia reached her full potential and was challenged in ways she had never been before. She became the Editor of the weekly newsletter, got elected as Clerk for the Page Debate, used her passion for dance to choreograph and teach cheers and a halftime dance with Page, Danee Railey, to perform with the 2023 House Page Class at the"Capital Square Basketball Challenge," all while serving the delegates and staff of the General Assembly body and juggling school work asynchronously. However, with each passing day, Sonia realized the work was a pleasure rather than a burden, and even more-so, she got to work alongside the most positive, supporting, capable group of people she had ever encountered. After experiencing the best seven weeks of her life, she thought about how different her perspectives and passions would be, if it hadn't been for the lucky chance of her and Michelle sitting next to one another in the eighth grade. Sonia came to the realization that there were not enough people aware of programs like the Virginia Page Program, not enough people promoting and providing them, and too many people missing out on life-changing opportunities. Sonia, along with the rest of the Youth Advocates Initiative Team, hopes to increase the recognition of law, government, and politics related programs, so they are known and accessible to youth all across the nation.
The Virginia Page Program is split into two programs: Virginia House of Delegates Page Program and Virginia Senate Page Program. In both programs, students work alongside legislatures and staff of the General Assemly body to assist in any way possible, including video clipping for social media posts, working as receptionists, running errands, etc. Along with working all these tasks, Pages also learn the fundements of government, such as the process of creating a bill, passing a law, and voting as a body. Throughout the seven to nine weeks of serving as a Page, students learn independence and responsibility, gain knowledge in government and changes in our society, as well as build connections and friendships that last a lifetime. Not to mention, the program is completely free of charge, including food and hospitality, and Pages are even paid and taught to budget their finances. The information below is provided by the Virginia Capital Classroom. Visit their site (https://capclass.virginiageneralassembly.gov/PagePrograms/PagePrograms.html) for more information.
​Application Requirements:
Age and Residency:
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All applicants must be 13 or 14 years old by Janurary 10, 2024.
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All applicants must be a resident of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Due Date:
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The Virginia House of Delegates Page Program application IS NOW OPEN will close 5 pm, October 16, 2023.
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The Virginia Senate Page Program application IS NOW OPEN and will close 5pm, October 20, 2023.
Commitment:
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The Page Program requires hotel residency from Sunday evening to Friday noon during the duration of the legislative session (Jan 10, 2024 - March 9, 2024) and Pages must complete school work asynchronously during this time.
Meet the Team
Below are our Advocate Leaders who have all served as Pages for the Virginia General Assembly.
Executive Director and Founder
Sonia Qiao
Sonia is a senior at Langley High School in Mclean, Virginia. She served as a 2023 House Page under Delegate Murphy. Along with Sonia's passion for law, she is also interested in journalism and enjoys writing for her school newspaper. In her free time, she likes to hike, debate, and spend time with her family and friends.
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Sonia hopes Youth Advocates Initiative will increase opportunities for students all across the nation, and allow them to take action in achieving their dreams.
Chief Finance Officer and Co-Founder
Maggie Van Heukelum
Maggie is a senior at John Handley High School and Mountain Vista Governors School in Winchester, Virginia. She served as a House Page in 2023 under Delegate Wiley. Maggie is passionate in helping her peers learn about programs she has taken part in, and is always happy to aid in the admissions process.
Chief Operating Officer and Co-Founder
Michelle Liu
Michelle is a senior at The Madeira School, located in Northern Virginia. She served as a 2022 House Page under Delegate Sullivan. Michelle is passionate in business, law, and community service. In her free time, she loves debating and playing the violin and viola.
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Michelle is excited to join the Youth Advocates Initiative team, and to allow everyone to reach their full potentials.
Outreach Officer and Co-Founder
Danee Railey
Danee is a from a small town in Southside, Virginia named Courtland. She served as a 2023 House Page under Delegate Brewer, and is in the class of 2027 at Southampton Academy, where she represents three of her school's sports team, and serves as the Reporter of her Student Government Association. Her passion for law and politics first arose through her family's generational law firm. In her free time, aside from helping with campaigning and contributing to her families law firm, Danee enjoys hunting and fishing, going to Virginia Tech football games, and going to the beach.
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Danee strives to make the Youth Advocates Initiative a safe space for the next generation of young professionals by finding opportunities to benefit them. She hopes her efforts will help them reach their goals.
Events Coordinator
John Jackson (J.T.)
John or J.T. is a junior at Cosby High School in Chesterfield County, Virginia. He served as a 2023 House Page under Delegate Ware. Ever since a young age, J.T. has been inspried to follow a career in the field of law and politics, as he enjoys helping his community in food banks and working with his parents to support underprivileged individuals and families in Richmond, Virginia.
Interested in an internship or program? Need help with the application? Fill out the form below to meet with one of our mentors for more information and assistance for free!
​CONTACT US
Let's Get In Touch
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us. We are always happy to hear from you!
Would you like to share your experiences and provide advice as a mentor and join our team? Contact us for more information to apply!