Welcome to Our Students Inside Albany Page
This Conference is an intensive four day training experience held in the Spring and is designed to immerse students in the process by which public policy is proposed, enacted and changed in New York State and educate them as to how they can influence and affect the process.
League of Women Voters of Rye, Rye Brook & Port Chester Announces Winners of the Annual
2016 Students Inside Albany Conference
Isabelle Schindler of Rye High School and Juan "PJ" Pujardas of Rye Country Day School have been chosen to represent the League at the Conference to be held in May in Albany. Students from around New York State will meet together with their legislators and attend committee meetings and legislative sessions. We are proud to have these two dynamic and exceptional students to be our representatives.
Isabelle writes about her personal experience below
For as long as I can remember, I
have been extremely interested in politics. Since I spend a tremendous amount
of time reading articles, watching the news, and talking with my equally
political family members, I always thought that I was a full-scale wonk.
However, when I arrived at the Students Inside Albany Conference, I was shocked
to discover that I could barely answer any of the questions on the
pre-conference quiz. I realized that this was the case because nearly all the
news I watched or read about every day focused on national, not state or local,
politics. While I was well versed in Congress and the 2016 election, I knew
almost nothing about the government of New York State, which is just as
important as its national counterpart, and perhaps even more relevant to my
daily life. Since the conference focused solely on New York State’s politics and
governmental system, I was able to
get a crash course in it over just a few days. What made the conference truly
incredible, though, was that, instead of sitting in a room and learning about
state government, we were immersed in it right in the heart of the capitol.
Instead of just learning about lobbying, for instance, we got to go a step
further and actually lobby a senator on issues important to us. Similarly,
instead of just touring the senate and assembly, we actually got to go on the
floor during a session while shadowing our senator and assemblyperson. This
experience of getting to closely follow our assemblyperson and senator was by
far the highlight of the conference. One of the most amazing moments was when
we were able to go into the health subcommittee and listen to arguments about
the “right to die” bill. This meeting was filled with emotions and arguments,
as each side laid out their case, and was interesting because assisted suicide
is such a prevalent and controversial topic. In the end, it passed the
subcommittee by one vote, making the entire session unpredictable and intense.
While I know that that bill has many hurdles to get through before becoming a
law, when it does it will be amazing to know that I was there at the beginning
to see the first steps of the process. While most of our time was spent in the
halls of the capitol, we also spent time spent in the hotel conference rooms
listening to many speakers share their insight on a variety of topics, from the
need for constitutional conventions to the importance of citizen lobbying.
These speakers taught us new things and answered our questions, trying to make
it as hands on as possible. These activities and the ones at the capitol
allowed students from all over New York State to get to know each other. They
had the desired effect, as over the course of four days I became friends with
kids from places ranging from the south shore of Long Island to the Canadian
border. It was interesting to meet all of these students, as each of shared a
love of politics that many of my friends lack. It was also fun to have late
night debates over issues with different people chiming in their views on a host
of issues, as so many different kids with different views and opinions resulted
in a lively and spirited debate. By the end of the conference, I was very
happy, as I had enhanced my understanding of and interest in state government
and made some amazing lifelong friends.
2016 Students Inside
Albany Summary of Experience
from our State SIA Chairman
from our State SIA Chairman
The 2016 Students Inside Albany Conference had 58
attendees representing 41 local Leagues, MAL Units and ILO’s. The students came
from all over New York State from Long Island to Buffalo and Plattsburgh to
Binghamton. They ranged from freshmen to seniors in high school. They were
energetic and enthusiastic to learn about New York State government.
On Sunday evening, Blair Horner, Executive Director, NY
Public Interest Research Group (NYPIRG), and Barbara Bartoletti, LWVNYS
Legislative Director, presented information on how New York State Government
works. They explained the roles of the various branches of New York State
government and the differences between the state government and the other
levels of government, eg, national and local.
On Monday, the students toured the state Capitol and
heard about whose faces are on those engraved stones and the secret of the
fireplaces in the Senate Chambers. League Legislative Director, Barbara Bartoletti, then
provided them with the do’s and don’ts of lobbying the legislators – how to
approach them, make your arguments and be persuasive. Senator George Latimer joined
the group to allow students to role play in lobbying him. Students were able to
approach the Senator and lobby him on an issue of the student’s choice. It was wonderful
of the Senator to engage with the students in this activity.
In the afternoon, the students were directed to find
their Assemblymember’s offices and shadow their legislator. All of the students
were escorted onto the Assembly floor and introduced on the floor of the
Chamber. They viewed the legislators at their desks and the Chamber in session.
After dinner, Peter Galie, leading expert on state
constitutional conventions (professor emeritus, Canisius College), spoke about
the 2017 ballot proposal on a possible state constitutional convention. He
explained what is currently in our constitution and the method for adopting
amendments. He also discussed past constitutional conventions and issues that
could be debated in a new convention.
On Tuesday, Jasmine Gripper, Education Advocate, from the
Alliance for Quality Education, presented information to the students on
education issues and the methods they use to advocate for these issues. The
topic was of particular interest to the students who asked many questions on
financing education, but also the hot topics of Common Core and APPR. Blair
Horner, NYPIRG, spoke again to the students about NYPIRG’s activities in
lobbying, as well as NYPIRG’s activities on many college
campuses around the state.
On the way to the Capitol that afternoon, the students
had a tour of the Chambers of the Court of Appeals and heard about the
different levels of the judiciary in New York State from Gary Spencer,
Information Officer at the Court of Appeals.
The students shadowed their Senator on Tuesday and again
were escorted to the floor to watch the session.
On Wednesday morning, Barbara Bartoletti engaged the
students in a discussion of what they saw in the Assembly and Senate. Much of
the discussion surrounded questions on procedures and voting in both Chambers
and the role of leadership in each Chamber. The students were also presented individually with a
certificate for attendance at the Conference. At least five students noted that
they had been offered internships in the legislators’ offices for the summer.
Just for fun, the students also went bowling one night at
a local bowling alley that provided laser lights, disco lights, black lights,
and runway lights combined with the latest music videos on a giant screen. The
group also enjoyed a boat cruise on the Hudson River another evening to view
the city skyline.
Quotes from some of the students included:
·
I learned that state government is equally, if
not more important, than the federal government.
·
The fast-paced and intellectually challenging
atmosphere was so interesting, and the potential to create change is something
I want from a career.
·
Even though Albany is flawed, I was inspired by
the efforts for positive change made by good government groups and certain
legislators.
·
It taught me so many basic things about state
government that I should have known, but didn’t.
·
It has made me want to become more active in
state government and made activism seem much more approachable.
·
It was a great opportunity for those who wish to
go into government and for connections and internships.
·
Being surrounded by incredible people that are passionate
about fighting for what they believe in was inspiring and invigorating!
Thanks to all of our sponsors.
STUDENTS INSIDE ALBANY PROGRAM in 2015
RYE, NY – The League of Women Voters – Rye, Rye Brook & Port Chester announced today that Haley Neiman, a student at Rye High School, and Spencer Kaplan, a student at Blind Brook High School, have been chosen to attend this year’s Students Inside Albany program sponsored by the League of Women Voters of New York State Education Foundation, Inc. This 15th annual Students Inside Albany program will take place from May 17-20th, and will bring approximately 60 students from across the state to Albany to get a first-hand education about their state government. The program is designed to increase high school students' awareness of their responsibility in representative government and provide information about the tools necessary for meeting that responsibility. Congratulations to Haley and Spencer.
Students will participate in a series of interactive discussions with Albany insiders on topics such as the state budget process, the role of lobbyists in the legislative process, citizen rights to access government information, the role of media in politics, and the move to reform state government. While in Albany, the students will have an opportunity to tour the state’s Capitol. The highlight for most students is the opportunity to shadow their Senator and their Assembly member for an afternoon and attending sessions on the Chamber floor.
For more information on the League of Women Voters – Rye, Rye Brook & Port Chester, please visit their website, www.LWVRRBPC.org. For more information on the League of Women Voter of New York State Education Foundation, Inc., or the Students Inside Albany program, please visit their website at: www.lwvny.org.
RYE STUDENT CHOSEN FOR STUDENTS INSIDE ALBANY PROGRAM 2014
Rye, NY, May 12, 2014 – The Rye, Rye Brook & Port Chester chapter of the League of Women Voters announced today that MacGuire (Mac) Killian, a 9th grader from Rye High School, has been chosen to attend this year’s Students Inside Albany program sponsored by the League of Women Voters of New York State Education Foundation. This thirteenth annual Students Inside Albany program runs from May 18-21, and will bring approximately 60 students from across the state to Albany to get a first-hand education about their state government. The program is designed to increase high school students' awareness of their responsibility in representative government and provide information about the tools necessary for meeting that responsibility.
While at the conference, students will join their peers in a hands-on learning experience about how state government works. Students will participate in a series of interactive lectures on topics such as the state budget process, the role of lobbyists in the legislative process, citizen rights to access government information, the role of media in politics, and the move to reform state government. While in Albany, the students will have an opportunity to tour the state’s Capitol. The highlight for most students is the opportunity to shadow their Senator and their Assembly member for afternoon attending sessions on the Chamber floor.
In his application essay, Mac commented, “If I understand the legislative process, I would be better able to contribute to helping my community and state in dealing with these issues. I would like to meet other kids around New York to share ideas and opinions and what they think are the issues facing our state.”
Congratulations to Mac!
2014 Students Inside Albany Report
The 2014 Students Inside Albany Conference had 60 attendees representing 40 local Leagues, MAL Units and ILO’s. The students came from all over New York State from Long Island to Buffalo and Plattsburgh to Binghamton. They ranged from freshmen to seniors in high school. They were energetic and enthusiastic to learn about New York State government.
On Sunday evening, Karen Bonventre, Social Studies Teacher at Shenendehowa High School and former President of the LWV of Albany County, presented information on the roles of the various branches of New York State government and the differences between the state government and the other levels of government, e.g., national and local.
On Monday, the students toured the state Capitol and heard about whose faces are on those engraved stones and the secret of the fireplaces in the Senate Chambers. League Legislative Director, Barbara Bartoletti, then provided them with the do’s and don’ts of lobbying the legislators — how to approach them, make your arguments and be persuasive. Assemblymembers Pat Fahy and Peter Lopez then joined the group to allow all students to role play. Students were able to approach the legislators and lobby them on an issue of the student’s choice. The legislators were wonderful to engage with the students in this activity.
During lunch, Robert Freeman, Executive Director of the Committee on Open Government, joined the Conference to speak to the students about FOIA and how to access information in their communities and throughout the government. Bob’s presentation was very interactive as he talked with the students about the specific issues within their own communities.
In the afternoon, the students were directed to find their Assemblymember’s offices and shadow their legislator. All of the students were escorted onto the Assembly and introduced on the floor of the Chamber. They viewed the legislators at their desks and the Chamber in session. This day was the Annual Disability Awareness Day in the Assembly so there were more visitors than usual and the bills being considered focused on issues related to the protection of individuals with disabilities from discrimination, increased access to necessary services and the improvement in the quality of life for disabled individuals.
After dinner, Casey Seiler, Capital Bureau Chief for the Times Union, and Jimmy Vielkind, Chief of Albany Bureau, Capitol New York, discussed the role of the media in covering and influencing public policy decisions. They also discussed the tension between the increased speed of media coverage due in large part to the growth of social media and the constant need to confirm sources and information.
On Tuesday, Billy Easton, Executive Director, and Jasmine Gripper, Education Advocate, both from the Alliance for Quality Education, presented information to the students on education issues and the methods they use to advocate for these issues. The topic was of particular interest to the students who asked many questions on financing education, but also the hot topics of Common Core and APPR. Jessica Wisneski, Legislative and Campaigns Director for Citizens Action of NY, also spoke to the students about their activities in lobbying, but focused more on their strategies for enlisting the public in advocating for change.
Please click on the link below to see the Hamilton, NY LWV Video of some student activities at the 2012 SIA Conference