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If Kids Could Vote What Would They Say?
“Speak Out For Youth” gives Voice to Westchester’s Future Voters
(White Plains, NY-October 1, 2012) Most can’t vote, yet, but if they could, what would 13-24 year-olds say the most important issues facing them today are? Westchester Children’s Association (WCA) plans to find out at Speak Out for Youth, an afternoon event designed to give young people in Westchester County the opportunity to make their voices heard. Speak Out for Youth will take place on Saturday, October 20 from 12-5pm at Pace University’s Kessel Student Center, 861 Bedford Road, Pleasantville, NY. The event is free and open to young people ages 13-24 and their adult allies who will have the opportunity speak out about the top issues they are most concerned about. Transportation to the Pace Pleasantville Campus will be available from select locations. For information contact Allison Lake at the Westchester Children’s Association: (914) 946-7676 x304 or by email at: alake@wca4kids.org. To register for Speak Out for Youth go to https://wca.ejoinme.org/MyPages/SpeakOutforYouthPage/tabid/416563/Default.aspx
“As we come into the final month before election day, we think that it is vitally important to let our elected officials, candidates, Governments, communities and school districts know that even though they can’t vote, young people today are facing issues that must be addressed,” said Allison Lake, Deputy Director of the WCA. “We created this event to give kids the opportunity to speak for themselves - to let them know that their voices are heard and that their opinions matter.”
Speak Out for Youth, which will be facilitated by the Pace University Center for Community Action and Research, will include:
- An overview of issues that are important to youth
- A mock presidential election for participants with instant results
- A vote on the priority issues impacting youth in Westchester
- Youth speak out sessions
- Small group discussions about issues, solutions and, action steps
- A photo/video booth for participants to record their opinions
- Special recognition of officials who have signed on to the Mayors’ and Supervisors’ Challenge
In addition, County Executive Rob Astorino and Ken Jenkins, Chair of the Westchester County Board of Legislators have been invited to the closing plenary session to hear the group discuss their conclusions and resulting action steps. Results and recommendations from the day will be shared with participants, media, elected officials, candidates, policy makers and community leaders.. A reception will follow the day’s events with live entertainment by Lord Judah & H.I.P. H.O.P. There will also be a raffle for a Tablet and a special bonus raffle for those who bring a parent or guardian with them to the event. Those who participate in Speak Out for Youth will receive Community Service Credit.
Sponsors for the event are: Campaign for Kids, Child Care Council of Westchester, Eileen Fisher Leadership Institute, Family Ties, Lower Hudson Valley Perinatal Network/Healthy from Birth for Live, Student Advocacy, and Westchester Youth Council.
About the Westchester Children’s
Since 1914, WCA has remained steadfast in its mission: to improve the lives of Westchester’s children by shaping policies and programs to meet their needs, and by keeping the well-being of Westchester’s children at the top of the public agenda.
- WCA identifies the needs of Westchester’s children and youth, develops innovative responses to those needs and advocates for policies and programs that benefit children.
- WCA is a valued resource for policy makers and the media on issues affecting children because we are independent, knowledgeable and effective.
- WCA is non-partisan and is not limited by ties to any political group, organization or funding source.
