Lobbyist Shadow Day

On February 26, students who participated in the Lobbying Program Area at the 2026 Youth in Government conference took part in the first Shadow a Lobbyist Day of the 2026 Minnesota Legislative Session. YMCA Center for Youth Voice is proud to partner with the Minnesota Government Relations Council (MGRC) to offer this meaningful, high-impact opportunity.

The Shadow a Lobbyist Day program provided students with a unique and up-close look at the world of lobbying and the importance of ethical representation in the public policy process. During Shadow a Lobbyist Day, students shadowed a professional lobbyist and MGRC member at the Minnesota Capitol Complex. They attended committee meetings, listened in on conversations with lawmakers, and observed the hustle and bustle of a day at the Capitol up close. Then, the students and their mentor lobbyists grabbed lunch to debrief the day’s events.

The Minnesota Governmental Relations Council and the YMCA Center for Youth Voice have partnered for more than 20 years to support thousands of young people as they learn about our state government and how to use their voices to act on issues that matter to them. Thank you to our partners at MGRC and to our Shadow a Lobbyist Day hosts, Molly Sigel, Lauryn Schothorst, Therese Kuvaas, Stephanie Pinkalla, and Rachel Berger.