NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y., Nov. 10, 2026 – The Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle brought young people from across Westchester County together with federal, state, county and local elected officials and community leaders on Oct. 24 for its inaugural Youth Leadership and Policy Forum. The daylong event drew 70 attendees to the Club’s Remington Clubhouse, where youth developed and presented policy recommendations addressing issues including mental health, gun violence prevention, artificial intelligence, social media, substance abuse/vaping and career/job opportunities.
The Club organized the forum in partnership with the New Rochelle and Mamaroneck school districts and the Westchester and New Rochelle youth bureaus. Youth surveys established the discussion topics, ensuring the program reflected participants’ concerns and priorities.
“These topics came directly from our young people, and this forum gave them an opportunity to help shape strategic, actionable solutions,” said Becky Mazzanobile, CEO of Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle. “Our youths deserve to know that their priority issues can be brainstormed for better futures, and that elected officials are not only interested, but willing to take action to transform ideas into policy and legislation.”
“Civic engagement isn’t something young people learn from a textbook. It’s something they experience firsthand,” said William Iannuzzi, Chief Program Officer of Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle. “Through our ongoing advocacy and leadership programs, including visits to Albany and Washington, D.C., we help young people understand how government works, how to advocate for their communities and how to make their voices heard. This forum was another important step in preparing the next generation of informed, engaged and confident civic leaders.”
Participants worked with facilitators in discussion groups focused on six areas, examining challenges, considering potential action steps and preparing recommendations for public officials.
During the afternoon session, youth presented their proposals and answered questions from government representatives. The exchange connected participants’ experiences with policy discussions at the municipal, county, state and federal levels.
“Young people bring firsthand knowledge of the challenges facing their generation,” said U.S. Rep. George Latimer. “This forum gave them an opportunity to turn that knowledge into recommendations and gave public officials an important, welcomed opportunity to listen and learn.”
“Young people deserve more than a seat at the table. Their perspectives, experiences, and ideas must help shape the policies that will define their futures,” said New York State Senator Nathalia Fernandez. “From ensuring the responsible use of artificial intelligence to addressing mental health and co-occurring disorders, we have a responsibility to listen to the next generation and incorporate their voices into solutions that better serve their needs and aspirations.”
“Students deserve opportunities to help shape decisions that affect their education, well-being and future,” said New York State Sen. Shelley Mayer, who was accompanied by Juan Ruiz Diaz, Constituent Services and Community Affairs Associate, on her staff. “The young people who participated in this forum showed how much they can contribute when we give them space to lead.”
Assemblyman Steve Otis, Chair of the State Assembly Science and Technology Committee, said, “The Boys & Girls Club Youth Forum was a tremendous success. The students identified important issues and possible solutions for discussion. The topics raised by the science and technology group matched the discussions we are having in Albany on artificial intelligence, privacy and the environmental impact of data centers. We had great conversations. The students were impressive and the gathering was another valuable program organized by the Boys & Girls Club.”
For youth participants, the forum provided direct access to public officials and an opportunity to advocate for greater attention to issues affecting their peers.
“Just having a space for us to be able to advocate for what we think is going wrong in the community, I feel like it’s a good step towards real change in the community,” said youth participant Ryan Gustas.
Youth participant Jordan Campbell emphasized the value of discussing teen mental health. “I feel like today was a really good experience for me personally, because not that many people in my community understand the mental health of teenagers,” Campbell said.
Westchester County and New Rochelle officials also addressed the importance of incorporating youth perspectives into local decision-making.
“Young people have valuable ideas about how we can strengthen our communities,” said Westchester County Legislator Terry Clements. “This forum encouraged them to speak up, work together and share those ideas directly to people in public service.”
City School District of New Rochelle Superintendent Dr. Corey W. Reynolds underscored the connection between public education and civic participation. “Public schools help young people become civic-minded individuals who can lead,” said Reynolds. “Today, we see that work in action as students share their ideas and take an active role in conversations about their communities.”
Other participating officials and community leaders included Westchester County Legislator Judah Holstein; New Rochelle City Council Members David Peters and Matt Stern; Damian Garcia, a representative of U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand; Leonard G. Townes, Commissioner of the Westchester County Department of Social Services; Westchester Youth Bureau Executive Director Ernest McFadden; New Rochelle Youth Bureau Executive Director Kelly Johnson and Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle Board of Directors member Rhiannon Navin.
The forum also incorporated voter registration, and 10% of participants registered. Participants concluded the program with group reflections on their findings and the day’s discussions, reinforcing the forum’s emphasis on youth advocacy and civic engagement.
About the Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle
For 96 years, Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle has been an integral part of the community, offering quality, achievement-driven programming encompassing academics, mental wellness, fitness, leadership and civics. Today, it is one of Westchester County’s largest nonprofits and a leader in youth development, serving over 12,100 youths annually at 12 school sites and two clubhouses.
Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle’s impactful before-school, after-school, elective, and summer offerings empower members to excel in school, become good citizens, and lead healthy, productive lives while effectively bridging the gap between school and home. Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle is proud to be affiliated with Boys & Girls Club of America, widely considered as both the leading youth organization and among the top nonprofits in the United States. Learn more at BGCNR.org.
