Mockingbird held its annual Youth Leadership Summit on August 4 & 5, 2026 at the University of Washington. The Youth Leadership Summit brings together young people from Mockingbird’s statewide Youth Network who have lived experience in foster care and/or homelessness. The event is a critical part of Mockingbird’s advocacy cycle and an incredible chance for community partners to hear from young advocates with lived experience in foster care and/or homelessness as they present and refine their advocacy topics for the upcoming Washington State Legislative Session.
On day one of Summit young people had the opportunity to be in community together, socialize, engage in various workshop activities, and prepare for day two. On day two, each Chapter delivered presentations (which they worked on and prepared together) to the Washington Supreme Court Commission on Children in Foster Care, the Office of Homeless Youth (OHY) Prevention and Protections Programs Advisory Committee, local and city council members from across the state, and other key advocacy and policy advisors.
Visit the Mockingbird Society website to learn more.