The 7th Justice Ambassadors Youth Council Cohort has concluded its youth-centered pre-programming designed to prepare young, system-impacted leaders from across New York City for their upcoming journey in the Justice Ambassadors program.
The 7th Justice Ambassador Cohort has concluded its period of youth-centered pre-programming designed to prepare young, system-impacted leaders from across New York City for their upcoming journey in the Justice Ambassadors program. Led by Justice Ambassador and Project Restore Bed-Stuy graduate Jason Bostic and Gabriel Feldman, Program Manager of Justice Ambassadors, these initial sessions brought together young adults representing four boroughs (Manhattan, Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens) in New York City.
In contrast to the main programming phase, which involves adult stakeholders from city and state government, community leadership, and municipal entities, the pre-programming period is dedicated solely to the young ambassadors. This youth-centered setting allows them to connect and build rapport without significant influence of external figures, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose among the young Ambassadors.
During this session, the young adults had the opportunity to engage with representatives from Columbia's School of Professional Studies. These representatives introduced the participants to the accompanying career and professional internship program, which includes a 3-month paid internship with the possibility of a full-time employment opportunity upon completion. This partnership is designed to provide the young ambassadors with valuable work experience and career development support, crucial steps in their journey toward sustainable and fulfilling futures.
Additionally, representatives from the partnering organization Youth Justice Network were present to outline the wrap-around services available to the cohort. These services include comprehensive case management, assistance in securing housing, and a range of other holistic supports that ensure each young adult has access to the resources they need to not only succeed in the program, but in their personal and professional lives.
In addition to all their other activities, the young ambassadors also began brainstorming policy proposals addressing critical issues impacting their communities. These early proposals will serve as the foundation for the groups that will form as the official programming begins today, October 1st, guiding the cohort’s collective efforts of enacting policy-by-proximity – policy created to address issues by those closest and most impacted by the problem
As the 7th cohort of Justice Ambassadors embarks on this transformative experience, the pre-programming period serves as a critical foundation, helping these young leaders develop the skills, confidence, and connections needed to drive positive change in their communities.