LYAC: Our Year So Far
As LYAC continues its strong advocacy work in government we look at the accomplishments and reflections of the council.
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Washington Legislative Youth Advisory Council (LYAC) transitioned to a virtual format. But, despite unfamiliar circumstances, the 2020–2021 council members successfully drafted legislation, met with legislators, organized multiple events, and engaged with thousands of young people across the state.
Earlier in 2020, LYAC administered its annual Youth Survey to learn the most pressing issues facing Washington’s young people. Quickly, mental health emerged as a leading problem, with close to 60% of survey-takers admitting their mental health had decreased in the past year. Council members, many experiencing behavioral health issues themselves, realized something needed to be done to address this crisis, and after many hours of research and discussion, decided to write a bill. LYAC’s bill, HB 1373, requires all Washington schools to list behavioral health resources on their website homepage: a move LYAC’s chair, Kellen Hoard, believes would “provide widespread supports for students when and where they need it.” Since its inception in January, HB 1373 has accumulated bipartisan support and recently passed from the House to the Senate. Due to this legislation’s overwhelming success, first-year members like Priyanka Mukhara are hoping to write another education-focused bill next year.
Beyond HB 1373, LYAC has advocated for crucial youth-centered legislation throughout the 2021 legislative session. Scheduling 106 lobbying meetings, this year’s council members pushed for juvenile attorney access with HB 1140, media literacy education with SB 5242, the prohibition of Native American school mascots with HB 1356, and more. For many, like Carissa Crum, talking with state legislators provided the opportunity to “[push] for change in Washington.” And, for first-year Charlie Fisher, lobbying for SB 5044, which aims to strengthen educator cultural competency training, led to public testimony in front of the House education committee.
Along with proposing legislation and lobbying, LYAC also planned two virtual civic engagement events and connected with hundreds of youth organizations. In January, the community outreach committee organized a Town Hall with guests like Lt Governor Denny Heck and State Senators T’Wina Nobles and Claire Wilson to discuss politics and youth involvement. Community outreach director, Yubi Mamiya, worked to bring “together a… diverse group of young people” for the webinar and enjoyed seeing “change makers from across Washington coming together to learn.” Action Day, the council’s other event, gathered young people statewide to learn about the legislative process, discuss youth issues, and gain resources to create change. Over the day, participants heard from state officials like Representative Monica Stonier, Secretary of State Kim Wyman, State Treasurer Mike Pellicciotti, and Attorney General Bob Furgeson and engaged with community leaders like Erin Jones and Teens for Tukwila. According to Mamiya, Action Day’s youth-led workshops and conversations proved that “students are most empowered when they learn from each other’s important experiences and perspective.”
Despite COVID-19 limitations, Kellen Hoard and the council at large were dedicated to furthering LYAC’s impact this year through new initiatives. As Hoard states, LYAC managed to “[expand] the number and types of projects… whether that be… unprecedented candidate interviews… [a] town hall… [and a] massive increase in legislator and committee testimony”.
Although this term was far from normal, LYAC worked diligently to represent all 2.2 million young people statewide. Next year, many members are looking to deepen the council’s advocacy by establishing a consistent relationship with OSPI, drafting additional legislation, and making the council more accessible. For instance, first-year Carrissa Crum hopes LYAC can connect with remote communities “to make more change for rural students.”
As the 2020–21 council comes to a close, LYAC is excited to welcome new members and continue advocating for Washington’s youth in the state legislature and beyond.
