Youth Activism
The NYCLU has prioritized youth activism for more than 20 years. We work with youth organizers across New York State to ensure that young people know their rights, know how to access those rights and learn how to effectively organize around civil rights and civil liberties in their schools and communities. To meet the needs of New York youth and to build on our past success, the NYCLU has expanded our work in youth activism through a variety of ways by adding new programs, campaigns, and initiatives. We are eager to organize alongside youth activists, educators and parents alike to effect change in New York.
Teen Activist Project
TAP is the NYCLU’s marquee youth organizing program, reaching nearly 200 young people in New York City. Students work together as peer educators to make sure the youth of New York know their rights, create campaigns on issues the NYCLU is working on, and organize protests, rallies and marches across the city. TAP is a great opportunity for young people interested in law, health care, social justice and community organizing. For students, TAP provides a unique opportunity to develop leadership skills as they learn about, and advocate for, civil rights and liberties alongside NYCLU professionals.
Student Ambassadors
Student Ambassadors are directly impacted high school students from all areas of the state who speak publicly on NYCLU education issues and work alongside staff to advance the mission of the Education Center. Our students are a diverse group with passions and personal experiences that touch on the foster care system, metal detectors in schools, specialized high schools and high stakes testing, sex education and teen health, the immigration system, the college admissions process, and more.
East Ramapo Student Ambassadors
East Ramapo Student Ambassadors are directly impacted high school students from the East Ramapo Central School District who speak publicly on NYCLU education issues and work alongside staff to advance the mission of the Education Center. Our students are a diverse group with passions and personal experiences that touch on voter rights, environmental justice, the immigration system, and more.
