MCCOY (Marion County Commission on Youth) will welcome over 250 youth and youth advocates from around the state for the annual Youth Day at the Statehouse February 19, 2024. Young Hoosiers will have the opportunity to see the Indiana General Assembly in Action and share their voices at this engaging event.

"Youth deserve a seat at the table where decisions are being made that impact them," said Elizabeth Coit, Executive Director at MCCOY. "MCCOY's goal with Youth Day at the Statehouse is to empower young individuals, providing them with the tools and platform to share their voices and actively engage with the legislative process."

MCCOY's Youth Day at the Statehouse will include opportunities to: attend an Advocacy Resource Fair to speak with various youth advocacy organizations, observe committee hearings, witness House/Senate chamber voting, share thoughts with legislators, and much more.

Sarah Kumfer, Advocacy and Public Policy Director, shared her excitement about the event, saying, "Youth Day at the Statehouse is a crucial platform for young Hoosiers to learn, connect, and amplify their voices. Through engaging activities and direct interactions with policymakers, we aim to inspire and foster a sense of civic responsibility among the youth attendees, encouraging them to actively shape the future of our community."

A lunch program in the North Atrium from 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM will include youth presenters, who will share their perspectives on pressing topics relevant to youth in Indiana.

Event Timeline:

• 9:00 AM - Check-In begins (North Atrium)
• 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM - Youth Advocacy Resource Fair (North Atrium) and Committee Hearings (various locations)
• 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM - Morning tour of the Statehouse (Rotunda)
• 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM - Lunch and Youth Day at the Statehouse Program (North Atrium)
• 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM - Youth presenters and MCCOY representative interview with press (North Atrium)
• 1:00 PM - House and Senate sessions begin (House and Senate Chambers)
• 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM - Afternoon tour of the Statehouse (Rotunda)

MCCOY staff and youth presenters will be available for interviews directly following the lunch program in the North Atrium, from 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM.