About the New York City Council Shadow Day Experience:
Shadow Day was designed as an opportunity for youth with a foster care background to spend time shadowing a member of the New York City Council and their staff to gain a better understanding of how NYC is governed. As NYC residents, Council Members are here to represent your shared interests as it is their responsibility to improve the functioning of the city for their constituents. As a participant, you will have the opportunity to share your personal experiences and potentially impact policy and regulations within the foster care system.
This year’s programming will include one afternoon of virtual programming and one in-person Shadow Days with New York City Council members and staffers. To prepare for the Shadow Day sessions, there will be an in-person training for all participants. Please note, all participants are expected to attend all of the below specified dates of programming.
Important Program Dates
Advocacy & Communications Strategies Training:
This training will equip you with a background on advocacy and effective messaging. You will also be provided with a brief overview of the city council and other information to prepare you for Shadow Day Programming.
This training will be held in person on Tuesday, May 17, 2023, from 4:00 pm to 6:30 pm. Please note that this training is mandatory for all Shadow Day Participants.
Location: Children’s Aid Headquarters: 117 W 124th Street, New York, NY 10027
City Council 101:
This session will be presented by City Council staff and provide an in-depth look at City Council. This session will be held via zoom on May 24, 2023 from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
Foster Youth Shadow Day:
This date will include a full day of shadowing and interacting with City Council members and their staff. This is an all-day in person event on May 25, 2023.
Location: New York City Council: City Hall, New York, NY 10007
After submitting your application, you may be invited for a brief interview by phone.
Individuals must meet the following criteria to be eligible to participate:
- 16 –24 years old
- A resident of NYC
- Currently or formerly in a foster care placement (foster care, group home, kinship home, etc.)
- Willingness to share your personal story or speak publicly about the foster care system
- Willingness to participate in future advocacy efforts regarding the foster care system and advocate on behalf of youth in care or alumni
- Experience with housing process (NYCHA, Section 8, independent living, etc.) is a plus
Registration deadline is May 15, 2023 by 6pm. Forms received after the deadline will be considered for placements as space permits.
For more information please contact FYSA@ChildrensAidNYC.org