EVENT INFORMATION

Your voice matters—and decision-makers need to hear it!

Whether you are brand new to civic engagement or already active in your community, our Own Your Voice workshop will give you the tools to turn your ideas into real impact.

This 90-minute interactive virtual training is designed to help high school students learn how to advocate for policy with school boards, city councils, and state legislatures.

Date: Thursday, December 11, 2025

Time: 6:30 - 8:00 ET | 3:30 - 5:00 PT 

Featured Speakers 

Keerthi Eraniyan, Student Board Member for the Contra Costa County Board of Education and IGNITE Youth Advocacy Programs Intern

Vanessa Li, Vote 16USA National Youth Advisory Board member and Student Board Member for the St. Mary’s County Public Schools

Aliya Purnell, IGNITE Chapter Advocacy Intern

Additional Event Details

Participants can expect to:

• Learn how local and state governments work and where students can influence decisions.
• Practice crafting a powerful two-minute testimony that you could deliver at public meetings.
• Hear directly from student leaders who have spoken up and sparked change in their schools and communities.
• Connect with peers across the country who are ready to lead alongside you.

You will receive advocacy resources to keep building your skills after the training and you'll leave with a clear understanding of how you can take action in your own community. 

Participants may be eligible to receive a certificate after completing the training program.