Yes, there is a place for teenagers in politics! Teens voiced their opinions at New York’s First Youth Congress that was hosted at Hostos Community College on May 10th. The roles of teens in politics are changing and the Youth Congress is paving the way for New York City teens that want to be active in politics.
The day-long event included teen leaders and guest speakers discussing the importance of youth activism. Teens were split into to four committees: politics, teen issues, environment, and education. The participants of each group developed and debated ideas and courses of action for each category. Then they voted accordingly.
The congress concluded the day with two resolutions:

1) To form a budget committee with teachers and students to help determine where extra funds at schools are allocated.
2) To ensure that health class is a ninth grade requirement in addition to creating a packet of health resources for teens

The city will review the proposals, and implement the two resolutions according to their feasibility. Teen participants established two committees to work on the resolution. They are responsible for rewriting mandates and putting together sex-ed pamphlets.
Overall, the Youth Congress was a great success. You can definitely look forward to more conferences in up coming years. Youth politics has a bright future. Simon Hall is the president of the Youth Congress. He feels his role is, “representing youth on the city council and the state legislation in which youth have a strong voice.” By heading a group like youth congress, that gives young people an opportunity to shine, he’s doing just that.
So, what’s cool about the Youth Congress? The opportunity of being represented! Yes, its time for the youth to really shine.

Wanna join!!! Contact: FVAP@aol.com

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