Event Resources

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

WVU Extension attendees include: CEOS club members, 4-H'ers, Master Gardeners, Energy Express families, farmers, volunteers, firefighters, nutrition educators, Extension employees, retirees, and others are invited.

WVU attendees include: students, alumni, volunteers, WVU employees, retirees, and other WVU supporters are invited.

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WHAT ACTIVITIES ARE PLANNED FOR THE DAY?

The schedule lists a tentative agenda for the day's events and a news release provides more information regarding specific activities and exhibits planned for the day.

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HOW CAN I REGISTER TO ATTEND?

Extension and WVU participants can register online or by printing and submitting an event registration form.

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HOW CAN WE DISPLAY AN EXHIBIT?

If your program, group, or club would like to bring a display, please indicate it on your registration, and you will be given consideration for exhibit space. Please note: Exhibitors should follow the Exhibtor Guidelines and displays should be set up and removed according to the schedule. We recommend that your group send at least two people to unload, set up, staff, and pack your group's exhibit.

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WHERE DO EXHIBITORS UNLOAD?

Please refer to the Exhibitor Guidelines for complete information.

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WHERE DO EXHIBITORS SET UP?

Please refer to the Exhibitor Guidelines for complete information.

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WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

Wear comfortable shoes; the marble floors are lovely, but they're hard on your feet. Since this is an educational day for our youth and volunteers, many will be wearing their Sunday best for calling on legislators. To others, we suggest wearing your "proudest" gold and blue.

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WHERE IS CAPITOL PARKING?

There is limited visitor parking directly outside the Capitol. The best option for parking is the area adjacent to Laidley Field. All-day shuttle service is provided between the Capitol Complex and the Laidley Field parking area. The shuttle departs from Laidley Field starting at 7 a.m. and ending at 6 p.m. Each stop is served approximately every 10-15 minutes.

Please note: The shuttle does not operate from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Shuttle stops include: the Division of Highways Building 5, Building 6 California Avenue, East Wing entrance to the Main Capitol Building, the Governor’s driveway (Greenbrier Street), and Laidley Field. The shuttle bus is handicapped-accessible.

There are some metered parking spaces near the complex, but spots fill quickly. Directions to parking can be found on the directions and maps page. Contact the Capitol Complex Parking Unit with specific questions.

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WHAT HAPPENS AT THE CULTURAL CENTER?
Our legislative day as we host WVU's service to the state officially starts at the Cultural Center.

• You confirm registration or sign in.
• Pick up schedules and other important materials and information for your day.
• Participate in activities like the interactive map board, reception, and entertainment.
• Attend our special WVU Welcome with speeches from W.Va. dignitaries and special quests.
• Ask questions and get ready to start your Capitol visit.

WHERE ARE HANDICAPPED-ACCESSIBLE CAPITOL DOORS?

Handicapped-accessible entrances are located in both the East and West Wing loading docks. For individuals entering the Main Building (also called Building 1) from the fountain side of the Capitol Complex (the courtyard), a ramp and automatic doors are situated on the ground floor adjacent to Room 146-M. A fourth handicapped-accessible entrance is located at the entrance to the West Wing facing the Cultural Center. In each of the wings there are ramps located to the sides of the stairs leading to the Main Building. Security guards located on both the east and west side of the Capitol will be happy to provide additional directions.

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WILL NAME TAGS BE DISTRIBUTED?

Name tags will be shipped to registered groups prior to the event. Extra name tags will be available at registration.

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WILL THERE BE STICKERS FOR NAME TAGS?

At this time, stickers are not planned for this year's event.

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WHERE CAN CAPITOL MAPS BE FOUND?

A set of Capitol maps will be mailed to each registered group prior to the event. Maps can also be found on-line and printed. During the event, volunteers will be standing by (they'll wear gold "staff" name tags) to help you find your way around the Capitol.

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WILL I BE ABLE TO MEET WITH ALL MY LEGISLATORS?

It depends. Please note: Your lawmakers may be called to newly scheduled business at any given time.

On any given day the pace in the Capitol is hectic. During Our Day of Service at the Legislature, that space will be filled with several hundred additional WVU and WVU Extension supporters sporting gold and blue Flying WV's. To help keep our day somewhat organized, a schedule will be provided allowing for time to meet with legislators. Even if you're unable to meet with lawmakers at your agreed time, it's still important to contact them and work to schedule an audience later that day or at another time in Charleston, as well as in your local community.

Remember, the legislative process is dynamic and a lot of meaningful activity has been purposely planned into this special day. Experiencing or participating in everything offered on this one day in Charleston would be unrealistic and exhausting. Make plans now to organize another trip next year and focus on different activities and offerings!

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ARE THERE ANY SUGGESTED TIPS OR CONVERSATION STARTERS?

Yes. Tips and conversation starters are available to help you visit with legislators. Check out the Working with Legislators page for complete details on how to identify and locate your lawmakers, as well as contact and meet with them.

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WILL THANK-YOU GIFTS BE GIVEN TO LEGISLATORS?

In appreciation for the work of our West Virginia legislators, and to showcase Extension programs, a small token to legislators is planned for this year's event.

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IS GIVING A GIFT TO A LEGISLATOR ALLOWED?

Please note: No tax-payer monies are used for purchasing our gifts to legislators. The cost of the gift will be under the $25.00 gift limit for political gifts.

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WHAT ARE MY LUNCH OPTIONS?

If you would like to order box lunches for your group, contact Charleston caterer Judy Byrne at 304-437-4344. Lunches are reasonably priced at $6.75 each and the cost includes tax and delivery. The lunch includes a choice of turkey or ham sandwich on a croissant roll, a bag of chips, a piece of fruit, and choice of drink (bottled water, Coke or Diet Coke.) Vegetarian sandwiches are available.

Contact Judy directly to place your order, and she will deliver orders to the Capitol Lower Rotunda on Tuesday, February 19 at approximately 11:00 a.m. A final count for each order is needed by Friday, February 15. You may also fax your order to Judy at 304-925-8351. Be sure to include your contact's name, name of your county or group, and how many lunches you want. She will include an invoice with each group order.

Other lunch options include the Capitol complex cafeteria and restaurants nearby.

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CAN VISITING 4-H STUDENTS SERVE AS PAGES?

If 4-H'ers wish to serve as pages, please arrange this in advance with the office of your delegates or senator. If your 4-H'er can't serve as a page on Tuesday, February 19, ask about making arrangements for a different date.

Need additional assistance contacting your legislator? Contact Ann Bailey Berry or W.Va. Legislature staff.

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WHAT IS THE INTERACTIVE MAP BOARD?

Stick up for your county and hometown – let us know you're here by stopping by the WVU Extension Map Board. The map board lets everyone know and see the variety of places from which our WVU and Extension folks have traveled to participate.

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WHERE CAN THE INTERACTIVE MAP BOARD BE FOUND?

The map board can be found in the Cultural Center Lobby at the beginning of the day and will be relocated to the Upper Rotunda when activities move to the Capitol.

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WHERE CAN GROUP PHOTOS BE TAKEN?

To provide for the best natural indoor lighting, we suggest taking group photos in the Upper Rotunda. Bring your own camera and snap away!

Please note: Per the schedule, a mass group photograph will be taken. Don't be late.

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HOW CAN THE CAPITOL BE TOURED?

Free guided tours of the Capitol Complex are available on the half hour. Call 304-558-4839 to schedule your tour.

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ARE OTHER TOURS AVAILABLE?

As in previous years, groups are invited to arrange other activities and tours on their own. The Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences will specially open for WVU Extension and 4-H groups. Learn how you can visit the Clay Center Museum while in Charleston.

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WHAT OTHER HIGHLIGHTS ARE PLANNED FOR THE DAY?

Please refer to the schedule for a list of activities that are planned as part of the official event.

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