Tackling a Struggling Electoral System and Low Voter Turnout in New York
New York has a long track record of poor voter turnout and civic engagement. In 2021, just 23% of registered voters cast ballots in the NYC mayoral primary and, over ten years, only 3% of voters participated in every election for which they were eligible. In 2020, MIT’s Elections Performance Index ranked New York State 47th in voter turnout and electoral administration, placing New York below states such as Texas and Georgia. In 2024’s presidential election, New York ranked 49th or second to last in voter turnout among the 50 largest cities.
The Youth Journalism Coalition increases access to high school journalism
Today, only one in four high schools in New York City has a student newspaper and if you are a low-income or a Black or Latino student, your chances of creating or reading journalism at your school are drastically lower. The Youth Journalism Coalition (YJC) is starting journalism programs at 30 high schools, piloting a new curriculum, and advocating to increase public investment in youth journalism.
Addressing New York City’s lifeguard shortage
New York City’s lifeguard shortage is not only a recreational equity issue, but a serious public health and safety concern that will only increase with the effects of climate change. Since 2023, with seed funding from Revson, the YMCA of Greater New York has led the NYC Interorganizational Lifeguard Task Force to coordinate action to improve recruitment, certification, and the overall aquatics ecosystem.