Legislative Open House (LOH)

Legislative Open House

The Legislative Open House is BYLP's flagship civic engagement experience designed to help students understand how public decisions are made and how policies impact their communities.

Program Overview

The Legislative Open House (LOH) is BYLP’s flagship civic engagement experience designed to help students understand how public decisions are made—and how policies impact their communities.

Through hands-on learning inside the California State Capitol, students engage directly with policymakers, participate in mock legislative sessions, and build the confidence to ask questions, express concerns, and navigate civic systems in real time.

LOH is intentionally designed to be educational, nonpartisan, and accessible, providing students with practical civic literacy and leadership exposure beyond the classroom.

Why Civic Learning Matters

Students engage directly with policymakers, participate in mock sessions, and build the confidence to ask questions, express concerns, and understand how civic systems function in practice.

1145

STUDENTS PARTICIPATED

since 2023

80%

REPORT INCREASED CONFIDENCE

engaging with public offices

95%

UNDERSTAND POLICY IMPACTS

in their communities

Impact metrics reflect post-event surveys and program tracking since 2023.

What Students Experience Over Two Days

Day 1 - Legislative Open House (March 20, 2026)

Focus: Civic foundations & exposures

Capitol orientation and expectations
Legislative process overview (how a bill becomes law)
Mock legislative session and committee-style discussions
Guided conversations with legislators and civic leaders
Reflection and group debrief

Day 2 - Advocacy Day
(March 21, 2026)

Focus: Application & advocacy

Advocacy skill-building workshop
Issue identification and message development
Small-group advocacy meetings and simulations
Youth voice presentations and closing reflection

Building on our impact, BYLP’s Legislative Open House continues March 20–21, 2026.

Building on years of student engagement and civic learning, BYLP’s Legislative Open House will continue March 20–21, 2026 with opportunities for students, educators, and community partners to participate in hands-on civic education at the California State Capitol.

LOH '25

Advocacy Workshop

Mock Legislative Session

Capitol Experience

Students participate in real-world civic experiences inside the California State Capitol.

Who Should Refer Students

School counselors and educators
Churches and faith-based organizations
Community-based organizations
Civic and government partners

Students may attend individually or as part of a registered group. Group registrations require a chaperone.

If you’re referring students or registering a group, here’s what to expect.

Expectations & Requirements

For Students

Attend all scheduled sessions for registered day(s)
Participate respectfully in discussions and activities
Follow Capitol conduct and safety guidelines
Dress professionally in attire appropriate for a government setting (Business or Business Casual)

Professional attire helps students fully engage in the Capitol environment and reflects the seriousness of the civic learning experience.

For Groups

Group registrations are welcome from schools, churches, and organizations
A chaperone is required for all group registrations
Chaperones are responsible for student supervision at all times

Overnight Stay

Limited hotel rooms are available for students participating in Advocacy Day (March 21, 2026)
Overnight accommodations are available on a first-come, first-served basis
Additional details will be shared with confirmed registrants