Youth Empowerment

Rural & Migrant Ministry has been on the cutting edge of offering creative and effective programs that support young, emerging leaders in rural New York for more than 35 years. Each of our youth programs has been created and carried forth by young leaders. In turn, the programs form a network across New York that helps members connect to each other, resources, allies and opportunities. The programs are unique, and in some cases nationally recognized. More importantly, they assist young people as they develop the skills and understanding to build their power and work for change.

This is essential as they face the challenges of living in rural New York. Our young leaders are overcoming immense obstacles. In addition to many of the traditional barriers of racism, adultism and poverty, many are first-generation immigrants, and face language and cultural barriers. Often, their parents are unfamiliar with the political and education systems, and that, combined with language barriers, makes it difficult for them to be advocates for their children within these systems. There are also the realities of living in rural New York State, where there are few resources, little public transportation and a deep isolation.