New York State Youth Leadership Council

What to do if a cop stops you? Tips to staying alive…..

We have never felt safe in our community with the presence of NYPD and ICE and their joint programs. I personally never felt safe around cops ever since witnessing my friends being stopped and frisked for no apparent reason. We are all victims of the institutionalized racism and the prison industrial complex. This week alone …

Continuing My Education

Hello Angy, I am part of the Dream Act group on facebook. I will be graduating soon from Community College and I was wondering about four year colleges in New York City (I saw you are attending CUNY) anyway money is an issue. Do you have any suggestions? Hey, It’s nice to e-meet you! Congratulations …

Above All…We Are Human Beings

I’ve spent the past days trying to put sadness and anger into coherent sentences that don’t include four letter words. This is what I’ve come up with. I can only imagine what it must have been like, crossing the border alone at the age of 13. Hoping and wishing for a better life surrounded by …

I am a Survivor…Now it is time to Stand for Yanelli!!!

I am undocumented, unafraid & survived depression and suicide.I came to this country at the age of 5. Every day and night I saw how my parents struggled as undocumented immigrants ; I saw how they were exploited and at points dehumanized not only at their place of work but in a country they considered …

Suicide among Undocumented Youth: Yanelli’s Story

Feelings of depression and worthlessness clouded up Joaquin Luna’s mind, an undocumented youth from Texas who committed suicide last year. In a country where undocumented youth are treated like less than equals but still strive to prove their self-worth everyday, many of them fall prey to depression and suicidal thoughts after feeling trapped and alone. …

NY Dream Act Week of Action ~ Feb 13-17

Every year thousands of undocumented youth graduate from New York high schools and face an uncertain future because of their immigration status. For years the federal government has failed our communities by refusing to pass the DREAM Act. JOINS US for a whole week of action to raise awareness about the New York DREAM Act(NYDA), …

Our Community First Scholarship

Our Community First Scholarship, is a program created to reward community participation before attending college. This scholarship is provided every year for individuals who will attend college for first time in 2012. This program has two components: a 300-500 word essay and a community service verification form. There is no cost to apply for this …