VMI Days: Feb. 11 and 17
Hosting a day on behalf of VMI is customary among many educational institutions and advocacy groups seeking to build relationships with lawmakers. Below, find a plan to meet with your lawmakers Feb. 11 and Feb. 17 to advocate for the Institute.
VMI Day Protocol
Participants are encouraged to schedule appointments with their legislators in advance by contacting the appropriate offices. However, even without a scheduled meeting, individuals are welcome to visit legislative offices and request to speak with their representative or a staff member.
On February 11, many attendees choose to gather in the General Assembly Café at approximately 7:30 a.m.. From there, those without a legislator appointment at that time may proceed to attend the Education Committee meeting at 8:00 a.m. Participants typically sit in the audience to demonstrate their presence and engagement. Although it is not yet known whether a VMI‑related bill will be included on the agenda, having supporters visible at the meeting is considered beneficial.
In-Person Plan:
Have a consistent stream of VMI alumni, family, and friends visiting their legislators in VMI clothing and colors as a positive presence in legislative offices and cafeterias. This is a typical practice for organizations, and legislators take notice.
- Share your real story of VMI—the leadership, service, and character the Institute instills and the impact its graduates make across Virginia and the nation. This is not about the filing of the bills, but the value of a VMI education.
- Do not react with criticism and vitriol that will discredit VMI. Instead, maintain the composure of a citizen-soldier to defend VMI honorably with tact and logic.
Logistics
- Members of the VMI family should plan to arrive in the morning hours, prior to the general session (which typically begins at noon).
- Monday–Thursday mornings would be the best days.
- Location: Virginia General Assembly Building, 201 N. 9th Street, Richmond, VA
- Print a leave-behind information sheet that can be downloaded here. (Note: It is very important to hand these information sheets to office staff and representatives. It is not good form to leave them on tables in the cafeteria or taped to the elevator, etc.)
- Virginians should try to set an appointment online prior to their arrival. If they don’t have an appointment, that is OK—proceed to their legislators’ offices.
- When you arrive at the legislative office, respectfully ask to speak with your representative to discuss HB1377 (our greatest focus) and HB1374.
- If your representative is not available, then ask to speak to the chief of staff or staff.
- For non-Virginians, visiting the offices of committee members for each of the bills is also helpful. You can find the committee membership for HB1377 (House, Senate) and HB1374 (House, Senate) online.
- The bills will cross over to the Senate Feb. 17.
- If your visit occurs after Feb. 17, then the first priority is to visit the Senate offices, and then the House of Delegates offices.
- We will be setting one to two dates in February to have as many members of the VMI family as possible show up in VMI colors and be respectfully present. The legislature adjourns March 14. We are hoping hundreds of the VMI family show up before then.
- Note:
- We will report out and post to this webpage with any relevant committee meetings as they become available.
- Do not go Feb. 19. This is when cadets are visiting in the GAB, and they should take priority.
- If you plan to go, please send an email to Norma Robinson (nrobinson@vmiaa.org) with the date and the number of people in your group. This will help us track the response.
Online Mobilization and Phone Calls
- Emails and phone calls are also important ways to share your support for VMI and its value to the Commonwealth. Visit the “Who’s My Legislator” page to find contact information.
- Direct emails to legislative offices and representatives are the most valuable.
- Create your own story and your own subject line in the email.
- Non-Virginians can email HB1377 (House, Senate) and HB1374 (House, Senate) committee members.
- Phone calls and messages are also helpful.
Superintendent Engagement
- The superintendent is making time to listen to all members of the VMI family who care deeply for the Institute, including those whose experiences were challenging beyond our intended rigor.
- The superintendent has made several trips to Richmond in recent days, including a meeting with the governor and speaking at the House Rules Subcommittee. Cadet leaders have also been to Richmond.
- The VMI Alumni Association is developing a plan for the superintendent to meet with every Virginia chapter in the next 2 weeks.
Other Volunteer Opportunities
- The VMI Alumni Association is gathering names of alumni stepping forward to help with writing or speaking on behalf of VMI, and/or gathering alumni to go to Richmond. Send your interest to Norma Robinson at nrobinson@vmiaa.org.
Remind Representatives of the Bill Numbers
They are reviewing many bills. This helps clarify.
- HB1377 establishes the Virginia Military Institute Advisory Task Force to determine if VMI should remain a state-sponsored institution. The task force will evaluate VMI’s cost, academic rigor, student welfare, and actions regarding past racial issues, submitting a recommendation by Nov. 30, 2026. HB1377 continues to move through the House of Delegates and will likely cross over to the Senate. This is our main focus.
- HB1374 proposes to dissolve the VMI Board of Visitors. The bill would transfer the governance, control, and oversight of VMI to the board of visitors of Virginia State University. HB1374 has not yet set a sub-committee hearing date. Both bills will ultimately provide VMI alumni, family, and friends an opportunity to consistently speak of its value.
