Shadow Day is an opportunity for young adults with experience in the foster care system, to spend time shadowing a member of the New York City Council and their staff, while gaining a vast understanding of how NYC is governed. As an NYC resident, Council Members are here to represent your interests and improve the functioning of the city for their constituents. As a participant, you will have the opportunity to share your personal experiences in the foster care system.
After submitting your application, you will be invited for a brief interview either by phone or in person. All participants will be expected to attend two 2.5 hour Youth Leaders Advocacy Trainings:
- Training 1: Wednesday, April 26 from 4:30pm to 7pm
Location Children’s Aid Society at 711 Third Avenue, Suite 700, New York, NY 10017 - Training 2: Wednesday, May 3rd from 4:30pm to 7pm
Location: City Council Office at 250 Broadway, New York, NY 10007
These training sessions will equip you with a background on advocacy, effective messaging, and strategic sharing. You will also gain a historic background on the city council, and be prepared for your meetings with a Council Member.
Individuals who are eligible to participate meet the following criteria:
- Will be 16 to 24 years old;
- Currently or formerly in a foster care placement (foster care, group home, kinship home, etc.);
- Willingness to share your personal story or speak publicly about the foster care system;
- Willingness to participate in future advocacy efforts regarding the foster care system, and;
- Willingness to advocate on behalf of youth in care or alumni.
The Shadow Day Experience interest form deadline is Friday, April 14 at 6 p.m. Forms received after the deadline will be considered for placements as space permits.
For more information contact: Jessica Maxwell at policy@childrensaidsociety.org or (212) 381-1194.