Bronx, NY – On March 7, 2023, Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson hosted a Civic Engagement Summit in the rotunda of Bronx Borough Hall featuring a panel of elected officials and youth leaders discussing the importance of civic engagement, civic leadership, and ways students can get involved in their communities. She was joined by panelists, Chief Democracy Officer of the Civic Engagement Commission, Kathleen Daniel, New York State Assembly Member Chantel Jackson, New York City Council Members Althea Stevens and Eric Dinowitz, and Orangel Mejia, Government Affairs` Executive Secretary at College of Mount St. Vincent.
“I am excited to celebrate my first-ever Civic Engagement Summit as Bronx Borough President aimed at providing our youth with the opportunity to learn how to be active citizens in their communities,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. “From participatory budgeting to joining their local community board or precinct council, there are so many ways for our students to get involved and have a say in the future of our Borough and City.”
This event was in partnership with the Civic Engagement Commission during Civics Week to encourage civic engagement by creating transparency around local institutions, highlighting ways to get involved beyond voting, and amplifying opportunities for youth to have a say in their communities. The panel discussion was followed by a Q&A and time for panelists to network with the almost 100 participants in attendance, which included students from Bronx Latin, IS 584, PS/MS 5 Port Morris, Bravehearts NY, Highbridge Voices, Lehman College, and College of Mount St. Vincent.