An inspiring quote from former President Barack Obama — “Your voice can change the world” — is the theme for the 25th annual Hawaii Children and Youth Summit, Oct. 12 at the State Capitol.

“The Children and Youth Summit brings young people to our State Capitol to share their ideas about what Hawaii’s Legislature needs to do to make Hawaii a better place to live, learn and grow,” said Judith F. Clark, executive director of Hawaii Youth Services Network.

An opening panel of youth will discuss issues such as homelessness, inclusion of people with disabilities and suicide prevention. The priorities selected by the youth will be included in the Keiki Caucus package of legislative bills and resolutions in 2019, Clark said.

“For 25 years, the Hawaii State Legislature’s Keiki Caucus has invited young people to help identify and prioritize issues that are most important to them,” said retired state Sen. Susie Chun Oakland, Keiki Caucus co-founder and summit founder.

It’s their opportunity to have their voice heard and to play an active role in creating important laws that affect Hawaii’s babies, infants, children and teens, she said.

“Some accomplishments from past summits include improved access to mental health services, voluntary foster care to age 21 and using more locally grown foods in school menus,” Clark said.

Summit participants are primarily children and young adults up to age 21.

“Not only is there an opening panel of youth, which includes individuals with disabilities discussing inclusion issues, but the summit itself is also inclusive,” added Daintry Bartoldus, executive administrator of Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, one of the summit sponsors.

Participants include students who attend special education and advanced placement classes, and come from charter, home and private schools.

“Bringing a youth voice in the policy-making process both engages young people and helps policymakers make wiser investments and policy decisions responsive to youth needs,” Clark said.