Youth mental health is in crisis—but we're fighting back. WYA youth have led the charge to secure historic funding for school counselors, crisis services, and student wellness programs. In 2024/25, we held over 100 legislator meetings to make sure decision-makers heard directly from young people about what we need.

Our generation has grown up with active shooter drills and tragedy after tragedy. We refuse to accept this as normal. WYA youth have successfully advocated for Washington's assault weapons ban and continue fighting for common-sense policies that keep our communities safe.

Young people are affected by every political decision—from education funding to climate policy—yet most of us can't vote until 18. WYA is leading Vote16 campaigns to lower the voting age for local elections, starting with ballot measures in Yakima and Pullman. We're proving that when youth have a seat at the table, democracy wins.