4 minute read
Youth Legislative Day
BY Marnie Maraldo
Executive Director of Influence the Choice
On a chilly Monday morning, a group of dedicated students from the Issaquah School District embarked on a meaningful journey to the Washington State Capitol. These middle and high school students participated in Influence the Choice’s Youth Legislative Day. The primary goal? To engage with state legislators and advocate for increased support for prevention efforts aimed at steering young people away from the use of alcohol and other drugs.
Representing various legislative districts, including the 5th, 11th, and 41st, these students seized the opportunity to converse with legislators and their assistants. Their focus was on addressing the impact of substances like alcohol, cannabis, tobacco, and other drugs on students, particularly during school hours, irrespective of whether the students themselves were users.
Emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to health education, the students conveyed more than a simple "just say no" message. They stressed the importance of understanding why substances are unsafe for youth, particularly in relation to brain development. Notably, the students discussed a legislative proposal, House Bill (HB) 1956, which aims to introduce units in health classes covering the dangers of fentanyl and other opioids. The bill calls for collaboration between the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), the Department of Health, the Health Care Authority, state agencies, and Educational Service Districts (ESD’s) to develop materials for middle and high school students. The Issaquah School District students advocated for broader collaboration involving organizations specializing in youth substance use prevention, such as Influence the Choice, in curriculum development. Their plea was for more impactful prevention education encompassing all substances.
Another pressing concern for the group of teens was the impact of vaping on young people. Drawing on data from the 2021 Washington State Healthy Youth Survey, they highlighted that 8% of Issaquah School District 12th graders reported vaping, with 14% uncertain about the substances they were inhaling. Students expressed the adverse effects of vaping on the school environment, citing discomfort in restrooms and disruptions in classrooms. One student shed light on the rapid onset of nicotine and tobacco dependence among youth, underscoring the lack of effective programs to aid young people in quitting smoking.
Legislators displayed a keen interest in the students' perspectives, recognizing the significance of hearing directly from those affected by legislative decisions. The day offered a unique platform for students to engage with legislators, providing insights into issues that directly impact them. As the day concluded, each student had the opportunity to converse with at least one legislator, appreciative of the chance to use their voices and develop valuable advocacy and leadership skills.
The Youth Legislative Day at the Washington State Capitol proved to be a pivotal moment for the students of the Issaquah School District. Their impassioned discussions with legislators underscored the urgency of comprehensive prevention education and the need for collaborative efforts involving organizations like Influence the Choice. As these young advocates continue to navigate the complexities of substance misuse issues in their schools, their voices have become a catalyst for change. This experience not only provided an opportunity for students to share their concerns but also served as a platform for them to develop essential advo cacy and leadership skills. The engagement with legislators left a lasting impression, demonstrating the tangible impact that open dialogue can have on shaping policies that directly affect the well-being of our youth.
As these students return to their classrooms and communities, they carry with them the knowledge that their voices matter and that their advocacy can contribute to creating a safer and healthier environment for all. The Youth Legislative Day stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, education, and the unwavering determination of young individuals committed to fostering positive change.
