The NYCHA Journal

The NYCHA Journal has informed and inspired residents since 1970, covering the news, contributions, and uplifting stories of the NYCHA community while providing the latest information on Authority initiatives.

Housing Justice Youth Leadership Council
Program Partners Top Story Youth 

Leadership Council Gives NYCHA Youth a Voice as Community Advocates

Vincent Echavaria

High school-aged NYCHA residents who hope to become more involved in issues impacting their neighborhood now have a platform to learn how to be better advocates for themselves and their community.  

This month, in partnership with the nonprofit Citizens’ Committee for Children of New York, NYCHA and the Fund for Public Housing are kicking off the Housing Justice Youth Leadership Council for residents ages 14 to 18. The free, 10-week program will be held virtually through May 23, allowing participants to lead sessions where they can learn effective advocacy skills and how to make positive changes in their communities. 

“For this particular program, we wanted to really give the students the skills when it comes to learning the steps of advocacy,” said Khadija Charles, a program coordinator who is managing the youth council, adding that the program received hundreds of applications for up to 30 seats. 

The young residents will have the opportunity to conduct hands-on research; meet with officials to discuss their ideas for improving NYCHA; and strengthen their communication, critical thinking, and public speaking skills. A $250 stipend will be provided to participants who complete the youth-led program; participants can also receive community service credit from the Citizens’ Committee for their involvement. 

“We want them to have those tools so that when it comes to advocating for their homes, their apartments, their communities, they’re able to do so with confidence and eloquence,” Ms. Charles explained.  

Through the 10-week Housing Justice Youth Leadership Council program, young residents will have the opportunity to strengthen their communication and public speaking skills.

The leadership councils, which also include a sustainability-focused GreenNYCHA council, are part of NYCHA’s efforts to enable youth to share their voice on various Authority programs in their neighborhoods, as well as on issues that impact their lives. The goal is to provide members with the tools and knowledge to help create lasting change in their community. 

“Anyone, no matter how small they think their influence might be, can be a big part of changes in their community,” Ms. Charles said. “It’s about being able to share positive ideas and really move towards a better NYCHA as a collective.” 

Jenessa Jasmin, a 16-year-old resident of Brooklyn’s Farragut Houses, said she was excited to join the Housing Justice council as an opportunity to use her advocacy skills more effectively and take a more active role in the changes happening in her neighborhood.  

“What better way to learn more about where I come from, what the state of my community is, and how I can help it to be a better place?” said Ms. Jasmin, who graduates from high school this year and hopes to eventually pursue a career as a youth criminal justice lawyer. “I really hope to gain more understanding and to widen my perspective on how the issues affect people in my community and people of my age.” 

Photo caption: In partnership with the nonprofit Citizens’ Committee for Children of New York, NYCHA’s and the Fund for Public Housing’s new Housing Justice Youth Leadership Council allows residents ages 14 to 18 to learn effective advocacy skills and how to make positive changes in their communities.