Governor’s Youth Council seeks youth

ONEIDACOUNTY, N.Y. >> The Office of Children and Family Services is still looking for applications for membership on the New York State Youth Council.

The Council is looking for one youth from each of the state’s 62 counties, with the Council still seeking one from Oneida County.

First announced in Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo’s State of the State address this year, the Youth Council will advise the Governor and state and local policy-makers on key issues facing young people and on outreach and communication strategies.

“Young New Yorkers have so much to offer and their unique perspective is vital as the state shapes new initiatives and policies impacting youth throughout the state,” OCFS Commissioner Sheila J. Poole said in a news release. “Youth voice is essential as we work together in addressing the many challenging issues affecting their daily lives.”

Officials said topics will include education, youth violence, the opioid crisis, juvenile justice, environmental justice, cyberbullying and civic engagement. It will address issues that are of particular relevance to young women and girls, including sexual assault and harassment, female empowerment, economic opportunity, and wage parity.

The Youth Council will be run by youth, ages 13 to 21, who will develop its organizational structure and prioritize key issues, and its members will gain hands-on experience in the democratic process. The members will serve twoyear terms.

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.

To apply, the youth must submit an application that includes an essay and a video demonstrating interest in one of the council’s focus areas. Candidates will be selected based on their character, leadership skills, academic achievement, civic engagement, and community service.

Youth may apply at https://nysylc.secure-platform.com/a/solicitations/ home/1.