YOUTH ADVOCACY HUB
SUMMARY
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This bill requires the state to include people from underrepresented populations, who have direct, personal experience related to the subject matter being addressed, to be included on any advisory committees, taskforces, boards, commissions, or other similar entities created or mandated by state law.
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In its process through the legislature, the bill has gone through changes related to how many people with lived experience should be included in these entities. Currently, the bill would mandate these entities always include at least three individuals who have direct lived experience with the issue be included and ensure the group reflects the diversity of people who are being impacted by the issue.
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These entities must provide accommodations to members, such as language interpreters and disability aids
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All of these entities (taskforces, advisory committees, etc.) must report the following to the Office of Equity:
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The underrepresented populations that are directly impacted by their work;
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Aggregated demographic information of all their members; and
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The number of members who have direct lived experience with the issues they are working on (who will also be compensated with a daily stipend)
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The Office of Equity will conduct an analysis of these new requirements to evaluate its effectiveness in increasing inclusion and equity.
POINTS TO CONSIDER ABOUT THIS BILL
Taskforces, work groups, advisory committees, and other, similar entities are often convened to assist in developing and implementing policies. They also can help provide recommendations on what policies should be created or updated and provide feedback on how existing policies are (or are not) achieving their goals.
Communities most impacted by various policy decisions are often excluded from the policy-making process. Historically, people of color, individuals with disabilities, and other underrepresented populations are particularly left out. This proposal is attempting to address these historic practices being more intentional about inclusion.
For more information about this bill and this topic, visit this one-pager from Disability Rights Washington.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
Steps to Get Started
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Learn where the bill is in the legislative process.
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If there is an upcoming hearing, decide how you would like to get your voice heard and take action.
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If there is not an upcoming hearing, or if you want to supplement your advocacy, call or write your legislators.
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Spread the word and get other people on board.
Participating in a Hearing
Sign in Pro, Con, or Other
This is when individuals, advocates, and organizations make their position on a particular bill known for the record. This is particularly powerful in large numbers. Many organizations will send out Action Alerts asking people to sign in Pro or Con on a bill.
Submit Written Testimony
Submitting written testimony is a great way not only to make your position known, to legislators but also to explain why in more detail. This is a good option if you don't want to speak in front of others. People also like to offer more nuance to their position by writing.
Testify Virtually
Since COVID, many legislators are allowing remote/virtual testimony for bill hearings, as it greatly expands access to the legislative process across the state. For this, individuals usually have between 1-2 minutes to state their opinion on a bill in front of the legislative committee on Zoom.
Testify In Person
To testify on a bill in person, you must travel to Olympia and join the real-time committee hearing on the Capitol campus. You will also get between 1-2 minutes to state your opinion. This is often a powerful way to make an impression on legislators in the room.
Using the WA Legislature Website
