Advocates for Youth Legislative Priorities with Westchester Delegation in Albany
The Westchester County Youth Bureau rallied Youth Bureaus from across the County to attend the annual Youth Leadership Forum in Albany; a free interactive leadership and educational conference offered to youth (ages 12 and older) and Youth Bureau personnel from across New York State. During this two-day event, students convened at the Empire State Plaza to participate in seminars and workshops, and then met individually with their New York State representatives regarding funding for key initiatives. This year’s legislative priorities included expanded programming and infrastructure improvements for after-school, investment in youth employment opportunities and development of additional swimming facilities and programs.
The forum is designed to empower young people by teaching them the communication skills and confidence needed to become effective advocates. It offers over 200 youth, many at high-risk and from marginalized populations, opportunities to develop skill sets and learning on topics such as citizenship, social/racial justice and equity, mental health, substance use disorders and other relevant issues. Participants engage in teambuilding exercises, discussion groups and are encouraged to bring what they learned back to their communities.
NYS Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart Cousins said: “It is always a privilege to welcome the passionate young leaders of Westchester to Albany for Youth Advocacy Day. The Westchester County Youth Bureau, along with local youth bureaus, plays a crucial role in ensuring that our children and families have access to the resources they need to thrive—whether through afterschool programs, mental health support, or career development opportunities. Our Senate Majority Conference has been steadfast in securing significant investments for youth programming, education, and services that help build a foundation for success. I enjoyed the opportunity to hear directly from our young advocates, learn about their priorities, and reaffirm our commitment to strengthening these essential programs. Their voices matter, and their advocacy is shaping a brighter future for New York.”
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said: “So many people believe that government is an abstract notion, disconnected from people’s daily lives. I can’t think of a better way to teach our young people that good government is about interaction between residents and those who legislate than this leadership and advocacy forum. The more opportunities we can provide for Westchester’s students to engage regarding their priorities, the more we are preparing them to be tomorrow’s leaders.”
Westchester County Youth Bureau Executive Director Ernest McFadden said: “The Westchester County Youth Bureau, along with participating Youth Bureaus from every municipal level in New York State, enthusiastically attended this year’s annual Youth Leadership Forum. Coordinated by the Association of New York State Youth Bureaus, our membership serves nearly one million young people annually, we look forward every year to having the opportunity to teach our young people about the power of advocacy and civic engagement. This year we were able to provide this exciting experience for close to 100 students from across the County.”
“We believe that youth voice is critical to the ongoing success of our programming. Youth engagement in policy is not just important – it’s critical to creating real change. Youth advocacy isn’t just about speaking up – it’s about demonstrating to lawmakers that young people are invested in the future and proactively seek meaningful change.”
Scarsdale High School senior Kamila El Moselhy said: “The New York State Legislators are incredibly supportive and willing to hear our voices. Coming to Albany for the past two years has made me feel seen and gives me an opportunity to represent my community as well as hear the voices of my peers. These youth activities encourage me to step outside of my comfort zone and advocate for youth needs around the state.”