E. Flatbush teen joins Youth Council

E. Flatbush teen joins Youth Council
William Gerlich, NYC Council

Brooklyn Councilman Jumaane D. Williams (D–Brooklyn), deputy leader and chairman of the Council’s Housing and Buildings Committee, has appointed Brooklyn teen Errianna Brown to the inaugural class of The New York City Youth Council from District 45.

Run in partnership with the Coro New York Leadership Center, a civic leadership training organization, the New York City Youth Council is a leadership training program comprising 49 members, one from each district with a sitting lawmaker.

“I am happy to announce that Errianna Brown will be the first Youth Council member to represent the 45th District,” Williams said. “Errianna is a bright, ambitious senior at NEST+m High School whose strong academic performance and community involvement have made her an outstanding youth leader.

“She has also served as an intern in my district office, handling constituent affairs, community outreach and more, and has been an active member of my youth council Students Taking Action Today (STAT),” he added. “I have no doubt that she will be an excellent representative of the young people in our district, and look forward to seeing her regularly at City Hall.”

Williams said the purpose of the Youth Council is to enhance youth-adult partnerships throughout the City and elevate youth voices in decision making related to policy and practice.

Each council member was asked to nominate one exemplary young person from their district to participate in the Youth Council for a one-year term.

Youth Council members will build their leadership skills, learn about how New York City government works and the issues in their council district, and work with their council member’s office and colleagues to represent the ideas and concerns of young people across the city, Williams said.

He said they will also attend Youth Council meetings twice a month and routine Saturday sessions to reflect on their work and share what they have learned with one another.

“I am honored to be the first Youth Council representative from District 45,” Brown said. “My experience working in community organizations, in local government and as a coach for the Brooklyn Titans Football and Cheer Organization will serve me well in the Youth Council.

“I look forward to learning leadership skills and serving my community and the city as a whole in my new position,” she added. “I want to thank Council Member Williams for giving me this opportunity and look forward to working with him in the future.”

Williams said Brown is an East Flatbush resident who has significant work experience in education, community organizations and government.

She is also president of Students Taking Action Today, and was the vice president of the “Next Gen Vest Club,” an organization that helps students obtain internships.

“She is passionate about community work and looks forward to pursuing it through politics in the future,” Williams said.