[PRESS RELEASE] Albany Hears From Rural Youth

Written By Sam Lustig

Syracuse, New York — This Labor Day, as New Yorkers reflect on the dignity of work and the future of opportunity across the state, Empower CNY is proud to announce a historic opportunity for rural youth to raise their voices on issues that matter most to them. The New York State Legislative Commission on Rural Resources, with support from Empower CNY and the New York State Rural Schools Association, will host a youth-focused, virtual Public Hearing. Empower CNY co-founder Sravan Kodali said the event’s goal is to “center the rarely platformed perspectives of young people from small towns and rural communities across the state.”

Students are invited to submit reflection papers (minimum 550 words) highlighting an issue they are passionate about—whether in education, healthcare, jobs, the environment, or another pressing matter facing rural New York. Submissions that include personal stories or lived connections to the issue will receive special consideration to vocally testify at the event. 

  • Every student who submits a reflection will be invited to attend the virtual hearing

  • Attendees will receive formal recognition, including a printed Certificate of Legislative Advocacy and credit toward the New York State Seal of Civic Readiness.

  • The top 5–10 submissions will be selected for live testimony, giving those students 3–5 minutes to present directly to the Commission.

Submission Link: empowercny.org/events

Deadline: Sunday, September 14th, 2025 

*Note: Position papers including direct copy-and-paste from generative AI tools will be disqualified. 

For support drafting responses or any other questions, please email directors@empowercny.org.

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About Empower CNY
Empower CNY is a 501(c)(3) dedicated to strengthening the experience of young people in Central New York and beyond through regional academic support and political advocacy. Our mission is to ensure that the voices of young people are not only heard but acted upon in shaping the future of our state.

Sam Lustig