Why Kill a Bill?
Volunteer lobbyist, Katherine Mahoney explains to Nisqually MS Capitol Classroom students how the legislative process is designed to kill bills – and why. January 10th, 2023
Type of Resource: Single Video
Why so many formalities and procedures?
Volunteer lobbyists, Tony Sermonti and Adan Espino explain to Open Window School’s Capitol Classroom students how formalities in parliamentary procedure are there to preserve civility in the legislative process and maintain decorum around contentious issues. February 3rd 2021.
What’s in my letter to the Committee?
Volunteer lobbyist, Carolyn Logue explains to the Green Hill School Capitol Classroom students how to write a letter to the Appropriations Committee. February 3rd 2021. ‘Highlights’ are excerpts from our Capitol Classroom program. Each year, Teach With TVW’s Capitol Classroom pairs middle and high school social studies classes with a volunteer lobbyist to guide them through the legislative process.
The Pink Tax: WA Students Push For Pricing Equity
Overview: This video follows students in the Capitol Classroom program at Lake Washington High School as they research, draft, and advocate for legislation addressing gender-based pricing discrimination in Washington state. Working with lawmakers students experience every stage of the legislative process—from developing policy ideas and meeting with legislators to testifying before committees and navigating political opposition. Along the way, viewers gain insight into how bills move through the legislature, the role of public testimony, and the challenges of balancing equity, business concerns, and public policy in a citizen legislature.
Supreme Justice
Overview: This video takes viewers inside the Washington State Supreme Court to follow the real-life case of Kevin Gardner, an armored truck driver fired after breaking company policy to save a hostage during a bank attack. Through oral arguments, judicial deliberations, and the court’s final ruling, the program explains how the state’s highest court interprets the law, selects cases, and shapes legal precedent. Viewers gain a deeper understanding of appellate courts, judicial decision-making, public policy, and the role of the judiciary in balancing legal rules with questions of ethics, safety, and human responsibility.
Coming Together Again: Therapeutic Courts in WA
Overview: This video explores how therapeutic and mental health courts are transforming the justice system by focusing on treatment, accountability, and recovery instead of punishment alone. Through personal stories, judges, court coordinators, and participants explain how mental illness, addiction, and trauma often contribute to criminal behavior—and how community courts provide support, housing, counseling, and treatment to help people rebuild their lives. The documentary highlights lower recidivism rates, stronger community outcomes, and the human impact of seeing people as individuals rather than case numbers.
Mariachi Huenachi
Overview: This video highlights how a high school mariachi program in Washington’s agricultural community is transforming students’ lives through music, education, and cultural pride. Many students come from first-generation immigrant families who work long hours in orchards and packing facilities while facing financial and legal challenges. Through mariachi music, students build confidence, discipline, and leadership skills while being encouraged to pursue higher education and new opportunities beyond farm work. The program also connects students with civic engagement opportunities, including advocacy for educational access and support for the DREAM Act, showing how education and the arts can empower students, families, and entire communities.
More Than Their Crimes: Reforming Juvenile Justice in Washington State
Overview: This video follows young people at Washington’s Green Hill School as they share their experiences with incarceration, rehabilitation, and advocacy for juvenile justice reform. Through personal stories, students explore how counseling, education, and supportive programs helped them rethink their futures and find purpose beyond their past mistakes. The video also highlights their work with lawmakers on Senate Bill 6160, a juvenile justice reform bill focused on rehabilitation, brain science, and reducing recidivism. Viewers gain insight into the challenges facing incarcerated youth and the power of civic engagement, second chances, and restorative approaches to justice.
A Question of Faith: Washington’s Electoral College
Overview: This video explores how the Electoral College works, why it was created, and why it remains one of the most debated parts of American democracy. Through Washington state’s 2016 Electoral College meeting, viewers learn how electors are chosen, how electoral votes determine the presidency, and why the system can produce outcomes where the popular vote winner loses the election. The video also examines the constitutional compromises behind the Electoral College, the role of smaller states, faithless electors, and ongoing debates about whether the system still serves its intended purpose in modern elections.Northwest Regional Emmy® Award in 2018.
Isidore Starr: Leading a Revolution in Civics
Overview: This video explores the groundbreaking work of educator Isidore Starr and his efforts to transform civics education from rote memorization into active, issue-based learning. Through discussions of Supreme Court cases, mock trials, and controversial issues, Starr empowered students to think critically about liberty, justice, equality, property, and power. Set against the backdrop of McCarthy-era fear and censorship, the video highlights how Starr’s innovative approach helped shape modern civic and law-related education, encouraging students to embrace their role as informed and engaged citizens. Created in collaboration with the Centre for Education, Law & Society, Simon Fraser University.