Kicking down the door: Washington's youth refuse to be shut out of the conversation

By Talan Collins

It was here, where from a meeting room too small to accompany the dozens of attendees left in the bitter cold, newly re-elected Congresswoman Marie Gluesenkamp-Perez (WA-03) walked on thin ice while attempting to defend a voting record which has drawn criticism from her Democratic base. Apologizing for the inadequate venue and late-stage change, Perez responded to written questions as sighs, snickers, and even occasional heckling erupted through the room, while those outside pressed against the drafty door to catch a glimpse. 

There were two temperatures in the room, and one was “burning hot and fast,” Perez acknowledged, characterizing her experience in D.C. as a “dog fight,” not just against Republicans, but within her own party, where ideological divisions have forced her to navigate competing pressures. 

Attributed by some with stoking increasing polarization, in this sense, looming over the event was the man not in the room: President Donald Trump. Recent threats by his administration to dismantle the Department of Education have only intensified concerns among students and educators about the future of funding and access to resources; adding fuel to the fire as districts across Washington face mounting budget reductions. 

Confident in her assertion that education is the “structure” and “backbone” of society, Perez warned “public schools [are] falling apart.” 

Icy roads and a thin coating of snow were not enough to keep students just days later from making their way to Washington’s State Capitol on Sunday, February 2, for Action Day, an annual event organized by the Legislative Youth Advisory Council (LYAC). With discussions on mental health, education, and bipartisan cooperation, students, lawmakers, and advocates tackled some of the most pressing issues facing schools across the state.

Across the street from Washington’s historic Capitol, students from all regions came together in the John A. Cherberg Building for an event designed to amplify youth voices in the legislative process. Among them was River’s own Ashlye Triebs, public affairs director for the council.

For first-year LYAC member Colton Hong, the opportunity was more than just a symbolic exercise. “Even though we can't vote now as youth, we still have the potential to influence policy,” he tells CR News. “Legislators care about what [we] think because [we experience] these problems firsthand.” Having first developed an interest in politics through debate, Hong credited his time as a House page last February for deepening his passion for advocacy. “That experience was transformative—I got to be on the House floor during voting, deliver notes, and meet with legislators. It made me want to come back for more, so I applied for LYAC and was accepted.” 

Keynote speaker and Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck, echoed calls he made on “The Rapids Report” this past May for students to step beyond political division and work toward productive conversations. Hong agreed. “We need to work across our differences, across party lines, and find common ground. Even if someone sits across the aisle from you, they’re still human. Recognizing that helps us come together as a collective.”

Newly sworn-in Governor Bob Ferguson outlined legislative priorities, including a proposal for universal free school lunch—a goal not yet met statewide. The idea sparked debate, with one student arguing that school lunches should not be free for all. 

“It was interesting to hear from different schools,” reflects Isaac Valdez-Arredondo, a student in attendance. “I come from a public school, but hearing opinions from places like charter schools [and] private schools, it’s interesting to see how spread out some things are. Some schools heavily focus on sports, others focus on education and have no sports at all.”

For Gabriel Linares, a LYAC member from Spokane, that contrast hit particularly close to home. “One of the biggest issues I advocate for is Washington public charter education,” he says. “[Charter schools] in our state [face up to] 25% less funding, and it feels like we’re forgotten in legislation.” Having recently written an article on the issue, Linares hopes to publish it soon to further elevate that conversation.

LYAC Legislative Affairs Director Jaanvi Ganapathy emphasizes the importance of testifying for bills and encouraging youth participation in the legislative process. “Talking to your legislators—especially the people that represent you—is important. A lot of them are actually really willing to talk to constituents.” She recognizes that the process can be daunting, but necessary: “A lot of bills are going to die,” but “it’s not over yet.”

Throughout Action Day, students engaged in roundtable discussions, panels, and workshops aimed at equipping them with the skills necessary for advocacy. 

The event also explored the role of misinformation in politics, with students discussing the impact of social media on young voter turnout and political participation. “If young people only get their news from TikTok or Instagram, they’re going to have a misinformed view of politics,” Hong contends. “Being able to identify what’s true and what’s false is going to be helpful in strengthening our democracy.”

Upon its conclusion, students left the annual Action Day at the Capitol with a renewed sense of purpose, empowered to bring real change back to their schools and communities, and address the issues that matter to them. “The biggest piece of advice I can give is to put yourself out there,” Narwal adds. “Sometimes you do fail, but then sometimes you end up succeeding and get a result that was far better than whatever you imagined.”