YLC Co-Hosts Oregon Youth Summit
And Delivers Flavored Tobacco Letter to Senate President Rob Wagner
February 2, 2024 - SALEM, OR
Members of the Youth Leadership Council made the most of their trip to Salem -- bringing together eighty high schoolers from ten Oregon communities to discuss issues affecting youth wellbeing AND sitting down with Senate President Rob Wagner.
Oregon Youth Summit, co-hosted by Lake Oswego and Happy Valley, kicked off at Willamette University with opening remarks from the Oregon Kid Governor, Zoya Shah. Zoya, a fifth grader from Beaverton, shared her experience navigating anxiety while advocating for open communication about mental health.
Lake Oswego Mayor Joe Buck facilitated a Youth Council Report, during which representatives from each Council shared highlights from their year. Zechariah Pressnell, representing Lake Oswego, offered an overview of our advocacy for a statewide ban on flavored tobacco products, including our presentations to the City Council and School Board.
The main event of Summit was a series of topic-specific small group discussions, facilitated by subject matter experts. Our topics and facilitators included:
- Substance Use – Michelle Kutnyak
- Therapy Awareness – Robin Bergeron
- Depression & Anxiety – Gary Marschke
- Advocacy / Election Process – Jamie Dunphy & Christina Bodamer
- Teen Houselessness – Sean Suib
- Parental / Academic Pressure – Ali Tucker
- Discrimination / Racism – Daisy Quinonez
- Media Consumption – Dr. Doreen Dodgen-Magee
Willamette University gave a panel presentation over lunch and participants from each table discussion shared key takeaways with the full group. Following closing remarks, we walked across the street to the State Capitol for a *sunny* group photo.
Meeting with Senate President Rob Wagner
YLCers then had the opportunity to meet with Senate President Rob Wagner. He offered perspective on the political prospects of a flavored tobacco ban during the 2025 long session, discussed short session legislative priorities, answered questions from our members, and led them on a tour of the Senate floor.
