MoCo4Change 2026 January General Assembly: Youth Advocacy in Action

MoCo4Change kicked off the new year with a powerful and inspiring January General Assembly, bringing together student advocates and community leaders for an evening centered on resilience, civic engagement, and the impact of youth voices in policy. Despite a winter storm forcing the event to shift to a fully virtual format, attendance and energy remained strong as participants logged on ready to learn, reflect, and engage.

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Opening the Assembly

Co-President Olivia Suh opened the General Assembly by welcoming attendees and encouraging everyone to turn their cameras on to foster connection and community. Co-President Victoria Kaprielian followed with a note of gratitude, thanking members for their patience and flexibility as the event transitioned to Zoom due to weather-related school closures. Kimberly Lee then outlined the evening’s agenda, which included a guest speaker panel, interactive activities, officer updates, policy plank presentations, and departmental spotlights. Guest speakers were formally introduced by Senaya Asfaw, setting the stage for a thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation with leaders from across Montgomery County and the state of Maryland.

Guest Speaker Panel: Stories That Shape Advocacy

The General Assembly featured a dynamic panel of speakers:

• Evan Glass, At-Large Montgomery County Councilmember and candidate for County Executive

• Laurie-Anne Sayles, Montgomery County Councilmember

• O’Marie Barnes, Student Member of the Maryland State Board of Education

  
  

Each panelist brought a personal and honest perspective on what drew them to public service and why advocacy matters. The conversation began on a lighter note, with panelists sharing how music has shaped their lives and work. Councilmember Sayles spoke about her love for reggae and gospel music and how it helps her connect with diverse communities. Councilmember Glass shared his appreciation for Top 40 pop and classic hip-hop, citing Lauryn Hill as a favorite artist. O’Marie Barnes reflected on his love for gospel and jazz, explaining how music keeps him grounded and motivated. The discussion then shifted to pivotal life experiences that inspired their paths. Councilmember Glass shared a deeply personal story about his mother, who worked two jobs to support their family and later passed away from lung cancer. He explained how her struggle motivates his commitment to making life easier for working families. Councilmember Sayles reflected on her journey from being a single mother to becoming an elected official, emphasizing perseverance, self-belief, and the power of advocacy. O’Marie Barnes spoke about growing up without his mother and being raised by his great-grandmother, highlighting the importance of support systems and community.

Advice for Young Advocates

When asked how students can find their passion and take action, the panelists offered practical and encouraging advice. Councilmember Glass urged students to get involved in issues they care about, join clubs, attend hearings, and reach out directly to elected officials. Councilmember Sayles recommended tools like the StrengthsFinder assessment to help students identify where their strengths and passions align. O’Marie Barnes encouraged persistence, reminding attendees to keep applying for opportunities, networking, and using their voices through public comment. The panel also addressed how they stay motivated during difficult moments. Councilmember Sayles emphasized faith and community support, crediting her mother as a guiding influence. O’Marie Barnes shared that remembering the people impacted by his work helps him push forward, even during challenging times. All speakers expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and encouraged students to remain engaged and hopeful.

Student Engagement and Leadership Updates

After the panel, O’Marie Barnes delivered closing remarks, reinforcing the importance of student advocacy and inviting attendees to stay connected with him moving forward. Following a brief recess, Olivia Suh led a fun icebreaker where participants debated winter activities, revealing a group preference for reading books over playing games. Officer updates followed, with Olivia sharing highlights from recent SEC meetings, the success of a winter bake sale, and personal milestones such as completing college applications and earning her driver’s license. These moments reinforced the balance of leadership, advocacy, and personal growth that defines MoCo4Change.

Policy Planks and Programs

A key portion of the General Assembly focused on MoCo4Change’s 2026 Policy Planks, which center on leadership, equity, awareness, and democracy. Officers walked members through each plank, outlining the organization’s priorities and long-term advocacy goals. Stephanie then introduced the Youth Creating Change Fellowship, an incubator program that supports youth-led initiatives through mentorship, training, stipends, and grant funding. Sidharth, a current fellow, shared his experience working with Eco MoCo and emphasized how the fellowship’s mentorship and legislative connections helped amplify his impact. The segment concluded with “Presentation Frenzy,” a breakout activity where participants practiced public speaking by pitching random objects to their peers.

Looking Ahead

The General Assembly wrapped up with announcements and reminders, including the success of the recent MoCo4Change bake sale, which raised over $400 despite cold weather, and a warm welcome to new midterm members. Upcoming advocacy opportunities were highlighted, such as the MCR Save a Student Summit, the SMOB Nominating Convention, and the Spring Facilities and Boundaries Hearing.

The January General Assembly served as a powerful reminder of the role young people play in shaping policy and strengthening communities. Through honest dialogue, diverse perspectives, and student-led leadership, MoCo4Change continues to create space for youth voices to be heard and valued.