WASHINGTON

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
STRATEGY TABLE

Priorities & Advocacy

2023 YDST Legislative Priorities

The Youth Development Strategy Table is currently working on a budget strategy to support young people with youth development opportunities.

We had been working on Senate Bill 5601 and House Bill 1386, which both did not move forward due to state budget concerns (as of 2/24/23). While we were disappointed in the outcome – we are not giving up. In order to see anything this session and in a future session, we need stronger advocacy than ever. We are currently re-strategizing now, stay tuned for updates!

How You Can Support Youth Development

  • Send an Action Alert: Join the YDST Mailing List or Contact David for more information at dbeard@schoolsoutwashington.org.
  • Meetings with your Legislators. Legislators need to hear from their constituents that youth development matters. We can set up meetings with your legislators to discuss youth development. Email David at dbeard@schoolsoutwashington.org for more information.
  • Virtually attend the YDST Bi-Weekly (every other week) Legislative Update Webinars: Starting 1/11 from 8:30-9am (1/11, 1/25, 2/8, 2/22, 3/8, 3/22, 4/5, 4/19), YDST will host a webinar that provides updates for everything happening during the legislative session and provides space to take input on what we are working on in Olympia. Register Here

Please reach out to David (dbeard@schoolsoutwashington.org) with any questions or concerns. Youth make a better Washington and it’s time for the state share of support to youth development. Let’s do this!

Membership

Membership is open to any organization or individual that agrees with the Youth Development Strategy Table operating framework and principles. Please feel out the form below.

Support and participation in causes that improve access to youth development programming and enhance the youth development field, not just causes directly connected to the individual or organizational member’s personal or professional interest.

Active communication of Youth Development Strategy Table priorities to members and affiliates as relevant and appropriate.

Members are responsible for governing their own potential conflicts of interest and deciding when it is or is not appropriate to participate and/or engage in subcommittee work, particularly around legislative advocacy.

All members will be required to affirm their continued membership annually.