Tag: Advocacy

Legislative Kick-Off Recap

On January 21, 2026, School’s Out Washington (SOWA) and the Youth Development Strategy Table (YDST) hosted a virtual Legislative Kick-Off to highlight the coalition’s 2026 legislative priorities and share ways the community can support and advocate for the youth development field across Washington.   Centering young people in this work was a highlight of the event. Two youth speakers shared powerful stories about how youth development programs have shaped their lives. Both speakers served on SOWA’s Youth Advisory Subcommittee, a group of 10 passionate young people who worked together in the fall and summer of 2025 to complete a policy project with guidance and support from the YDST coalition and SOWA team.  One of the youth speakers, Lexi, shared how participating in youth development … [ ]

2024 Legislative Session

By School's Out Washington

This legislative session, we are asking the legislature for a budget proviso to allocate funding in the 2024 budget, administered through the Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), for a grant program that supports the creation, expansion and quality improvement of community-based youth development programs that contribute to young people’s health, wealth, and well-being. 

Youth Development Advocacy Week

By School's Out Washington

Now is the time to showcase Youth Development to policymakers! In partnership with the Youth Development Strategy Table, we’ll be meeting youth, providers, and other stakeholders to educate and advocate for our legislative priorities from February 6 – 10.  Here’s how you can participate.  Before Advocacy Week (January 11 – February 2): During Advocacy Week (February 6 – 10): Please reach out to David Beard with any questions or concerns. Youth make Washington better and it’s time for the state to support youth development!

The Youth Development Strategy Table invites you to Regional Networking Meetings

By School's Out Washington

This Fall the Youth Development Strategy Table (YDST) will be traveling around the state to hear from providers and stakeholders what their needs are to support youth and strategize how to increase state investments for the youth development field. The YDST is currently working on legislative priorities including the creation of a state agency home for the youth development field, long-term funding, and funding for programs. Join us to learn more about the priorities, add your input, and network with other youth development providers and stakeholders. We hope to see you there! City & Region Event Location Date & Time … [ ]

Lights on Afterschool 2022

By School's Out Washington

Every year, Lights On Afterschool highlights amazing expanded learning opportunities all over the nation! Programs invite families, schools, policymakers, the media, and others to see the important work happening after school to engage youth and improve academic and social-emotional learning outcomes. We have a goal of getting as many Washington programs registered as possible to show our state’s leadership when it comes to providing quality expanded learning opportunities afterschool and during the summer.  That’s why we need your help! You can plan an in-person or online event at your site. Go to the Afterschool Alliance website for a comprehensive list … [ ]

2022 Legislative Session sees wins for youth development

By School's Out Washington

The 2022 Washington State Legislative Session ended on March 10th with several youth development-related budget wins, including funding for mental health, additional child care subsidies, and more. And there were policy wins as well. The first was a behavioral health request ($1M) based on a pilot at the Boys & Girls Clubs that allows youth to access mental health services on-site and provides funding for mental health-related training for staff. The funding will go towards the pilot as well as for training for other providers. Child care received additional funding to increase subsidy rates by 16% ($45.9M) as well as … [ ]