The YDST is a coalition of public, nonprofit, and community stakeholders. Together, we are working to secure long-term commitments from funders and legislators to enable programming that supports the well-being of young people by sustaining early learning gains, improving academic and social-emotional outcomes, and preventing deep-end system involvement.
2025 Legislative Session Kick-Off Rally
January 21 | 4:00 – 5:00 PM
Virtual on Zoom | Register here
YDST Legislative Session Meetings
Every other Thursday during session (January-April) | 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Virtual on Zoom | Register here
Advocacy Day in Olympia
Save the date: March 21
Registration link coming soon
SOWA’s mission is to ensure equitable access to high-quality, youth development programs across Washington state—especially for low-income youth and youth of color. Through advocacy, professional learning, and grants we have created a foundation of support and expertise that enables and enriches the critical work of youth-serving organizations. We facilitate the Youth Development Strategy Table through:
Coordination: SOWA provides the central administrative resources needed to steward and convene members and committees.
Collaboration: The Youth Development Strategy Table is collaboratively owned and governed with dedicated support from SOWA staff.
Celebration: SOWA is committed to honoring and championing the work of youth development programs throughout Washington State. SOWA uses its marketing platform—including social media, email campaigns, and other means of sharing stories—to create and implement advocacy campaigns for the Youth Development Strategy Table.
YDST provides advocacy support for expanded learning, mentoring, and wrap-around supports. As a statewide coalition, we have successfully:
As leaders of the YDST, we work alongside public and nonprofit stakeholders to sustain gains in childcare, accelerate academic and social-emotional growth, and keep kids moving in a positive direction.
The YDST works collectively to:
The coalition comprises nearly 300 individuals across Washington state, representing over 125 organizations. Along with the broader network, the YDST’s Leadership Committee guides legislative priorities and tactics to advocate for funding and policy change for the youth development field.
YDST Leadership Committee
Arts Corps | Asia Pacific Cultural Center | Big Brothers Big Sisters | Boys & Girls Clubs of Washington State | Choose 180 | Committee for Children | Communities In Schools Washington | CIS Central Washington | Dylan Jude Harrell Community Center | Foundation for Tacoma Students | Girls Scouts of Western Washington | League of Education Voters | OK FYRE | Mentor WA | United Way King County
– Connect with others in the field doing similar work
– Stay up-to-date with information that impacts youth development
– Awareness of funding opportunities
– Learning and training opportunities
– Aligned advocacy strategies
– Your voice and experience matters
– Action-oriented – be part of the solution
#schoolsoutwashington
#sowa
#fundyouthdev
YDST 2025 Legislative Session Kick-Off Rally
We’re kicking off the 2025 state legislative session with a virtual rally. You’ll hear from YDST legislative champions, youth leaders, and YDST leadership about the advocacy strategies we’ve planned for this session. Learn how to take action and make your voice heard regarding the critical need for youth development state funding.
January 21 at 4-5 p.m. on Zoom. Register today!
YDST Meetings:
Join us to connect with youth development professionals across the state. Learn about what’s happening in the youth development policy space and how you can lean into advocating for state funding that will benefit youth programs statewide.
The YDST meets every other week from 10:00-10:30 a.m. during session, starting on January 30. Register for individual meetings or the whole series.
Stay connected to the YDST by signing up for the newsletter.