The Westchester County Youth
Bureau is seeking young people
ages 13 to 21 to represent Westchester
County on the new New
York State Governor’s Youth
Council. Gov. Andrew Cuomo
recently announced that he is
establishing this Youth Council
which will be comprised of one
representative from each county
in the state—totaling 62 members.
Members of the Governor’s
Youth Council will provide recommendations
to the governor
and other policymakers on many
different issues, including:
• Education
• Cyberbullying
• Cultural diversity
• Youth violence
• Alcohol and other drugs such as
tobacco, vape and opioids
• Juvenile justice
• Environmental justice
• Matters concerning young
women and girls, including
sexual assault and harassment,
female empowerment
• Civic engagement
• Economic opportunity and
wage parity
“Westchester County is home
to young people who are extremely
diligent and passionate
about societal issues and have
already begun to make changes
at the local level,” said County
Executive George Latimer. “To
have the opportunity to participate
on a statewide task force,
travel to Albany and focus on
specific policy issues will be a
worthwhile experience that will
benefit us all.”
The Youth Bureau will search
far and wide for applicants.
Three applicants will be selected
to advance to the final selection
process in Albany, where
one youth will be selected. Once
selected, the Youth Council will
convene in Albany for orientation
and training and will then
be divided into regional teams to
focus on specific policy issues.
“This is a unique opportunity
for Westchester’s critical thinkers
and youth leaders to lend
their passion and talent on social
issues that have already been
demonstrated locally to a regional
and statewide platform,”
said Dr. DaMia Harris-Madden,
county Youth Bureau director. “I
am particularly excited that the
Westchester County Youth Bureau
has been tasked to manage
the recruitment and selection
process, but most notably interface
with youth who are interested
in furthering their advocacy
and leadership skills.”
Interested youth should submit
an application by Dec.
23, through the online portal
available at https://nysylc.secure-
platform.com/a/. The application
includes an essay and a
video demonstrating their interest
in one of the council’s focus
areas. Candidates will be selected
on their character, leadership
skills, academic achievement,
civic engagement, and service to
their community. Please see the
attached New York State Youth
Council Guidance Document for
further information.
Please contact the Westchester
County Youth Bureau
at wcyb@westchestergov.com
or 995-2745 with questions
