Minneapolis, MN – The YMCA of the North, a leading nonprofit dedicated to youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, will bring together more than 350 students in grades 6-12 at the Minnesota State Capitol on April 17.
Different than many other “days on the hill,” Youth Day at the Capitol (YDAC) is unique because youth participants aren’t given a list of predetermined legislative priorities. Rather, they start the day by working in small groups to identify issues that impact their local community. Youth advocates from Minneapolis will likely end up focusing on different issues than youth advocates from Big Lake or Duluth, for example. All participants attend a one-hour, youth-led “Advocacy Best Practices” workshop and then have the opportunity to practice those skills in small pre-arranged meetings with their local elected official(s).
“Many people don’t realize that legislators welcome the chance to meet with their constituents, including young constituents,” said Amy Anderson, executive director for the YMCA Center for Youth Voice. “Our goal with this program is to teach students how to be effective advocates and how to engage with decision makers to bring about change that is meaningful to them.”
WHO:
YMCA of the North’s Center for Youth Voice
WHAT:
Youth Day at the Capitol
WHERE:
Minnesota History Center on 345 W Kellogg Boulevard in St Paul, MN 55102 and the Minnesota State Capitol on 75 Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard in St Paul, MN 55101
WHEN:
Monday, April 17, 2023 at 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Media Invited:
- Monday, April 17, 9 -11:30 a.m., at Minnesota History Center and 11:45 a.m.– Noon students will march from the Minnesota History Center to the steps of the Minnesota State Capitol for a photo with several constitutional officers.
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 167 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.ymcanorth.org.