Secretary of State Kim Wyman spoke to the Washington Youth Academy in the State Reception Room at the Capitol Thursday.  The room was packed with about 150 at-risk youth from around the state. Wyman’s talk focused on the importance of voting, civic engagement and finding a desired career path.

Wyman received an enthusiastic ‘hurrah!’ at the start of her speech when she mentioned her husband was a former Ranger and her daughter was interested in the Marine Corps. She followed by asking if anyone in the room believed their representatives and government leaders listened to them; only one raised a hand. Wyman stressed the importance of exercising the right to vote as an outlet for your political voice. She engaged the room in a demonstration of modern music to prove her point.

After listing three of the most popular musical artists, Wyman then designated a fraction of the room to pick which artist was best.  The group deciding the artist met a flurry of raised hands and yelled opinions by peers. However, only one artist could be chosen and the small group selected had the power to decide for the entire room.

The exercise demonstrated the powerful voice of those who voted, while stressing the lack of a voice for those who did not participate. Analogous to voting in many ways, Wyman asked the room never to “float your vote.” If your opinions mirrored the opinions of those voting, you had nothing to worry about, she explained. But if your opinion differed, and you didn’t voice it, you were “floating” your vote to those who would decide for you.

The demonstration in voter participation was followed by a lesson in education and career development. Wyman spoke very highly of her job and the joy it provides, asking the room, “Why pursue a career you don’t love?”  She encouraged students to explore classes and pursue a career they enjoyed.

Ending on a high note, Wyman received one final ‘hurrah!’ from the crowd.

The Washington Youth Academy provides at-risk youth, 16-18 year olds who have dropped out of high school, with a structured, highly disciplined learning environment. A quasi-military training and mentoring program, the Washington Youth Academy seeks to improve the life skills, education levels, and employment potential of these young people. The goal is to empower youth to be productive citizens of Washington State.