New York State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins hosted her third annual Community Resources Fair for members of her Youth Advisory Council (YAC) at the Yonkers Riverfront Library on Monday. The event brought together local organizations, advocates, and community leaders to connect directly with Westchester’s next generation of changemakers.
The Youth Advisory Council, made up of 50 high school students from the 35th Senate District, had the chance to engage one-on-one with experts across a wide range of fields, including criminal justice, human rights, social services, and environmental advocacy. Students learned about internships, volunteer opportunities, and pathways to meaningful community involvement.
“Each year, I am so impressed by the questions, ideas, and perspectives that my Youth Advisory Council members bring forward,” said Senator Stewart-Cousins. “They are not just preparing for the future, they are shaping it now. This fair gives them the tools, connections, and confidence to turn their passion into action.”
Participating organizations included Cluster, Feeding Westchester, Groundwork Hudson Valley, Hope’s Door, Family Service Society of Yonkers, NAACP, Neighbors Link, Girls Inc., Nonprofit Westchester, New Bridges, OCA Westchester and Hudson Valley, AAPI MAANGO, P-CoC, Volunteer New York!, Westchester County Human Rights Commission, Westchester County Youth Bureau, Westchester Disabled on the Move, WJCS, Westchester Women’s Agenda, and Westchester Youth Alliance.
“We, the youth of America, have a responsibility to make the world a better place. It’s so important that we get opportunities such as the Community Resources Fair to enhance our involvement in our communities,” said Sleepy Hollow High School junior and YAC member Dylan Smith. “Thanks to Senator Stewart-Cousins and all the wonderful organizations that we heard from at the fair, we have the chance to become better students, thinkers, members of society, and humans. One spark now can ignite a lifetime of activism and change.”
Throughout the fair, each organization shared its mission, current initiatives, and ways for young people to get involved in creating positive change.
“Young people are powerful voices for justice, equality, and opportunity,” Senator Stewart-Cousins added. “By bringing them together with organizations working on the front lines, we’re encouraging them to lead with purpose and vision.”
