March 14, 2018 - To help encourage young people to find their voice and exercise their civic duty, Westchester County Executive George Latimer has allocated resources to support a newly created Westchester County Youth Empowerment Council for Community Change. 

Latimer said: “I know that young people want to be empowered to participate in policymaking conversations that can enhance the lives of their peers and others.  As a County, we need to be encouraging young people to get involved in government and have their voices heard.”

The Council will enable up to 18 middle to high school youth, throughout the County, to develop their skills in youth advocacy. Guided by the Westchester Youth Bureau’s newly appointed Director, Dr. DaMia Harris-Madden, the Bureau will offer ongoing civic participation training designed to empower youth on how to influence local policy and create responses to the issues that affect them most.

The Council will present the data that they collect from surveying and mapping projects to elected officials, and strategize collectively to address emergent social concerns and create solutions. A nominal stipend will be provided to youth who complete all requirements of the project.