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YDAC 1-Week & 3-Week & 6-Week Email Details/Resources
1-WEEK EMAIL DETAILS AND RESOURCES (3- & 6-WEEK EMAILS BELOW) 
We are so, so excited that your students (or you if you are a student coming by yourself) will be learning more about how to advocate and use their voice with their legislators and other representatives and officials in just 1 week at YOUTH DAY AT THE CAPITOL. (This is your last email update. Let us know now if you have questions or if your registration information has changed.)
February 24 Email Topics:
4 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YDAC
1) The Essential Prep: Make sure your students generally understand these four things before they come:
a. a) What representative government is
b) b) What issues are, and how they are reflected in laws and policies (See this page below under 3-weeks for examples)
c) That every person’s position or belief on an issue comes from knowing their own values and priorities, and understanding what the ‘sides’ (choices, goals) of an issue involve
d) What is an issue they-the student- cares about, or have questions about? (For the training, and the legislator meetings.)
ALL ABOUT THE CAPITOL
https://mn.gov/caapb/capitol-area/capitol-building/
The State Capitol Building many acknowledge today as one of the five most beautiful in the country is actually our third state capitol building. The first one, built in 1853 in the north part of downtown Saint Paul at Tenth and Cedar, was destroyed by fire in 1881 and replaced on the same site in 1883 with a four-story, Romanesque, masonry building that shortly after it was opened, was recognized as being too small and suffering from poor ventilation. That site eventually became home to the former Arts and Science Building and today’s McNally Smith Music Academy.
When all said and done, the original $2 million budget would grow to $4.5 million as Gilbert added his own brand of flourishes and refinements, including the highest level of decorative and fine art by nationally recognized artists, all hand-picked and supervised by Gilbert. In addition, there was his unique three story, cantilevered oval stairs in the northeast corner and the second largest self-supported marble dome in the world, behind St. Peters and ahead of the Taj Mahal.
Building Occupants/Tenants
Attorney General's Office
Governor's Office
House of Representatives
Minnesota Historical Society
Senate
https://www.mnhs.org/capitol/activities/calendar/6781
Join a one-hour guided tour of the restored Capitol through the shadowy rotunda, hallways, and chambers, lit with original early 1900s lighting. Visitors will encounter historical "spirits," including a night watchman, Civil War veteran, a woman suffragist, and more, who will tell stories of the Capitol's early history.
UPDATED SCHEDULE FOR THE DAY
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
3-WEEK Email Details and Resources (6-week below)
We are STILL so excited that your students (or you if you are a student coming by yourself) will be learning more about how to advocate and use their voice with their legislators and other representatives and officials in just 3 weeks at YOUTH DAY AT THE CAPITOL. (Your next email update will be at 1 week out, and include legislator meetings, essential prep, hearing details, and more!)
February 11 Email Topics:
1) Pre-YDAC Prep (Set them up for success!)
PRE-YDAC Preparation Materials
Video: Advocacy and Action
PowerPoint: Advocacy 101 PPT Example from NCSS
More: Additional Resources From Outside Minnesota
More on the History Center: https://www.mnhs.org/fieldtrips/history-center/prepare
ISSUES (the 'what' of living in a community)
Issues/Topics
Learning the mechanics of registering and voting are important. But before you fill in the bubbles on a ballot, you (ideally) want to know what and who you are voting for. Whether you are reaching out to advocate to an official or a policy maker, or electing a legislator, an executive, a judge, school board member, or some other office, or if you are voting to pass or stop a change in what you pay to your city, knowing what you believe and what others believe will help you make sure your voice is heard.
What are the issues, and where do you stand on them?
When we vote for someone to serve as our representative, we want them to vote as we would on issues that are important to us, or we trust them to make voting decisions based on the kind of person we believe them to be. To even know if they will vote the way you want them to, you need to know the areas/topics that might come up, and where you stand. Learning the topics will present you with the sides/choices, and then you can decide which side you’re on.
Even creating a list of issues to think about can be seen as partisan (taking a side). Here are some lists to start with:
https://www.pewresearch.org/topics/
2) The Schedule of the Day
a) By 8:45 a.m.: Register in the MN History Center Education Wing Lobby
b) 9-10 a.m. (approx): Session 1; Assigned to Advocacy Training or Auditorium Program
c) 10:10-11:10 a.m. (approx): Session 2; Attend the other activity
d) 11:15 a.m. (approx): All will gather before we step outside together.
e) 11:30 a.m. (approx): Walk as a group to the Capitol
f) Upon arrival: group photo on the Capitol Steps
g) 12-3 p.m. (approx): Lunch; Legislator Meetings; Rotunda Activities, MN Legislative Hearing with MN Youth Council
h) When you are done: Travel home!
3) THINGS TO KNOW:
Dress code: While there is no prescribed dress code, this is a great opportunity to discuss image and respect in presentation. This is not to say no jeans or tee shirts, but if they won’t be in ‘nicer’ clothing, you might ask for no images on shirts and no rips, etc. jeans.
Working on Legislator meetings: When meeting times are set, you will get a notification from the scheduler. If you (now) can expand your availability to meet, you increase your chances of matching their schedules. Some meetings are set very close to the 3rd, or set up as to be pulled out of a hearing. WATCH YOUR EMAIL (and let us know if you have questions)!
Parking:
-Free parking for cars in the lot off Kellogg Blvd (Compliments of the History Center): PARKING INFORMATION
OR
-Talk to your bus drivers! (Buses drop at History Center on John Ireland, park near Capitol): www.mnhs.org/fieldtrips/history-center/bus-parking (Bus picks you up on MLK outside the Capitol.)
Lunch:
Most school groups bring school bagged lunches or student-packed lunches, or some combination. Most keep them on the bus (buses tend to drop at the history center and park around the Capitol on MLK or John Ireland) and grab them (or eat on the bus) after the group photo on the Capitol steps. If you are taking a bus, speak to the driver about their parking and departure plans, and get the driver’s cell, or at least keep the bus company number for communication!
There are some sites in the complex that have cafeteria space, but I don’t know their hours for sure on the 3rd.
While there is a general link for dining, here are the specifics:
1) In the Capitol is the Rathskeller (https://menu.taherfood4life.org/en-us/dining/capitolcafe)
2) In the Centennial Building is the Centennial Grand Cafe (https://menu.taherfood4life.org/en-us/dining/centennialcafe)
You can eat in, but you can also order boxed lunches ahead of time or vouchers for dining at either location by contacting Larry at L.Wojciechowski@taher.com.
You might be able to talk to the Capitol about reserving a room to eat lunch you bring or get something delivered (pizza, etc.). Space reservation is here: https://mn.gov/admin/citizen/public-events/capspacereservations.jsp
While there are also some restaurants within walking distance, we are not huge fans of the extended neighborhood, and were it our group, we'd not opt for that walk.
We hope this is helpful. Let us know if you have any questions.
4) FUN EXTRAS:
May I testify at a committee hearing?
Yes. Members of the general public are encouraged to testify before committees, though testimony may need to be arranged with committee staff prior to a scheduled hearing. Committees primarily focus hearings on particular bills, though occasionally they discuss issues of broad interest within the committee's jurisdiction. It's best not to come to testify at a committee hearing without first contacting the committee staff or your representative. Call House Public Information Services at 651-296-2146 or Senate Information 651-296-0504 to find the phone numbers for committee staff or to receive a standing committee schedule.
The First Amendment
https://constitutioncenter.org/interactive-constitution/amendment/amendment-i
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Pre-Registering (16&17) and Registering (18+) to Vote
https://www.sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting/register-to-vote/
Pre-Register to vote at 16 in Minnesota!
Who can vote in Minnesota?
You must be:
-A U.S. citizen
-At least 18 years old on Election Day
-A resident of Minnesota for 20 days
-Not incarcerated on any felony sentence
6-WEEK INFORMATION
We are so excited that your students (or you if you are a student coming by yourself) will be learning more about how to advocate and use their voice with their legislators and other representatives and officials in just 6 weeks at YOUTH DAY AT THE CAPITOL. (Your next email update will be at 3 weeks out, and include parking, local meal options, and more!)
January 23 Email Topics:
1) PREPPING YOUR STUDENTS FOR YDAC
How are you planning to prepare? What resources can we provide? Do you need a letter to the school about students attending that day? (Non-school-based YDAC delegations)
Are you/will you be learning about your state reps and senators in class?
(Who are they? How long have they been serving? How have they voted?)
Getting informed about Congressional Districts, State Senate and House Districts, and precincts
(the different layers of state and local government)? What are some issues that lawmakers vote on?
What do YOU (the student) care about? How does a person decide their position/opinion on any particular issue or topic?
2) SCHEDULE
a) By 8:45 a.m.: Register in the MN History Center Education Wing Lobby
b) 9-10 a.m. (approx): Session 1; Assigned to Advocacy Training or Auditorium Program
c) 10:10-11:10 a.m. (approx): Session 2; Attend the other activity
d) 11:15 a.m. (approx): All will gather before we step outside together.
e) 11:30 a.m. (approx): Walk as a group to the Capitol
f) Upon arrival: group photo on the Capitol Steps
g) 12-3 p.m. (approx): Lunch; Legislator meetings; Rotunda activities, MN Legislative Hearing with MN Youth Council
h) When you are done: Travel home!
3) Advocacy Resources
We have gathered a number of interesting and useful resources developed by outside groups, some of which might be helpful to you and your students. Certain items or sites are clearly partisan or take positions; still, many of the advocacy tools and lessons are generally applicable. As with all online resources, use or adapt what works for you, and please respect any copyrights.
The North American Council on Adoptable Children has resources on advocacy, meeting with legislators, and more.
https://nacac.org/help/be-a-youth-advocate/resources-on-youth-advocacy-or-support/
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The UNICEF Youth Advocacy Guide (PDF and online formats) includes definitions and types of advocacy, how to choose your issue(s), research, and planning information. (Both versions of the guide have their strengths!)
https://www.voicesofyouth.org/tools-resources/2022-unicef-youth-advocacy-guide-eng
https://www.voicesofyouth.org/youthadvocacy (updated- general)
https://advocacyaccelerator.org/resource/youth-advocacy-guide-unicef/ (African- for download)
https://www.voicesofyouth.org/tools-resources/unicef-youth-advocacy-guide-training-materials
www.unicef.org/media/73296/file/ADAP-Guidelines-for-Participation.pdf UNICEF-specific, but with some great information
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Advocacy ‘warm-up exercises’ from Center for Disability Leadership www.selfadvocacy.org/101-self-advocacy-basics/
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MENTOR program-specific resources, ideas, tools, teachings, recorded advocacy workshop, PowerPoint slides, tips
https://www.mentoring.org/resource/advocacy-resources/#Grassroots-Advocacy
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Nextvoice has an advocacy teaching tool that may be better for younger students (or may just present that way)
https://nextvoice.asa.org/engage/areas?onboarding=1
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Plan International Advocacy Toolkit ( 1 and 2; facilitator guide) https://plan-international.org/publications/advocacy-toolkit/
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United Nations Youth Rights Advocacy Toolkit www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/2022-12/Youth-Rights-Advocacy-Toolkit.pdf
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Youth MOVE National in partnership with the Research and Training Center for Pathways to Positive Futures
A guide intended for young people who have chosen to utilize their lived experience as a mechanism to advocate for positive change
https://www.pathwaysrtc.pdx.edu/pdf/pb-Youth-Advocacy-Guide.pdf
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Healthy Gen Advocacy Guide https://healthygen.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Youth-Advocacy-Guide.pdf and Videos https://healthygen.org/projects/online-youth-advocacy-training/
4) PREPPING TO ATTEND
(Details in this, the 3-weeks-before, and 1-week-before emails)
These thinking questions below are both for our planning but also to help you prepare for the day in your own ways. We are always here to support, so please reach out to us at any time if you have any questions, concerns, or if you want to explore ideas for preparation.
We are always looking to update the following, and maximize your students’ success at YDAC:
How many students? Do you have more than enough adults?
Special needs or accommodations?
Confirm (and maximize) timing for the day and for meeting legislators. -Register in the History Center by 8:45, stay AT LEAST until 1:30 p.m., but later gives you a greater chance for legislator meetings.
Transportation/parking. (Parking details in 3-weeks-before email.)
DETAILS TO CHECK ON:
1) Arrange for transportation (permission, payment, etc.)
2) Permission slips, school or systems field trip forms, etc.
3) If using, request bag/box lunches from school food service.
4) IF YOUR NUMBER OF STUDENTS CHANGES OR IF YOU CAN NO LONGER ATTEND, let Michael know at Michael.Wall@state.mn.us.
5) Questions? Need support?
Michael.Wall@state.mn.us or 651-201-6892
rbloome@mnyouth.net or 320-372-0318
5) YDAC FUN FACTS: Questions to Get Young Activists Thinking
How many U.S. states have passed laws recognizing a certain group or assembly of young people as ‘the voice of youth’ to the state legislature and the Governor?
Choices to the right >--------->---------->
(SEE ANSWER BELOW)
ANSWERS
How many U.S. states have passed laws recognizing a certain group or assembly of young people as ‘the voice of youth’ to the state legislature and the Governor?
f. All 50 (It’s a requirement.)
g. All 50 (Each state did it on their own.)
h. 17
i. 1
j. 0 (It is illegal for anyone under voting age to have a position advising a legislature.)
RESOURCE https://mnyouth.net/youth-voice-becomes-law-in-minnesota/
STATUTE: www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/124D.957
YOUTH VOICE IS LAW
· In 2013, the Minnesota Legislature formally recognized the work of the MYC, passing into law the Minnesota Youth Council Committee Bill, which establishes the group as the official voice for youth to provide advice and recommendations to the legislature and the governor on issues affecting youth and to serve as a liaison for youth around the state to the legislature and the governor.
· Watch: How The Minnesota Youth Council Bill Became Law!
· Minnesota Youth Council - A diverse network of 72 eighth through twelfth-graders and adult partners from each congressional district who collaboratively identify and address youth issues.
Excited
a. All 50 (It’s a requirement.)
b. All 50 (Each state did it on their own.)
c. 17
d. 1
e. 0 (It is illegal for anyone under voting age to have a position advising a legislature.)