For years, I’ve been a proud NYRA-member, voting in every election. But only after I began working in NYRA’s office, first as Campaign Manager, then as Executive Director, did I see the qualities that make a good board member. I used to think it was important to elect candidates who shared my vision for the…
Can’t attend the upcoming rally in Washington, DC against corporal punishment in our schools? You can still share your views. During the second day of the event, NYRA Executive Director Bill Bystricky will join other activists in reading comments submitted from across America. If you have a personal experience with corporal punishment in school, send…
The most basic right people of any age have is the right to physical safety, the right not to be harmed or touched against your will. Yet there are public schools in America where students are routinely hit by the very authority figures entrusted to keep them safe. Even in 2012, corporal punishment is still…
As you’ll find out everywhere, today is Mother’s Day. Over the years, I’ve made it no secret that I personally dislike Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, that they seem to be based on blind parental reverence and appreciation, often painting them as without exception selfless saints serving their unappreciative children. And any suggestion that such…
At NYRA, we get emails. Many write to thank us for our work. Some write to share new ideas or to provide thoughtful feedback. And some write to scathe us for supporting the rights of youth. I thought I’d share one we got recently. Bear in mind, none of the “facts” in this email have…
This is part of the Youth Rights 101 series. Please check out Youth Rights 101: Introduction for the rest of the series and more information. Alcohol is dangerous! Why lower the drinking age? Do you actually want kids drinking?! Lowering the drinking age is not about wanting anyone to be drinking nor ignoring any possible…
And that’s now 27 runs of #16tovote on the 16th! And going strong! Being the April edition, the event occurred right at tax time, when we are reminded that you don’t have to be old enough to vote to pay taxes! Yet shouldn’t taxpayers get a vote? A say in the money they are paying…
2012 will mark a milestone for youth rights activism: supporters of all ages are engaging in an effort to empower youth by lowering the voting age. The “Votes for Youth” campaign gives voice to youth who are fed-up with having no say in electing the leaders who claim to represent them. They have strongly held…
Contents NYRA Chooses New Executive Director NYRA-Philly Hosts Know Your Rights Night This Month’s Mission Calendar Blog News NYRA in the News Other News NYRA Chooses New Executive Director The metaphorical white smoke has risen from the conclave, and the Directors of NYRA have made their selection. “It’s official,” announced NYRA Secretary Katrina Moncure….
Matt Smith, principal at Garrett High School in Indiana, recently expelled a student for Tweeting a swear word on his own time. In response, NYRA’s new Executive Director sent Smith the following message: Dear Mr. Smith, I was disappointed to hear reports that your school chose to expel a student for a Tweet he wrote…
