What is the Washington State Legislative Youth Advisory Council?

Established in 2005 as the brainchild of then 12 year old Alex Jonlin, the Washington State Legislative Youth Advisory Council, a 2005 semi-finalist for the Harvard Kennedy School's Innovations in Government award, is enduring proof of teenagers' ability to make change in their communities. Each year, 22 youth from the ages of 14 to 18 from a diverse range of political, geographic, and socioeconomic backgrounds are selected to make meaningful policy recommendations to Washington's state legislature. 

From lobbying legislators, to hosting events with hundreds of young people from across the state, to traveling across the Cascades to teach civic engagement workshops, LYAC aims to leave an enduring legacy on the lives of youth across the state with its work.

Our Partners in Government