Westchester County Youth Council
FSW’s Westchester County Youth Council (WCYC) is a youth leadership program that promotes civic engagement among youth of all backgrounds in Westchester County. With this countywide, youth-led and multi-issue advocacy program is designed to equip youth ages 10- 19 with the critical thinking and leadership skills necessary to become engaged citizens who create positive change in their communities. The Westchester Youth Council has no religious orientation.
About the Youth Council
FSW’s Westchester County Youth Council (WCYC) is a youth-led leadership and civic engagement initiative serving young people ages 10–19 across Westchester County. The program is designed to empower youth from all backgrounds — especially those who are at-risk or living with Serious Emotional Disturbance (SED) by providing mentorship, resources, and opportunities to become valued and influential contributors to their communities.
WCYC fosters critical thinking, advocacy, and leadership development through a multi-issue, countywide platform that is inclusive and non-religious. By cultivating a sense of agency and belonging, the program supports youth in navigating personal growth and mental health challenges while stepping into leadership roles that drive meaningful and lasting systemic changes in political, health, and cultural spheres.
Meetings
The Youth Council Meets weekly on Tuesdays from 5:30 – 7:30 PM in White Plains, New York. To expand access and reduce barriers, WCYC now includes a satellite location in Yonkers, operating on Thursdays from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. This site specifically serves youth from southern Westchester communities such as Yonkers and Mount Vernon, who may have previously faced transportation challenges.
Youth Action Training and Workshops
FSW’s Westchester County Youth Councils sponsor an annual Youth Action Training. It is a unique educational conference where teens can deepen their knowledge of important issues, build leadership skills and connect with other young change-makers.
Workshop topics have included:
- Youth Mental Health & Wellness
- Environmental Advocacy & Climate Justice
- Public Speaking & Communication Skills
- LGBTQ+ Inclusion & Allyship
- The Importance of Voting & Civic Participation
- Community Organizing & Effective Activism
- Anti-Racism & Equity in Action
- Digital Literacy & Online Safety
- Leadership
- And more!
Please note: a Parental Consent Form, Transportation Permission Form and Photo & Video Release Form are required for either online OR paper registration! Sending ahead via e-mail will speed up registration, but it’s okay to bring consent forms the day of. Download that information below:
Contact Information:
Sheldon Edwards, Youth Councils Co-Director
Sheldon.Edwards@fsw.org
