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. In 2021, SIA was held virtually, and will included meetings in small groups with state legislators to discuss issues and advocacy. In 2022, SIA was cancelled. In 2023, it was again held in person from May 21-24; our representatives were Gigi Bragg from Dobbs Ferry High School and Christian Bravo from Sleepy Hollow High School.

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