    
March 07 , 2008 Dear Speaker Quinn and Council Members Felder and Baez: I am writing to request a joint public hearing of the Government Operations Committee and the State and Federal Legislation Committee to consider Resolution No. 1348 and a home rule message in support of the corresponding state legislation. Introduced on April 16, 2008, Resolution No. 1348 calls for a change in the New York State Public Officers Law to allow (not mandate) 16 and 17 year-olds to be appointed and serve as full participating members on Community Boards in New York City. Currently, 16 and 17 year-olds serve as public members on Community Boards, but do not have the power to vote on the board until the age of 18. The resolution requests that the State officially open up Community Boards as venues for young New Yorkers to witness and serve in their local government. Last year, Council Member Brewer sponsored SLR124, with Council Member Baez, relating to pending State legislation A10439/S7354 sponsored by Assemblymember Brian Kavanagh (D-Manhattan) and Senator Andrew Lanza (R-Staten Island). This legislation, which passed in the State Senate on June 16, 2008, did not receive a home rule message before the end of the session. I believe that this legislation would increase civic participation among youth and allow those already involved to fully participate in government. Young New Yorkers are increasingly interested in civic and community affairs, but old laws prevent these active and concerned citizens from having their voices heard. This legislation will be an important step in advancing the effort of enfranchising and empowering New York City’s youth. Resolution No. 1348 is supported by the Future Voter’s of America, NAACP Youth and College Division, Police Athletic League, the Girl Scout Council of Greater New York, Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer, Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrion, Jr., and several Community Boards. I thank you for your time and attention to this matter. Shulamit Warren Chief of Staff Office of Council Member Gale A. Brewer Council District 6: Upper West Side and Clinton 250 Broadway, Suite 1744 New York, NY 10007 p: 212-788-6975 f: 212-513-7717
March 07 , 2008 High School Students Should Have a Say in Community Politics by Justin Davidson Do you remember the first time you voted? Not necessarily in a general election, but for anything? The first time I voted was in the first grade for the class representative. The act of voting should be instilled in us from an early age. If anything, this last election proved how effective young people can be in the political system. [insert percentage/fact about youth increased turnout in 2008 election] In state after state, young people not only turned out in droves, but we also rolled up our sleeve, were passionately involved, and volunteered in record numbers. Now New York City has the opportunity to build on this momentum. While the voting age in New York’s primary and general elections is eighteen, new bills in the State and City being proposed in the New York City Council to allow 16 and 17 year olds the right to serve on Community Boards as full voting members. In all likelihood, the average New Yorker has not heard of Resolution 1348. Last year, Council Member Brewer (D-Manhattan) introduced 1348 in the City Council, while State Assemblymember Kavanagh (D-Manhattan) has introduced bill A411 in Albany. These efforts would afford 16 and 17 year olds the opportunity to be eligible for appointment to Community Boards. Wouldn’t it have felt empowering to have a voice in your community as a youth? The time has come for youths to take initiative at the local level. Young people who take the time to actively participate in community politics are a self-selective group. True, with age comes wisdom and experience, however a 16 or 17 year old who is part of a community and well-aware of the advantages and flaws of their neighborhoods should have the right to participate on their Community Board. Why should youth serve on Community Boards? Allowing young people to become Community Boards members could foster civic participation beyond the experiences of the youth who might be appointed to the boards. Recent studies have shown that when young people volunteer or become politically active during their high school years they are more likely to remain active as adults. Community Boards are an ideal venue for young people to witness and engage in their local government, and including youth representatives on Community Boards will indicate to all youth in our communities that their voices count and that civic participation is important for New Yorkers of all ages. Young people are ready to make a difference. We are ready for the challenge. The only way for government to change is from the ground up, so give us a chance! When passed, Resolution 1348 will mark great progress for voting rights in New York City, after all a high school student shouldn’t have to wait until they turn 18 to become a part of city politics. I hope that you pledge your support for Resolution 1348. Still not convinced? Please check out Future Voters of America’s Myth vs Fact sheet available online at www.futurevotersofamerica.org
April 24 , 2008 On April 13, 2008, Future Voters along with Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer. City Council Member Gale Brewer, and State Assembly Member Brian Kavanaugh held a press conference to announce a State and City bi-partisan effort to change the Public Officers Law to allow 16 and 17 year olds to be Public Servants and serve on Community Boards, Educational Boards and Youth Boards with a vote. On Sunday April 13th The New York Daily News covered the press conference with an article titled “A TEEN SCENE ON CITY PANELS”. On Monday April 14, Children’s Press Line did a survey in Metro News asking: “If You Could Serve on your Community Board, What is the First Thing You Would Change? On Thursday April 24, The Manhattan Times covered the story with the title “Politicians Push To Lower The Age of Community Board Members”. On Sunday May 11, The Sunday New York Times wrote an article “All in Favor Say ‘Word’.
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