On Saturday, May 22nd, Queens Community House (QCH) held their 11th annual youth-led Access for Young Women (AFYW) Conference.  Over 200 people including, young women and men from local schools, parents, teachers and school administrators, participants in neighboring community-based organizations throughout Queens attended the day-long event.  Following the theme “Going Green”, participants created the décor by using recycled materials including flower garlands made from old magazines, centerpieces made from plastic bags and twigs, a chandelier made from plastic cups and jewelry that incorporated various materials.
 
The day kicked off with an advocacy activity in which participants asked conference guests to contemplate the importance of after school activities and write a declaration which will be sent to elected officials.  This year, QCH is facing severe budget reductions at the city and state levels, which threaten to erode a network of teen services which have provided a mainstay for youth and families since 1983.  The participants in AFYW raised awareness and increased advocacy around the issue by getting guests involved with the fight to preserve after school activities.

The purpose of the conference was to educate guests through youth-led workshops on various topics and issues of cultural significance  including: Teen Pregnancy, Sexting and Cyberbullying, School Safety, Global Warming, Sexual Exploitation, Teen Abusive Relationships, Runaway Teens, Challenges of LGBT Youth, and Body Image and Self Esteem. 

"I was impressed by how at ease the girls were when it came to speaking about sensitive issues like LGBT youth in front of their teachers and parents," said Meryl Branch-McTiernan, who attended the afternoon workshops.

As well as educating their guests, the young women who presented gained experience in facilitating discussions with people of varying backgrounds and ages and the confidence to express their opinions in an informed and assertive manner.
 
AFYW is a leadership training program for young women ages 12 to 18, which focuses on gender equity and advocacy.  Through weekly leadership groups, they develop critical thinking skills and create workshops for peers on educational and social issues.  Participants attend various schools throughout Queens including: Forest Hills High School, Hillcrest High School, Newtown High School, Pathways to College Prep, JHS 157, Frank Sinatra School of the Arts, Queens High School for Math and Sciences and others.  The culminating event of their work was the annual conference. 

Now in its 16th year, AFYW has delivered proven results.  95% of AFYW participants went directly to college after graduating from high school last year, while only 59% of New York City high school students graduate on time.

“Through this program, I have improved my public speaking and communications skills, gained knowledge, confidence and friends, and have been inspired to do well in school so I can attend college,” says Rebecca, a 16 year old who has participated in the program for three years.

If proposed cuts to youth services in the city budget are enacted, there will be considerable setbacks for young women who are striving to reach their potentials through the mentorship, support and community they attain through the program.