Our law-makers in Olympia agree that the distinct needs of young people in Washington must be a priority. The Legislative Youth Advisory Council (LYAC) was created to help legislators address these needs through the direct input of Washington’s youth.
We are a group of 22 people aged 14 to 18 who discuss issues that Washington youth care about, and make recommendations to the legislature based on what we feel most people our age would prefer. We meet up to six times per year in locations around Washington, and every year we hold an Action Day in Olympia in to meet with legislators and testify on bills.
Legislation was passed in 2005 which established LYAC. In 2007, another bill was passed to extend LYAC through 2009 as well as change the appointment process. Currently, LYAC reviews applications and recommends applicants to the Lieutenant Governor, who makes final appointments. Eleven members are replaced each July and serve two year terms.
Please explore the legislation we have supported, give us your input on what we should do in the future, learn about our Town Hall meetings and other ways to get involved, and consider applying for next year’s term!
Above picture represents members in attendance at the June 2008 meeting. (Top left to right: Ryan, Cody, Tucker, Phil, Cameron, and Randyn. Bottom left to right: Andrew, Naomi, Michelle, Lissa, Brady, Alex, and Kit.)