Washington State Activity
Expanded Learning Takes Olympia!
State Capitol Building Columbia Room, Olympia, WA, 10:00AM-2:00PM, 1/9/2018
2018 promises to be a big year for expanded learning opportunities and increasing access to quality programs for more children and youth. Join School’s Out Washington in Olympia as they bring together Expanded Learning Opportunities professionals from around the state for conversations with lawmakers to share the critical role the expanded learning field plays for young people and families. Register here! Contact David Beard at dbeard@schoolsoutwashington.org for more information.
Children and Youth Focused Coalition 2018 Agendas
In addition to the Expanded Learning Opportunity Coalition (see above), YDEKC is a member of the Children’s Welfare Coalition (CWAC), Washington Coalition for Homeless Youth (WACHYA) and the Children’s Alliance. Their advocacy agendas for 2018 are available here: CWAC, WACHYA, and Children’s Alliance.
Youth Advocacy Day
United Churches of Olympia, 110 11th Ave SE, Olympia, WA, 8:00AM-2:00PM, 1/26/2018
Join over 300 youth, families and allies in Olympia each year to advocate for reforms to the child welfare system and to systems affecting youth experiencing homelessness. With a youth-inspired legislative agenda and our signature orange scarves, you can unite with our youth advocates and meet elected officials to make a difference for your community. The day includes inspiring speeches by youth, policymakers and fellow advocates. At the end of the day, join the rally on the Capitol steps and march around the grounds to help break down perceptions that stand in the way of every youth and young adult having a safe and stable home. More info and registration available here!
Wa State Department for Children, Youth, and Families
YDEKC has participated in stakeholder conversations regarding the implementation of the new Department of Children, Youth, and Families, including a stakeholder meeting convened by Rep. Ruth Kagi and Rep Tana Senn on Dec 8th. The meeting was extremely well attended across the entire spectrum of youth services. Several highlights from conversations across the state were mentioned by Frank Ordway, staff to Secretary Ross Hunter, including:
- Ensuring inclusion of the voices of youth and parents
- Effective policies regarding response for child care and foster care
- More robust prevention and support for pre-teens and teens with a holistic approach
YDEKC will pursue work this year for consideration of an Office of Youth Development at the state level in the new DCYF. |