100 Teens Convene at State Capitol for Health Advocacy Training

ALBANY, NY (03/16/2009)(readMedia)-- More than 100 teenagers met at the Empire State Plaza today for advocacy training as part of their work to raise awareness of reproductive health issues affecting young people. They came from around the state to the Get the Facts NY Youth Leadership Conference hosted by The Education Fund of Family Planning Advocates of New York State.

FPA President and CEO M. Tracey Brooks kicked off the conference by welcoming the teens to the State Capitol. "You will learn skills today and throughout your advocacy work that will serve you well into adulthood. These skills may help develop your interest in public service and, quite possibly, running for office," Brooks said. "Some of you may very well have an office in this State Capitol one day."

The high school and college students attended workshops on online advocacy, effectively organizing advocacy events and knowing their rights. Keynote speaker Shelby Knox talked with them about the importance of youth activism and the impact they can have on their lives and the lives of others. "I'm here today because FPA knows that young people are the leaders of tomorrow. As young people we must raise our collective voices to share our story," said 22-year-old Knox, a feminist and activist who works nationwide to develop youth activists.

While in Albany, some conference attendees visited with their legislators to introduce themselves and learn more about the work done in the New York State Legislature and how it affects the residents of the state. Also participating in the event were members of the Family Planning Advocates Youth Advisory Board, a group of young people just beginning their careers who are committed to advancing important reproductive health care issues.

Learn more about Get the Facts NY at www.getthefactsny.org. Learn more about Family Planning Advocates at www.fpaofnys.org.

Family Planning Advocates of New York State is a non-profit, statewide organization dedicated to protecting and expanding access to a full range of reproductive health care services. It represents New York's Planned Parenthood affiliates and other family planning centers, as well as hundreds of organizations and thousands of individual members. The Education Fund of FPA conducts research, carries out policy analysis and provides a variety of education, training and outreach programs related to sexual and reproductive health services and education.