Youth Advocacy and Solidarity: How WAESN is Shaping the Future

On January 4, 2025, Washington Ethnic Studies Now (WAESN) convened for our quarterly Advocacy in Community meeting, bringing together educators, advocates, and students to explore pressing issues in Ethnic Studies and youth advocacy. This transformative event, themed Youth Agency in a World on Fire, featured dynamic discussions, actionable takeaways, and a call to strengthen solidarity across communities.

Here’s how WAESN is paving the way for youth-led change and collective liberation, even amid challenges.

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Navigating Identity and Building Solidarity

The heart of the meeting was a panel discussion tackling the complexities of Asian American identity and its intersections with anti-Blackness. Facilitated by WAESN Youth Advisory Board member and junior at Harvard College, Priyanka Mukhara, panelists Dr. Kyle Kinoshita, Shraddha Shirude, Kaley Duong, and James Young delved into the limitations of a collective Asian American identity, explaining how it can both highlight shared struggles and obscure the unique challenges faced by individual ethnic groups.

A key concept discussed was racial triangulation, a term describing how White Supremacy positions Asian Americans between Whiteness and Blackness, often fostering anti-Blackness within Asian communities. Panelists emphasized the need for ongoing education, self-reflection, and active accountability to address these divides and build bridges of solidarity with Black communities.

Youth advocacy emerged as a powerful thread throughout the discussion. Panelists underscored the role of young leaders in dismantling White Supremacy and fostering justice-driven change, calling for mentorship and resources to amplify their efforts.

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Interactive Learning and Legislative Advocacy

WAESN’s commitment to advocacy was evident in our engaging approach to civic education. WAESN’s Director of Policy and Public Affairs, Oliver Miska, led attendees through a lively Kahoot game designed to teach the fundamentals of the Washington State Legislature. This interactive session demystified the legislative process, highlighting the critical role of organizing in shaping policy and the importance of grassroots advocacy.

The Kahoot game was followed by Sophia Hernandez, WAESN’s Youth Advocacy Team Manager and University of Washington senior in the Educations, Communities, and Organizations program, introducing the upcoming Youth Advocacy Summit. The summit, happening February 1st, is designed to equip young advocates with the skills to navigate legislative spaces and push for meaningful change.

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Looking Ahead: Exciting Events in 2025

WAESN’s roadmap for the year is packed with initiatives designed to empower youth and strengthen community ties:

• Youth Advocacy Summit (February 1, 2025): A hands-on event for young leaders to learn legislative advocacy and engage with policymakers.
• March Meeting: A quarterly gathering focused on analyzing the outcomes of the current legislative session.
• June Celebration: A dual-purpose event showcasing student work and reconnecting with WAESN alumni.

Subscribe to our Events Calendar to never miss an opportunity to connect with WAESN.

In addition to these events, WAESN continues to encourage members to stay engaged by signing up for the newsletter and sharing legislative priorities.

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How You Can Support WAESN’s Mission

WAESN’s work highlights the transformative power of youth advocacy and the importance of collective liberation. You can help sustain this vital organization by:

• Donating: Every contribution helps keep WAESN’s programs running.
• Becoming a Member: Join as a sustaining member to ensure long-term support.
• Spreading the Word: Share WAESN’s legislative priorities and resources within your network.

Together, we can create a future where solidarity and justice thrive.

Join the movement and make a difference. Stay connected with WAESN, participate in events, and champion the cause of Ethnic Studies in all K–12 classrooms of Washington State.