Minneapolis, MN – The YMCA of the North, a leading nonprofit dedicated to youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, will partner with several other youth-serving organizations to bring 300 students in grades 6-12 to the Minnesota State Capitol to visit with legislators about issues of concern to them on February 25.

Different than many other “days on the hill,” Youth Day at the Capitol is unique in that participants identify local issues of concern, then practice advocating for those issues in small-group meetings with their local legislator(s). 

“Our goal is to help young people understand that elected officials work for the people, including young people,” said Amy Anderson, senior program director for the YMCA Center for Youth Voice. “Young people from Minneapolis will likely end up focusing on a different issue than young people from Big Lake or Duluth, for example. The common thread is that every young person will have the opportunity to meet with local community elected official(s), shake his or her hand and discuss hometown issues. That is a very powerful experience.”

To start the day, members of the Minnesota Youth Council will lead workshops on advocacy strategies and best practices. At 12:15 p.m., all participants will march to the State Capitol and gather in the Capitol Rotunda, where they will have the chance to vote in a mock presidential primary election, visit with several of Minnesota’s constitutional officers, and learn about additional civic engagement opportunities for youth. They will spend the afternoon meeting with legislators.

Youth Day at the Capitol is co-sponsored by the YMCA, MN Alliance with Youth, YWCA of Minneapolis, Minnesota Community Education Association and the Minnesota History Center.

WHO: 
YMCA of the North

WHAT:
Youth Day at the Capitol 2020

WHERE: 
Minnesota History Center and Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul, MN

WHEN:
Tuesday, February 25

Media Invited:

  • Tuesday, February 25, 9 a.m. - Noon at the Minnesota History Center for the advocacy workshops or Noon - 3 p.m. for civic activities in the Capitol Rotunda.

About the YMCA of the North

The YMCA of the North is a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.  Established 164 years ago, the Ys provide life-strengthening services across the greater Twin Cities metro region, southeastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin communities.  The 29 Y locations and program sites, eight overnight camps, 10 day camps, and more than 90 child care sites engage more than 370,000 men, women and children of all ages, incomes and backgrounds.  To learn more about the Y’s mission and work, visit www.ymcamn.org.