In-Person Schedule

The day begins with participant check-in and opening remarks. Students receive summit materials and are welcomed by statewide youth leaders, setting the tone for a collaborative, youth-driven day of civic engagement.

Students representing youth organizations from across Washington introduce themselves and their communities. This session highlights the geographic and cultural diversity of Washington’s student advocacy landscape and emphasizes the power of statewide collaboration.

Students rotate through interactive workshops led by League of Education Voters (LEV) and Washington Youth Alliance (WYA), focused on civic participation, youth voice, public speaking, voting, and student well-being. Sessions emphasize skill-building, discussion, and direct engagement that equips students to advocate effectively in their schools and communities. Includes Q&A with students.

Participants will tour the Washington State Capitol, including the Legislative Building and the John L. O’Brien, Cherberg, and Temple of Justice buildings. Students will see where lawmakers meet, where legislative staff work, and where the state’s highest court operates, gaining a concrete understanding of how Washington’s government functions day to day.

Lunch is provided for all attendees and offers students time to connect informally with peers, facilitators, and guest speakers. Representatives from statewide organizations, including the Secretary of State’s Office and the State Board of Education, will be present for informal conversation and networking. Vegetarian options will be available.

This AWSL-led workshop introduces how Washington State’s legislature works, including its structure, key roles, and the steps a bill takes to become law. Students will also learn practical ways to get involved in advocacy, from voting and testimony to engaging with local and state officials, ending with an interactive activity that reinforces key concepts in a fun, engaging way.

Additional rotating workshops deepen students’ understanding of civics, organizing, advocacy strategies, and pathways to involvement beyond the summit.

This moderated panel brings together leaders from advocacy, government, and student organizing, including Kenji Linane-Booey, Statewide Field Manager at the League of Education Voters (Ex-Admissions Officer at Gonzaga University), Megan Wargacki, Senior Counsel at the Office of Program Research, Joel Anderson, Associate Director of Legislative & External Affairs at the Washington State Student Achievement Council, and student advocate Brandon Elliott representing ASUW OGR and UW Impact. Panelists will share insights on how policy is shaped, the role of advocacy and staff in the legislative process, and how students can meaningfully engage in public service.