WAC Global Connections Club | From Ideas to Impact: Youth Advocacy and Civic Engagement

Join the World Affairs Council for a Global Connections Club session exploring how young people actively participate in democracy and shape their communities.

This session will feature guest speaker, Nolan Martin, Executive Director of Washington YMCA Youth & Government, who will share how experiential civic education empowers students to move beyond learning about democracy to actually practicing it. Through programs like mock legislatures, mock trials, and student-led policy debates, youth gain hands-on experience in advocacy, leadership, and civic decision-making, building the skills and confidence to make their voices heard.

Participants will discover how youth perspectives are essential to a healthy democracy and will explore real examples of student leadership and civic engagement across Washington State. The session will also connect to the 2026 World Citizen Essay Contest, inviting students to reflect on democracy from their own perspective and consider how their voices can create meaningful change locally and globally.

This interactive session will include time for student questions and discussion, giving participants a chance to engage directly with the Executive Director and share their own ideas. It is designed for middle and high school students who are interested in civic engagement, leadership, and global citizenship.

Join us to learn, engage, and be inspired by the ways youth are shaping democracy today!