Dear Mockingbird Community,

It's time for a recap of our 2025 Youth Leadership Summit! This year, Summit took place at the University of Washington in Seattle on August 5th and 6th. The theme was listening, with a strong focus on hearing directly from young people and centering their voices in every conversation.

We were thrilled to welcome over 40 youth and young adults (YYAs) from five chapters across Washington, alongside nearly 60 community partners from both the public and private sectors, all committed to ending youth homelessness.

On the first day of Summit, our Public Policy and Advocacy Team hosted a workshop for young people to learn about the legislative process in Washington state and what it takes to pass a bill. Chapters also had the chance to practice their presentations on their advocacy topics and have lots of fun throughout the day!

The second day of Summit was focused on Chapter Presentations from young people. Community partners—including Secretary Tana Senn (The Department of Children, Youth & Families), Cacey Hanauer-Sutton (The Office of Homeless Youth), and Senator Tina Orwall—engaged in a discussion session with YYAs, filled with bold ideas and powerful storytelling.

Click the button below for an overview of all of the advocacy topics that young people will present at Summit this year:

All our Chapter topics and the ideas generated at Summit will be instrumental for our Youth Programs team, Public Policy & Advocacy team and our Chapters members as they shape our 2026 legislative agenda. It was an awesome Youth Leadership Summit!

What's Next at Mockingbird...

You’re invited to join The Mockingbird Society’s second annual Fall Fundraiser & Block Party! This event is a community-centered celebration of Mockingbird’s mission to transform the foster care system and end youth homelessness. 

Free and open to the public, this event will center our young advocates and shared belief in Mockingbird’s work, while raising critical funds to support our cause. Young people, families, and community partners are all invited to enjoy music, family-friendly activities and crafts, entertainment, games, and delicious refreshments from local food trucks. 

Event Information:  

• Friday, September 26 | 4-7PM | Program with special performances and speakers: 5-6PM 

• Location: Northwest African American Museum & Jimi Hendrix Park in Seattle 

This year, we’re exploring the themes of Joy & Justice. With the challenges that young people are facing, the pursuit of justice and the cultivation of joy as a form of resistance are necessary, both for individuals and communities. Our young advocates model this in powerful ways, and we can’t wait for you to hear directly from them at the Fall Fundraiser & Block Party. 

If you have any questions, please reply to this email!

Thanks as always for your support, 

The Mockingbird Society Team 

Have questions or want to get in touch with us? Reply to this message or email laurenmorelli@mockingbirdsociety.org.