Youth Democracy Institute Hosts Fall Preview Leadership Camp

On August 2, the Youth Democracy Institute (YDI) welcomed 11 students from across Arlington County, for its Fall Preview Mini Leadership Camp. The half-day program gave students a chance to explore what it means to be a leader, learn from changemakers in history, and speak out on issues they care about most.

During the session, students identified five priorities that matter deeply to them: ending gun violence, addressing homelessness, advancing equal rights for girls and women, reducing littering and pollution, and extending lunchtime in schools so children don’t experience headaches during the school day.

Three students even stepped into a mock town hall, with one serving as “mayor” and the other as a constituent presenting an issue — practicing civic advocacy and leadership in real time. The camp closed with a leadership affirmation and the presentation of certificates of completion to every participant, celebrating each student’s courage, vision, and voice.

A mock town hall gave students the chance to role-play as community leaders and advocates.

“Our goal is to create spaces where young people can recognize their power and practice using it,” said Tralonne Shorter, Founder & CEO of YDI. “The Fall Preview showed that when students are asked what they care about, their answers are bold, thoughtful, and community-minded.”

Every participant left with a certificate of completion, symbolizing the skills and confidence they built together.

YDI will host another Leadership Camp on Tuesday, September 23, from 10:00 AM–1:00 PM at Fairlington Community Center. Scheduled on a school holiday, the camp offers families a leadership-focused option for the day. Open to students in grades 4–8, the program will focus on anti-bullying and student leadership skills. Registration is now open at:

Leadership Camp

September 23, 2025, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PMArlington

Register Now

Programs like the Fall Preview Mini Camp are made possible thanks to community support. A gift of $35 or $100 helps sponsor a student and ensure more young people can access leadership opportunities.👉 www.leadydi.org/support

About Youth Democracy Institute

Youth Democracy Institute (YDI) is a nonpartisan civic leadership pipeline for youth ages 10–24. Through camps, academies, and fellowships, we prepare the next generation to lead positive change in their schools and communities.