YOUTH ADVOCACY HUB
SUMMARY
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The bill defines Youth Development programs as programs that inclusively and equitably engages young people in their communities. They focus on holistic outcomes by complementing school-day academics, promoting social-emotional well-being, and supporting access to postsecondary career pathways.
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This bill also establishes an office of youth development as part of the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF).
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One of the main responsibilities of the office would be to administer a youth development grant program to provide funding for programs focused on learning acceleration, social-emotional learning, connection to non-school-based resources, supports for postsecondary access, arts programming, cultural programming, and more.
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The office must create this grant program with youth aged 14-26, people with lived experience in the youth development field, and others.
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The bill establishes priorities for who should get these grants. For example, priority would go to programs serving youth from historically marginalized communities. Top recipients would need to be inclusive of youth with physical and development disabilities. Districts are generally not able to be granted these funds.
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POINTS TO CONSIDER ABOUT THIS BILL
What is Youth Development?
Youth Development in an intentional, strength-based approach that inclusively and equitably engages young people within their communities. It is culturally responsive, fosters positive relationships, and supports the development of skills and competencies that help young people reach the future they envision.
Youth development programs often taken place outside the regular school day and include mentoring, expanded learning, and wrap-around supports. You'll find these programs all over Washington, operating in community spaces, schools, parks, small businesses, faith institutions, on tribal lands, online, and more. For more information, visit the the website of a leading youth development advocacy organization, School's Out Washington (SOWA).
The Youth Development Strategy Table (YDST) is a coalition (convened by SOWA) of providers, advocates, and others who care about expanding and increasing access to these programs. They brought this bill forward and are very supportive of it. For years, the YDST has been looking for institutionalize a state office and state funding stream for these important programs that countless families across Washington rely on. This bill would establish that office, help resource the programs, and ensure greater access for kids and families.
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
