Youth Outreach
The Rivertowns League is especially committed to recruiting student members aged 16 and above for League projects such as voter registration drives in high schools and special annual events such as “Vote Like a Girl,” held at Washington Irving’s Sunnyside; “Running & Winning,” a day-long workshop at Manhattanville College providing the opportunity to explore public service as a career with elected officials; and “Students Inside Albany,” an intensive four-day stint designed to introduce students to the workings of state government; they observe legislative sessions and shadow their senators and assembly members. College student members are encouraged to join the LWV of Westchester’s Youth Engagement Committee and participate in the Inter-league College Campus Program, focusing on teaching students lobbying, voter registration, and get out the vote messaging.
Students Inside Albany
In a typical year, Students Inside Albany is an intensive four-day conference run by the New York State League of Women Voters Education Foundation. The program is designed to immerse students in the process by which public policy is proposed, enacted and changed in New York State and educate them as to how they can influence and affect this process. The conference brings approximately 60 students from across the State to Albany to get a first-hand education about their state government. The highlight for most students is the opportunity to shadow their state representatives for an afternoon, with many students getting the opportunity to attend a session on the Chamber floor.
LWVR annually sponsors and funds the expenses for two highly qualified students, selected from an outstanding pool of applicants, to attend the conference.
2025 STUDENTS INSIDE ALBANY REPORT: Building Future Advocates
The LWV NYS hosted our annual Students Inside Albany Program and 42 students from across the state joined us for four days to learn all about New York State government.
Day One was packed with activities. Students toured the Capitol, engaged with Assemblymembers on what constitutes effective and ineffective lobbying, visited the Court of Appeals, and returned to the Capitol to shadow their respective Assemblymembers for the afternoon. In the evening, they attended a panel discussion with journalists on how media influences policy, followed by a night tour of the Empire State Plaza.
Day Two focused on civic engagement and advocacy. Students participated in workshops on political activism and community organizing, shadowed their New York State Senators, and gained insight into the legislative process. They also heard from a Students Inside Albany alumna who now serves as the Director of Intergovernmental Affairs for the Senate Majority. The day concluded with a discussion featuring local and state representatives on what it takes to run for office.
On the last day, we challenged students to demonstrate their newfound knowledge of state government. In addition, we provided them with the opportunity to pre-register to vote, ensuring they are prepared to actively participate in future elections. This initiative is part of our commitment to fostering informed and engaged citizens who will shape the future of our democracy.
A surprising highlight for some students was a visit to the New York State Capitol from rapper and husband of Beyoncé, Jay-Z. He met with Majority Leader Andrea Stewart Cousins regarding his company, Roc Nation, and their proposal to build a Caesars Palace Casino in Times Square. Read more here.
Read more: article from The Hudson Independent - Rivertown Teens Talk Politics and Engagement
Running and Winning
The League of Women Voters of Westchester plans this annual workshop to give young women in high school the opportunity to explore public service as a career. During the session, participants talk with state and local women office holders, expand their leadership abilities and develop teamwork skills.
Read more: article from The Hudson Independent -
High School Females Learn About Running for Political Office