Sunday, August 9, 2026
10:00am-4:00pm
LOCATION
WVSSPA Building
1610 Washington St. E
Charleston, WV 25311
Parking is available beside the building or there is a nearby public lot across the street. The office we will be meeting in is on the 2nd floor of the building, and an elevator is available.
Join school counselors from across West Virginia for a day of advocacy at the State Capitol. This year's event includes a unique opportunity for WVSCA to present before the Joint Standing Committee on Education, allowing legislators to hear directly from school counselors about the impact of comprehensive school counseling programs and the needs of our students.
Whether you're an experienced advocate or attending for the first time, your voice and your presence matter.
Pre-Event Advocacy Meeting
To help everyone feel prepared, WVSCA hoseted a virtual advocacy meeting prior to Day on the Hill. View the recording here.
DAY ON THE HILL AGENDA
10:00–11:00 a.m. — Arrival & Check-In
- Meet fellow school counselors
- Pick up advocacy materials
- Network with counselors from across the state
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. — Presentation & Advocacy Preparation
- Review WVSCA’s presentation and legislative recommendations
- Discuss key advocacy messages and talking points
- Review goals for conversations with legislators
- Assign speaking and advocacy roles
- Prepare for common questions from legislators and media
- Q&A and final preparations
12:30–1:00 p.m. — Walk to the Capitol
- Travel together to the Capitol
- Review group assignments and final instructions
1:00–2:00 p.m. — Legislative Outreach
Participants will divide into advocacy teams to connect with legislators prior to the committee meeting.
- Scheduled Meetings: Meet with members of the Joint Standing Committee on Education to discuss WVSCA’s recommendations and the importance of maximizing school counselor time for student success.
- Senate Chamber Outreach: Connect with legislators as they arrive for the committee meeting, introduce yourself as a school counselor/advocate, share WVSCA’s key message, and encourage their support.
Goal: Build relationships, put a personal face on school counseling, and reinforce our shared message before legislators hear the formal presentation.
2:00–4:00 p.m. — Joint Standing Committee on Education
- WVSCA presentation to legislators
- Opportunity to demonstrate the impact of school counseling in West Virginia
- Hear legislators’ questions and discussion regarding WVSCA’s recommendations
View the Joint Standing Committee on Education Agenda
4:00–5:00 p.m. — Follow-Up & Relationship Building
Following the committee meeting, participants will reconnect with legislators as they leave.
- Thank legislators for attending and listening to WVSCA’s recommendations
- Ask for their thoughts or questions about the proposal
- Identify legislators who may be willing to support or champion the recommendations
- Ask for their preferred method of contact for future communication
- Secure a commitment for follow-up when possible: “Would it be okay if I follow up with you about this after the interim meetings?”
- Make notes about each conversation so WVSCA can continue building those relationships
Goal: Don't leave with just a conversation—leave with a connection and a next step.
Registration Information
Registration is free, but advance registration is requested so we can plan materials and seating.
Whether you plan to:
- Assist with the presentation,
- Attend as an advocate,
- Or simply show your support for the profession,
- we encourage you to register!
Why Attend?
This is a rare opportunity to ensure the voices of school counselors are heard by the policymakers who shape education in West Virginia. A strong turnout demonstrates our profession's commitment to advocating for students, comprehensive school counseling programs, and the future of education in our state.
We hope you'll join us in Charleston as we advocate together for West Virginia's students.
