Illuminate MarylandIlluminate Maryland
Events

Where the movement gathers.

Youth-led forums, pitch competitions, and civic actions across Maryland.

Upcoming Events

May23

Howard County Council — District 4 Forum

May 23, 20262:00–4:00 p.m.Central Branch Library

A youth-focused, nonpartisan candidate forum giving students, families, and community members the chance to engage directly with candidates for County Council. Features moderated, youth-led questions, discussion of policy priorities, and opportunities for civic participation.

Howard County middle school, high school, and college students; families; educators; community members; first-time voters.

District 4 Candidates
  • Ms. Linfeng Chen
  • Ms. Regina Clay
  • Ms. Janssen Evelyn
  • Ms. Shamieka Preston
What to Expect
  • Moderated, youth-led questions for candidates
  • Discussion of key policy issues affecting Howard County
  • In-person and livestream audience questions
  • A respectful, nonpartisan civic engagement space

Livestreamed on Instagram Live and YouTube via the Illuminate Maryland account.

Hosted by Illuminate Maryland

Past Events

May02

Howard County Council — District 1 Forum

May 2, 20262:00–4:00 p.m.Elkridge Branch Library

A youth-focused, nonpartisan candidate forum giving students, families, and community members the chance to engage directly with candidates for County Council. Features moderated, youth-led questions, discussion of policy priorities, and opportunities for civic participation.

Howard County middle school, high school, and college students; families; educators; community members; first-time voters.

District 1 Candidates
  • Dr. Kevin Chin
  • Ms. Jean Xu
  • Mr. James Handley
What to Expect
  • Moderated, youth-led questions for candidates
  • Discussion of key policy issues affecting Howard County
  • In-person and livestream audience questions
  • A respectful, nonpartisan civic engagement space

Livestreamed on Instagram Live and YouTube via the Illuminate Maryland account.

Hosted by Illuminate Maryland
Mar20

Student Lobby Day

March 20, 2026Annapolis Mall

Students gathered at Annapolis Mall to meet with legislators, discuss pressing youth policy issues, and advocate for student-centered priorities in Maryland.

Hosted by Illuminate Maryland & CCAN
Jan10

Howard County Executive Youth Forum

January 10, 20263:00–5:00 p.m.Elkridge Branch Library — Belmont / Hockley Room, 6540 Washington Blvd, Elkridge, MD 21075

A youth-focused, nonpartisan candidate forum that gave the community the opportunity to engage directly with candidates for County Executive — featuring moderated, youth-led questions and discussion of policy priorities.

Howard County middle school, high school, and college students; families; educators; community members; first-time voters.

Candidates
  • Vanessa Atterbeary – Maryland State Delegate
  • Bob Cockey – Small Business Owner
  • Deb Jung – County Councilmember
  • Liz Walsh – County Council Chair
What to Expect
  • Moderated, youth-led questions for County Executive candidates
  • Discussion of key policy issues affecting Howard County
  • In-person and livestream audience questions
  • A respectful, nonpartisan civic engagement space

Livestreamed on Instagram Live and YouTube via the Illuminate Maryland account.

Hosted by Illuminate Maryland
Aug17

Howard County Youth Pitch Competition: Litter

August 17, 2025Howard County Conservancy, Woodstock, MD

Coordinated and led the Howard County Youth Pitch Competition, bringing together five environmental organizations, more than a dozen local students, and state delegates to develop youth-driven legislative and direct action solutions to reduce litter in Howard County.

Impact
  • Convened youth, environmental organizations, and elected officials in a collaborative policy-focused forum
  • Generated student-led legislative solutions addressing litter prevention
  • Conceptualized and testified on proposed litter prevention legislation (Ho-Co 6-26)
Hosted by Office of Natalie Zeigler