Advocacy
Speak up where laws are made.
The Youth Advocates Academy trains students to tell their Y story and meet New York lawmakers at State Advocacy Day in Albany. The national Youth Advocate Program takes students to Capitol Hill.
New York
Youth Advocates Academy
The Academy runs in the lead-up to State Advocacy Day. Students learn how advocacy works at the state level and how to speak effectively about issues affecting their communities, while building communication and leadership skills and learning to engage with elected officials.
How it works
- Virtual meetings, November to January. What the YMCA is, public policy and advocacy, the New York budget and legislative session, state versus federal government, and YMCA priorities, with guest speakers.
- Homework that matters. Meet your local YMCA leader, write your Y story and build an advocacy pitch.
- Day one in Albany. Team building, a speech workshop, dinner with YMCA leaders where students give their speeches, and an evening Capitol tour.
- Day two: State Advocacy Day. Meetings with legislators alongside local YMCA leaders, then a visit to the Corning Tower and the New York State Museum.
February 8 to 9, 2027
Students meet New York State lawmakers about key issues for YMCAs, like Youth and Government and afterschool programs, wearing their YMCA pins.
What we ask
- Your school, YMCA and grade.
- Three short answers: what advocacy means to you, why youth voice matters, and one important issue for New York and the nation.
- Student and parent signatures, and your advisor's permission.
Compare
State or national?
| Topic | Youth Advocates Academy | National Youth Advocate Program |
|---|---|---|
| Where | Albany, New York | Washington, DC |
| You meet | New York State lawmakers | Members of Congress and their staff |
| Run by | Alliance of New York State YMCAs | YMCA of the USA |
| 2027 dates | February 8 to 9 | February 28 to March 3 |
| Who | New York students | Grades 9 to 11 preferred, with at least two years of YMCA involvement |
| Training | Virtual meetings, November to January | Four required Sunday webinars, 4 to 5pm Eastern: Nov 15, Dec 13, Jan 24, Feb 21 |
| Cost | Ask us | Covered by YMCA of the USA except travel-day meals and about $10 to $15 for the metro |
| Apply | Academy application | 2027 applications closed Sep 30, 2026. Program FAQ (opens in a new tab) |
Connecticut and Rhode Island students can apply to the national program. Questions? Email dcaldwell@ymcanys.org.