PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Galloway, Advocacy Manager at Ali Forney Center, on Intro 0794
3:40:55
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128 sec
Galloway, representing the Ali Forney Center, expresses strong support for Intro 0794, which aims to include youth representation on the youth board. Their testimony emphasizes the importance of youth voices in policymaking, particularly for LGBTQI+ youth experiencing homelessness.
- Highlights the success of Ali Forney Center's youth action board in empowering youth and informing decisions
- Mentions the positive impact of youth participation in advocacy efforts, including the integration of youth into the NYPD HUD Continuum of Care Youth Advisory Board
- Urges the passage of Intro 0794 to establish a formal structure for youth leadership in city-wide decision-making
Galloway
3:40:55
Okay.
3:40:55
Sorry about that.
3:40:57
Good afternoon.
3:40:58
Committee members, and thank you chair, Joseph, and chair, Steven, for holding today's hearing.
3:41:02
My name is Galloway, and I'm the advocacy manager at the Ale 40 Center.
3:41:06
Which serves and advocates for LGBTQI plus youth experiencing homelessness in New York City.
3:41:11
I'm here today to express our strong support for intro 0794.
3:41:16
This build is a critical step towards ensuring that young people, especially those who have lived experience with housing instability and marginalization, have a true seat at the table.
3:41:27
At the Ale Fortnite Center, we understand that certain youth voices in policy making is essential not just because It allows for responsive programming, but for building trust and actionable solutions that address the real issues youth face.
3:41:41
We have a youth action board here at AFC with and this is where our youth are empowered to share their insights, inform decisions, and save the programs designed to serve them.
3:41:51
This action board doesn't just exist in the name.
3:41:53
It's a vital part of our advocacy efforts.
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Are you participating regularly in telling us while having a platform to help shape the policies that affect them has had a huge and meaningful impact on their health confidence and engagement.
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Graduates of our 1st good advocacy internship close to 10 years ago were integral integration of the NYPD HUD Continuum of Care Youth Advisory Board, and advocating for youth to have a voting seat in this committee.
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The national model is proven to be a tremendous asset to youth getting connected to services.
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They need to exist and exit RHY services successfully on their terms.
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Intro 074 offers the opportunity to expand this empowering this empowerment city wide establishing a formal structure where young people can lead on issues impacting their lives.
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A youth board with real authority with bearing diverse perspectives and lived expertise and experiences that policy makers simply cannot replicate.
3:42:49
We urge you to pass this bill to invest in young leaders and to ensure that youth voice is not only heard, but actively incorporated into actionable leadership.
3:42:57
Thank you for this time and consideration, and we look forward to your continued partnership.
3:43:02
Thank you.
