When Youth Took the Seats of Power: A Shift Inside the Legislative Office

Inside Connecticut’s Legislative Office Building, something powerful unfolded—something that went beyond a typical youth event or policy discussion.

This gathering, part of the Juvenile Justice Policy and Oversight Committee (JJPOC) Community Expertise Workgroup (CEW), wasn’t just about listening to young people.

It was about repositioning them.

A Different Kind of Room

The day began with a luncheon—bringing together youth, leaders, and community members in a shared space of connection.

But what followed from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM transformed the meaning of the day entirely.

The room—normally occupied by legislators making decisions—was intentionally flipped.

Nearly 30 to 40 young people were seated where lawmakers usually sit.

And the legislators, professionals, and adults?

They sat in the audience.

Watching. Listening.

Learning.

Leadership That Made Space

Co-chaired by Deivone M. Tanksley Sr. and Stella through the Community Expertise Workgroup (CEW), the structure of the event was intentional.

It wasn’t about giving youth a moment.

It was about giving them position.

By shifting the physical layout of the room, the message became clear:

Those most impacted by the system should not always be in the audience.

They should be at the table.

Youth Leading the Conversation—From Every Angle

What made the moment even more powerful was how the conversation was led.

The young people didn’t just share stories.

They:

• Asked questions

• Answered questions

• Challenged perspectives

• Spoke directly to decision-makers

And the room didn’t just include those physically present.

Approximately six to eight youth from NYI joined virtually, dialing in through Zoom—bringing in voices from inside the system itself.

From that perspective, they asked questions and shared insight that added another layer of reality to the conversation.

Not just from those navigating the outside world—but from those currently living within the system.

The Reality They Spoke About

What was shared in that room was honest and unfiltered.

Young people spoke about:

• Where they come from

• The environments they navigate daily

• How difficult it is to find jobs and real opportunity

• The barriers they face trying to move forward

Whether in the room or joining virtually, their message was consistent:

Opportunity is not always accessible.

Support is not always present.

And the system doesn’t always reflect their reality.

What Was Felt in the Room

As the youth spoke, the room shifted.

This wasn’t a presentation—it was an exchange.

A moment where:

• Policymakers heard directly from those affected

• Adults listened without controlling the conversation

• Lived experience replaced assumption

There was depth.

There was honesty.

And there was no way to ignore it.

More Than an Event

This was not just a program or initiative.

It was a demonstration of what happens when:

• Power is shared

• Space is restructured

• Voices are trusted

Through the leadership of CEW and the framework of JJPOC, this moment showed what meaningful engagement can look like when it is done intentionally.

Why It Matters

Too often, young people are spoken about—but not spoken with.

Even less often are they placed in positions where they can directly influence conversation and understanding.

This event changed that dynamic.

It showed that:

• Youth are not just participants—they are contributors

• Their insight is not secondary—it is essential

• Their voices are not future value—they are present truth

And when voices from both outside and inside the system are heard together—

the picture becomes complete.

Final Reflection

For a few hours inside the Legislative Office Building, the roles were reversed.

And in that reversal, something important happened.

Understanding deepened.

Perspectives shifted.

And voices that are often unheard were placed exactly where they belong.

At the center of the conversation.

With leaders like Deivone M. Tanksley Sr. and Stella guiding the space, the message was clear:

When young people are given the seat—not just the microphone—

the conversation changes.

And when the conversation changes…

so does what becomes possible next.