PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Nedelyn Diaz, Member of New York City Youth Action Board (YAB) on Youth Representation in DYCD Youth Board
3:43:10
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112 sec
Nedelyn Diaz, a member of the New York City Youth Action Board, testified in support of amending the city charter to include youth representation on the DYCD youth board. She emphasized the importance of having individuals with lived experience of homelessness and housing instability in decision-making roles.
- Diaz shared her personal experience navigating challenges like housing instability, foster care, and homelessness.
- She advocated for including a youth representative aged 16-24 on the DYCD youth board to bring firsthand perspectives on youth needs and service gaps.
- Diaz urged support for the charter amendment, arguing it would lead to stronger, more responsive policies for youth in New York City.
Nedelyn Diaz
3:43:10
Good afternoon.
3:43:12
Thank you to the chairs of the committee and the council members here today.
3:43:16
My name is Natalie Diaz.
3:43:19
I'm a member of the New York City youth action board and project tonight where I work alongside the coalition for homeless youth and youth and power as farm care for young people facing homelessness and housing instability.
3:43:31
Through my involvement with a gap, I advocate for youth who have been through experiences similar to mine, navigating challenges like housing instability, foster care, and homelessness.
3:43:41
My role has allowed me to speak out, organize, and work to ensure that others have access to safety, guidance, and resources.
3:43:48
As someone with lived experience, I've seen firsthand the critical need for youth board that reflects the voices of young people impacted by the systems meant to protect them.
3:43:57
This is why I strongly believe the youth board within the Department of Youth And Community Development, BYCD, should include individuals like me who have lived these challenges and can offer firsthand perspective on the gaps and services and the real needs of you.
3:44:14
By amending the charter to ensure a youth representative between 16 and 24, we're taking a step toward meaning to change.
3:44:22
Youth like me can bring unique insights to the table, insights that are vital to addressing the needs of young people in New York City.
3:44:31
This representation means a stronger, more responsive board that can advocate for policy changes to better protect and empower our youth.
3:44:41
Our community deserves leaders who understand these challenges from the inside.
3:44:46
I urge you to support this amendment to the New York City charter so that we can ensure young people's voices are heard at every level.
3:44:53
Thank you for your time and for giving me the opportunity to share today.
3:45:00
Thank you.
3:45:00
That concludes my testimony.
