It’s never too early to pay attention to politics; and it’s certainly never too early to create the foundational knowledge and habits that make for good community members and citizens. The young adults involved in the Southampton Youth Advisory Board took these notions to heart earlier in the month, traveling to Albany to be part of the Association of New York State Youth Bureaus Annual Youth Leadership Forum.
The old adage “the personal is political” rang true for these 10 high schoolers, who traveled to the state capital to speak up about local issues that hold both state and national weight to Assemblyman Tommy John Schiavoni and Senator Anthony Palumbo. One big issue the teens advocated for was the hot-button topic of limits on ICE operations, from which elementary, middle and high schools have not been immune. The teens also discussed for increased English as a New Language funding, solutions to food insecurity, state funding for SUNY college enrollment, and environmental concerns like recycling and mandated protections for our waters and open spaces.
For Youth Bureau director Tracy Kolsin, who accompanied the group and shepherded them through the meetings with local reps and tour of the state capitol building, the miles logged were worth it.
“I am very proud of these students for having the courage to speak on issues that are important to them and appreciative of Senator Palumbo and Assemblyman Schiavoni for their compassion and willingness to address each student’s concerns.” Kolsin says.
The tour and discussions, which were held on Feb. 2 and 3, is part of the programming from the Town of Southampton’s Youth Bureau, which provides a multitude of opportunities for local kids, including positive after-school and weekend activities, access to the youth center, development of life, job and social skills, counseling and educational trips like this political pilgrimage to Albany.
“Albany had no shortage of opportunities,” says Hampton Bays High School senior Sarah Chami. “Between youth-empowering workshops and budget proposals, it was neat to see the inner workings of New York State firsthand.”
