The Role of MGA Delegates


By: Mikayla Johnson

Delegates are a key component of MGA; they are the ones who start the fire of debating. They bring out the true essence behind bills by constantly brainstorming brilliant questions, and bring forward some of the unseen intentions of a bill. Delegates represent their delegations by presenting bills and speaking in House committees and on the floor of the House of Delegates. Without a delegate, we could not truly understand every aspect of a bill. A delegate from Salem High School said: “We show the true colors of a bill, we ask questions that uncover points that normally would be overlooked or ignored.” One delegate from Radford stated that “we are the fire beneath MGA’s feet, we keep things moving, and we prove that not every bill that sounds good is truly beneficial to everyone.”  Delegates can also help push bills to be put into action, they get to vote on bills which can pass them on to the Youth Governor to be signed into action.
Being a delegate can teach you multiple things such as public speaking, roles in government, and how bills are passed in our real government.
A delegate from Kecoughtan said:
                “I have learned many things from being a delegate, but the most important thing I have learned, and will take with me through life, is not to be afraid to stand up for what you believe is right. As my final year of MGA is coming to a close, I will always keep the quote from last year’s shirt with me forever and use it as a guideline for everyday life, it quoted, Speak the truth, even if your voice shakes.” 

A prominent delegate from Fuqua School said: “I have learned to always listen to others’ opinions, and ideas before concluding. Never assume that something that sounds good is truly good. I have also learned that just by starting a simple conversation with someone can create friendships that will last a lifetime.”

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