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Questionnaire
1. Why do you want to run for the NYRA Board of Directors?
Jaylen Bledsoe
Click on my name to read my bio statement.
I would like to run for the NYRA Board of Directors because I believe I could bring brand new ideas to NYRA. I believe I could possibly bring more new members by lowering the member dues to $5 instead of $10. I believe that I could use my skills of leadership to further advance the National Youth Rights Association.
Jackie Ferro
For as long as I can remember, my dream has always been to change the world in whatever way I can and make our nation a better place. By serving on the NYRA Board of Directors, I will be able to once again, work towards ending the injustices and restrictions placed against youth in our society. Youth rights is an incredibly worthy cause and I'm honored to have had the opportunity to work alongside NYRA to bring that dream closer to reality.
Samantha Godwin
I want to serve on the board of directors because, as I hope it will become clear from my answers below, I have a clear vision for what NYRA’s short and long term goals ought to be, and a strong commitment to achieving those goals. The status of children and young people is vitally important to me, and I think I have the ideas and experience necessary to build NYRA into a truly meaningful political movement for youth rights. I am also running for the board because I am frustrated in some ways that I am not better positioned to do more to push NYRA forward and I believe being on the board will better equip me to ensure that NYRA lives up to its true potential and gives youth the advocacy organization they deserve.
Eric Goldstein
I am running for NYRA’s board because I think I can make a difference. Youth rights is one of the few areas where I have a true passion to fight for change. I want to see NYRA make a difference in society. As will be described in other answers, I have held numerous roles inside and outside of NYRA that will allow me the vision to guide NYRA through the next year.
Christopher Hardy
My stance is clear; I truly believe that people can make a difference. I wish to run not because I look to lead but because I wish to change. I wish to change the society in which we live; a large task requires many which is why I wish to run for the board. Where else in the world can I be among people of such similar virtue. Associate with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation; for it is better to be alone than in bad company. ~ George Washington
Max Harmony
Because every year I run, I get closer and closer to winning (yes, Charlie Sheen is also winning, I know). Eventually a rounding error will get me in!
Nigel Jones
Last year, my answer would have involved greatly reforming our organization. This year, however, after my participation on NYRA’s board, NYRA is bringing in more money than it ever has and is apt to bring in much more, is teaming up with more rights-focused organizations, has obtained several tangible victories, and could soon reform the operation of its board and staff. NYRA has made such tremendous progress in the last year that substantial reform is much less necessary, although improvements are always possible.
Last year, I mentioned that NYRA should collect more members. We’ve got a message that resonates with many people, and sterling research and vehement supporters to back up that message. Having more members gives us a stronger fundraising base, and gives authority with other organizations and government, aligned or oppositional. There are many ways for NYRA to attract members, and I’d like to take advantage of them.
Daniel Karpantschof
As a long time activist in the youth sphere in Denmark, where I am from, and as Danish representative to the UNESCO on various but specifically youth issues, I believe that my skills and qualification will be a nice addition to the NYRA board.
Gibson Katz
I want to run for the NYRA board becuse NYRA needs to appeal to the political mainstream which it has not. I also want to run because I am a middle school student who has seen and experienced age discrimination.
Keith Mandell
I would like to run for NYRA's board of directors because I have had a strong commitment to youth rights for almost 14 years. In the 1990s, I worked with Youthspeak, a youth-led civil rights organization focusing on a lower voting age.
I served on NYRA's board in its 2nd year (1999-2000) and for the past 7 years. NYRA is an important part of my life of which I am very proud.
Katrina Moncure
Because when I say "aye" after the "all in favor?" at board meetings, I'd like it to be a binding vote rather than an obnoxious interruption.
Jeffrey Nadel
Every day, I see young people oppressed and denied their rights solely because of their age. I am unwilling to bear the heavy heel of the status quo; and I am committed to doing all within my power to fight against the injustice that has become so widespread. I am a capable leader, as my past service as President and on the Board of Directors has demonstrated. And I have a bold vision for NYRA as we move through our strategic planning process that will ensure our organization's perpetual existence and continual growth. Under my leadership, I will accept no less: the National Youth Rights Association will be a nationally-recognized force for justice.
Kathleen O'Neal
Since becoming involved with NYRA, I have been impressed personally and politically with those I have met in the organization. I feel that the work NYRA does fills an important gap in our society’s political discourse. There are many political and social issues I have involved myself with over the years on campaigns, committees, and caucuses. I have cared deeply about all of them. However I have always known that for almost all of these other issues, there were plenty of other intelligent, committed people to advance the agenda should I fall away from the cause. Although there are many committed youth rights activists in our society, there are not nearly enough. It is almost impossible to find youth rights viewpoints represented on television news, in magazines and newspapers, in libraries, or even in conversations with fellow citizens. I want to be part of the solution.
Usiel Phoenix
When I found the youth rights movement, I found a calling. In my studies, work, and free time, I am preparing myself for a life of activism, largely on behalf of this cause. As NYRA is at the forefront of the youth rights movement, I wish to do everything in my power to promote its growth and success.
2. Are you familiar with the responsibilities of a non-profit board member? What prior experience do you have that you believe qualifies you to hold the position of director on our board?
Jaylen Bledsoe
I have attended numerous Board of Education meetings for the Hazelwood School District. I have had numerous meetings with friends of the family that are Board Of Directors for HSD. Having friends of the family as board directors it will give me someone that could make me a better board director when needed.
Jackie Ferro
I have been on the Board of Directors for the past 2 years, helping lead NYRA. Just last year, I served as the National Vice-President for the organization, which has furthered my awareness of the responsibilities of a board member. I would consider myself aware of the responsibilities a non-profit board member faces. Additionally, I’ve served as an elected leader in various clubs in my school and community, such as the Model United Nations and Student Senate, to gain experience that provides further education and experience.
Samantha Godwin
As a current member of the board of directors of the National Lawyers Guild and a past board chair of a large charity (University College London Union), I have nearly three years cumulative experience serving as a non-profit board member. Fundraising and recruitment are a central part of a board member’s fiduciary duty to their organization and I have significant experience doing both on behalf of the NLG. A board also needs to be able to provide a strategic plan to define an organization’s goals and determine how to meet them. I believe that my activist and campaigning experience will help me plan how to best meet NYRA’s goals. By contributing to the legal and political justification for youth rights (as I believe I did in my article Children’s Oppression, Rights and Liberation) I hope to be able to help to define those goals.
Eric Goldstein
Yes, very much so. While interning at the NYRA office, I saw first hand what members of the board were contributing to the organization. Outside of NYRA, I have worked with my alma mater’s board of trustees, both with individual members and committees. I have also served as an officer of the New York Association of Parliamentarians, a non-profit professional organization. My knowledge of parliamentary procedure has allowed me insight into non-profit structure, and the important role a board member plays, while reminding me that the board is the servant of the membership, not the other way around. While all three of these organizations are different in size and scope, the role of a non-profit board remains one of fiduciary responsibility, no matter what type of organization it is.
Christopher Hardy
I am currently serving as the President of the Midland Park Student Senate, chairman of the Midland Park Student Association and as a member of the Midland Park Board of ED. I am comfortable in a position on a board and am an experienced diplomat in board affairs. In addition I have been elected to several offices of non-profit societies in a management position.
Max Harmony
I've been on ASFAR's Board of Directors for several years. While it is less active, it has given me experience in meeting procedure. I have also regularly observed and commented on NYRA's board meetings.
Nigel Jones
I am very familiar with the role and responsibilities of a non-profit board member. My experience of actually serving on the board over the last year really helps me understand what’s necessary to be an extremely effective board member. Not only do I understand the role of a NYRA board member, but if the board reform proposals pass, I’ll have even helped craft the structure of NYRA board membership. My experience extends further than my extensive service for NYRA however, because I also learned a great deal about leadership and making decisions with others while president of my class.
I’ve also learned a lot about NYRA and have actually seen the development of many of our projects. For that reason, I know many of our campaigns and strategies intimately and will be able to effectively carry them out during my next term.
Daniel Karpantschof
I have been member of numerous boards on non-profits as well as corporate entities. Most relevant would probably be the Danish Youth Council and the Copenhagen Institute for Futures Studies.
Gibson Katz
Yes. I am forming a chapter and have been advocating against the curfew and the Internet content barrier at my school.
Keith Mandell
Besides my significant experience on NYRA's board, I have experience as an attorney in the nonprofit area. In 2005, I co-authored an article on the duties of nonprofit directors. At my prior law firm, I also was involved in helping incorporate nonprofits.
Katrina Moncure
I've been on NYRA's board for the past six years, with perfect meeting attendance, so I pretty much know my way around it by now. More recently, I've attended gatherings or looked up info for other groups to compare how they deal with board-like issues. Main similarity is it's very focused on managerial issues, funding, structure, core values, and of course strategy, and that's about how we are. Board members have to be sure the organization is a well-oiled machine.
Jeffrey Nadel
I am entirely comfortable with the responsibilities that being a non-profit board member entails. I was appointed to the NYRA Board of Directors on June 15, 2009 to serve out the remainder of the 2009 term. Since then, I have been elected to the Board twice and have served two terms both as a Director and as the President of the organization. During this time, I have chaired meetings of the Board and coordinated activity within the organization. I also founded the National Youth Rights Association of Southeast Florida and served as its President and the Chairman of the Board since May 2008.
Kathleen O'Neal
I am very much familiar with the requirements of membership on the board of a nonprofit organization. In my MPA program, I am concentrating in Nonprofit Management which has given me the opportunity to understand in depth the responsibilities of board members, staff, and executive leadership in organizations such as NYRA.
Usiel Phoenix
As an incumbent candidate, I am very familiar with the responsibilities of board members. During my time as a NYRA board member, I have had the opportunities to participate in NYRA's board training programs, work with board members of other nonprofit organizations, and learn directly from my NYRA colleagues, most of whom are more experienced than I. As president of NYRA-NYU, I am now managing a board of my own, which has granted me additional perspective into effective board practices.
3. What have you personally done to advance NYRA?
Jaylen Bledsoe
Over the course of my chapter being up and running, I have been able to get farther in the process of allowing a Student Member to be on the Hazelwood School District’s Board of Education. That process has initiated in a form that the HSD’s Superintendent visits all 6 middle school’s student councils at least 3 times a year. I have also talked to the school principal and she said that next year we will be able to have scheduled town hall meetings for the students to come and say what they think should be changed. Now that NYRA- St. Louis is giving the students their rights, it is their school and their community. We are also setting a way to show students and other youth their rights online by utilizing technology and the Internet as I am designing certain applications for NYRA-St. Louis and the National Youth Rights Association.
Jackie Ferro
I have helped NYRA gain some publicity through my chapter, gaining news coverage on RNN, which is broadcasted in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut as well as the Hudson River Valley local news and the Journal News (our local newspaper). Additionally, for the last two years we have conducted a successful “Wear Blue For Youth Rights Day” event on National Youth Rights Day (or NYRD if you enjoy acronyms). We've introduced the idea of a lower voting age to our peers and have recently begun work on a campaign to end internet browsing restrictions in our school.
Samantha Godwin
Since I’ve been out of the country for most of the time in which I’ve been a NYRA member, I have not had an opportunity to contribute to chapter development directly. Instead I have been very active on the NYRA forums (My username on the forums is SG1). I have consistently attended the online NYRA board meetings, chapter meetings and informal webchats. This type of involvement has allowed me to contribute ideas for NYRA’s activist work. Using these forums I’ve tried to help clarify what I see as the right direction for NYRA’s work.
Eric Goldstein
I have worked with NYRA in a number of different capacities over the last seven years. In high school, I worked to form a youth rights club at my school, holding a voting age rally and writing op-eds for the schools political newspaper. When I got to college, I became an intern in NYRA’s main office, working with potential chapter leaders to form their own chapters and revising the new edition of the chapter handbook. Additionally, I worked with other students at my college, American University, to try to get a chapter off the ground. Throughout, I have represented NYRA at youth conferences and other tabling opportunities to spread knowledge about NYRA and support for our organization. Lastly, and vitally, I am a regular donor to NYRA.
Christopher Hardy
I revived the NYRA presence in Bergen County by opening a chapter. I have since gathered members and awareness to the message of the NYRA. My chapter has also been involved with Kyleigh’s law opposition. The chapter purchased dozens of decals which we petitioned local adults to affix to their cars so as to dilute the pool of teens being profiled by the stickers. I have also installed a program in my school which provides students with a means of defense against the administration in a formal setting. This program attracted the attention of several current NYRA who invited me to go and run a workshop at the annual meeting. I wish to give back even more by serving on the NYRA board of directors.
Max Harmony
Highlights not under a gag order include local and state legislative advocacy, and national-level news monitoring.
Nigel Jones
Well, that’d be a long list. Even before I was first elected to NYRA’s board, I volunteered for NYRA and for youth rights generally, which is what led Alex, our executive director, to invite me to run for NYRA’s board in the first place. I couldn’t possibly write a comprehensive list of all that I’ve done for NYRA – and certainly couldn’t with our 150 word limit, but I’ve certainly been a beneficial actor in NYRA’s growth, and hope to earn your vote to help our organization grow much further.
Daniel Karpantschof
Since immigrating to the United States, from Denmark, in July 2010, I have met Dave Moss, and - where possible - ensured that, whenever I saw an opportunity to advance NYRA and NYRA's issues, this was accomplished, through my work.
Gibson Katz
I am in the process of forming a chapter in Marin/ San Francisco.
Keith Mandell
Personally, I have done the following to assist NYRA. I drafted NYRA's voting age talking points, which still appear on its web site. I have assisted NYRA in connection with organizing protests and sending out press releases. I have contacted members regarding donations. I previously served as NYRA's chapter formation director. I have also personally contributed a significant amount of money to NYRA.
Katrina Moncure
Lots of little things! Aside from donations here and there, my main areas have been maintaining our online communities, namely our forums, blog, chats, and Twitter friends. Keeping up the youth rights dialogue is vital to keeping people caring about and truly understanding our issues, as well as nurturing confidence in being a youth rights supporter. When we have a knowledgeable, connected, empowered membership and supporter-base with whom we maintain regular contact and have a good relationship, NYRA is made stronger!
Jeffrey Nadel
* Had the honor of serving two terms as the President of NYRA
* Served as NYRA's spokesperson throughout my term as President over the last two years, appearing on CNN Headline News and being featured in print media, on TV, and on the radio
* Represented NYRA at conferences across the country, giving speeches to groups as small as 10 and as large as 1,000
* Forged lasting connections with influential individuals and ally organizations to advance NYRA's mission
* Met with dozens of legislators to advocate lowering the voting age and abolishing curfews
* Filed two lawsuits against West Palm Beach, FL's unconstitutional and illegally-enforced youth curfew
* Wrote, organized, and cast NYRA's first television commercial
I embody NYRA and its mission on a daily basis and I work to further our goals with each connection that I make. It is this commitment that NYRA needs.
Kathleen O'Neal
Since moving to the DC area, I have become quite involved with NYRA. I have recruited new members to the organization and volunteered at the office stuffing envelopes, making phone calls to potential members, and doing anything else I could to help the organization sustain and grow its operations. I have also served as a resource for those leading the organization when questions about nonprofit management issues have arisen. Finally, I wrote a detailed case study of NYRA for my introductory nonprofit management class, providing suggestions to the organization for how to maximize its potential. Additionally this project introduced a class full of fellow American University graduate students to NYRA and the youth rights cause.
Usiel Phoenix
Immediately after my election to the board last year, I became the primary driving force behind NYRA’s campaign opposing a California law that would ban the sale of “violent video games” to minors. I created an online campaign to gather testimony to include in a Supreme Court brief for Schwarzenegger v. EMA. Later, I helped organize the Rally for Video Games, Free Speech, and Democracy, where I delivered a speech on the steps of the Supreme Court. In the past year, I have testified against youth curfews, against corporal punishment, and for youth suffrage in Washington, D.C., Texas, and Massachusetts, respectively. I founded a NYRA chapter at New York University, which is actively recruiting members and holding events. I have represented NYRA at public forums, held educational activist workshops, and met with officials at state and federal levels.
4. What are your short and long term goals for NYRA? How do we reach those goals?
Jaylen Bledsoe
Short Term Goals-
• To lower the Member’s Dues to $5
Long Term Goals-
• Locate Sponsors to Offer All New Start-up Chapters a grant
• Increase amount of Full Members
• Migrate Online Meetings to Hip Chat to Integrate Video Chat For Meetings
• Increase Funding
• Chapters to receive Non Profit Credit
I will make sure this happens by either requesting to build a team that would work close with me and other outside resources. I would make sure that everything is organized with deadlines and that all projects are broken down.
Jackie Ferro
My long term goal for NYRA would of course be world domination. Seeing as that is unlikely, though, my long term goals would be to make noticeable change on a national level to draw attention to the issues youth rights involves. The best way to do that would be by lowering the voting age or drinking age (or ideally both). On a more short-term level, I want the youth rights movement to be something people know about. If no one knows about our cause, how can they support us and our ideas? I think the first step for NYRA is to make our issue just as important as that of gay rights and healthcare reform. I don’t want everyone on the Earth to agree with every single one of NYRA’s philosophies; I just want them to know they exist.
Samantha Godwin
In the very long term, NYRA’s goal should be to spearhead a civil rights movement that will transform the basic nature of how adults and youth interact from the current relationship of domination and subjugation, to one of equal respect, equal standing and equal rights. Youth need a paradigm shifting social revolutionary change parallel to the slavery abolition movement, the Black civil rights movement, or the women’s liberation movement, to achieve equal civil and human rights, including the abolition of the voting age and the legal disabilities of minor status.
In the short term, NYRA should move away from reacting to relatively insignificant local single-issue controversies, to broader consciousness and awareness generating activities guided by a radical vision for youth liberation. To this end, NYRA should build consciousness raising groups across the country and find ways (publicity stunts etc.) to make extensive youth rights part of the national political awareness.
Eric Goldstein
Anybody who knows about NYRA knows that we are where we are, as an organization, because of the hard work of Alex Koroknay-Palicz. It is vital to the long term health of NYRA that we be sustainable beyond one person’s involvement. I have seen us come a long way in this regard over the past several years, and it is important that this be sustained. The two key components in this regard are the involvement of volunteer leadership and financial security. We need our members, be they on the board, chapter leaders or otherwise, to step up to the plate and strengthen our cause. The more we want to grow, the more we need money to support ourselves. A great operation cannot be run on a shoestring budget.
Christopher Hardy
The obvious goal for me, seeing as I live in NJ is to see Kyleigh’s Law repealed within the year. However more selflessly I wish to advance the name and image of the NYRA via student demonstrations and information campaigns. My long term goal is to perhaps do something similar to what I have done in my home town on a national scale, so that all students are afforded the opportunity to be defended and protected against any form of injustice. This is of course a loftily goal but I am a firm proponent of its viability.
Max Harmony
In the short term, I'd like to see more people aware of NYRA (even if they disagree with us). This can be done by getting into the news more often, whether through actions (lawsuits and protests) or statements. (I do not intend to discount the equal importance of supporters, whether paid members or not, spreading the word on their own. That too is important!) In the long term, I'd like NYRA to make itself unnecessary, which would require supporter participation (options here include speaking to congressional representatives and circulating (in states where it is possible) constitutional amendment petitions).
Nigel Jones
Another one of these questions that would take pages instead of 150 words. NYRA’s been taking in a lot more money than we ever have, and as a short term goal, I’d like to see NYRA spend it conservatively. It seems like we’ll be doing even better financially next fiscal year, but in order to grow financially, we’ll need to maintain the same frugal attitude that’s been such a beneficial aspect of our organization’s culture.
Long term goals are much more exciting, but I can’t stress enough that no rights-focused movement has ever succeeded without involvement from the oppressed group. NYRA needs to expand the number of young members and supporters it has in a serious way, and when we do that, we’ll truly be a social and political force to be reckoned with. I can’t stress enough the benefits of significantly expanding our youth membership.
Daniel Karpantschof
- Better and more focused communication.
- Advancing the profile of the organization.
- Higher level of recognition.
By moving from being a frontier battleground to being a serious party around the table.
Gibson Katz
My short term goals for NYRA are a law suit against curfews and more rights in school. My long term goal is suffrage.
Keith Mandell
My short term goals for NYRA is to continue to grow in membership and fundraising. We have made tremendous strides in the past couple years in gaining funding through grants and individual donation. We need to continue these efforts through reaching out to like-minded organizations (as we have been doing) and tap other potential youth rights supporters who may not have heard of us, including educators, and individuals involved in free speech and civil rights organizations which while not directly involving youth rights may be supportive of our efforts. In terms of long term goals, NYRA should become the organization members of the press turn to when looking for comments on youth rights issues. Additionally, we should continue to grow our legislative outreach efforts.
Katrina Moncure
In the short term, we need to keep up educating people about youth rights, keep raising awareness, and make sure our name is on it! I've been running #16tovote on the 16th on Twitter for the past year and a half, and one of its main purposes is identifying lowering the voting age as a NYRA issue, for example. Long term, once we're well branded and with the aforementioned knowledgeable, connected, empowered membership, we'll be the go-to org for correcting any and all youth rights violations and able to handle a wider range of issues than we do now. It all goes back to strengthening the base and ourselves.
Jeffrey Nadel
Each day, I see progress towards our ultimate goals -- shifts in public opinion, casual debates that result in an "A-ha!" moment, and ageist policies shot down. At the same time, I recognize that NYRA is the organization working on youth-rights issues. There are other organizations that have been integral to some of our successes, but we are the only youth-led civil rights organization. To preserve the movement, we must always ensure that NYRA as an organization is sustainable. We need the courage and the conviction to look at our organizational structure, determine what needs to be adjusted, and make the changes that will keep NYRA around for years to come. This process has begun with our Strategic Planning initiative. But it must continue; I will ensure that it does. We must cultivate our connections with legislators and the media, and continue to foster professionalism and pursue financial sustainability.
Kathleen O'Neal
In the short term, NYRA should focus on making sure a diversity of viewpoints, backgrounds, and experiences are represented in the organization’s leadership while maintaining cohesiveness. We must recognize that geography, socioeconomic status, sex, race, family structure, disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity can impact the ways in which youth experience discrimination. We must also remember that youth should maintain a united front to combat their shared oppression as youth. Another important short term goal for NYRA should be increased fundraising. THE important long term goal of NYRA that we can start working towards in the short term (and indeed already have) is making sure the language and concepts of youth rights become a common feature of political discourse at all levels of society. And it is important that in the process we do not water down our message and demands to mere “youth empowerment.”
Usiel Phoenix
NYRA needs to grow; everyone can agree about that. We need more members, more funding, more resources, and more media coverage. We’re already doing a lot to try to achieve this, but one thing I think is often overlooked is the importance of collaboration. Working directly with other nonprofits allows us to make valuable contacts, share media spotlights, and attract new donors. As a board member, I will actively look for ways NYRA can engage with similar organizations.
5. What do you believe is NYRA's biggest challenge or weakness, and what will you do, personally, to help address it. Please be specific and realistic.
Jaylen Bledsoe
Personally to me, it is funding for the chapters. If I can become a board member, I would contact other companies and organizations to help fund our chapters. I would make sure that all the chapters receive nonprofit credit so that donations made are tax deductible for companies and US citizens that donate money.
Jackie Ferro
I think NYRA faces challenges in communication between its chapters. Although recently Facebook groups and monthly chapter chats have started to help bridge the communication gap, I feel more needs to be done to help chapters communicate and help one another. I find it much more difficult than it should be to reach out to other chapter leaders when my chapter is faced with a problem. Although the monthly chapter chats are a great help, many times not all the chapters are present when one is discussing their chapter’s affairs. There should more available outlets for chapters to communicate with one another and help one another work through problems. NYRA works best as a team, not a group of scattered individuals.
Samantha Godwin
(1) NYRA lacks a well defined vision of the full extent of youth rights. For example, NYRA’s Resolution 00-L limits NYRA to advocating for people in their teens and twenties, excluding younger children – this is discriminatory, ageist, and wrong. Likewise, NYRA’s failure to explicitly problematize the domination of children by their parents/guardians is a failure to recognize the primary nexus of youth oppression. (2) NYRA is too small, poorly funded and understaffed to lead a paradigm changing youth rights movement. (3) NYRA has been unable to make youth rights a matter of significant public controversy and debate – it lacks traction in any political discourse.
To resolve these three challenges, I will campaign to amend Resolution 00-L to include children of all ages and to adopt a more robust position on youth rights in the family, and I will push for expanded membership participation in fundraising, media and activist networking.
Eric Goldstein
Our biggest challenge is keeping members, particularly those outside of chapters, engaged in the organization. I cannot suggest some miracle solution to this problem. We have thousands of members on our e-mail list who support what we stand for. Yet they are not involved in the things we do. Very few of them will have time to create or to lead a chapter. Some of them will join a chapter; others may attend an annual meeting, yet for most geography prohibits them from doing either. We need to reach out to those who have not been involved and find out what it will take to get them to take action to support youth rights. Recognizing that their time to give is limited, we must find ways to keep them engaged in our activities.
Christopher Hardy
Our biggest pitfall is the fact that we argue on behalf of those who have not yet received the right to vote. This is a true weakness that must be addressed; I am a supporter of lowering the voting age and allowing youth to serve in local, State and Federal Government posts to raise awareness that while we may not be able to vote as of now we sure will in the future.
Max Harmony
One of our biggest problems is that we have a small supporter base. Without numbers, it is quite difficult to convince politicians that they should support us.
Nigel Jones
From women to LGBTs to African-Americans and to every other group that’s been oppressed in our country or society, no group has ever been handed their rights or appropriate social treatment by their oppressors on a silver platter; they each had to unite and demand fair political and social treatment. We absolutely will be no exception. As tremendously as our organization is performing, our movement is very much in its infancy, but has enormous potential. Our weaknesses all stem from the size of our active membership. The size of our fundraising base, our authority with governments and other organizations, and even the extent to which youth internalized oppression exists all stems from the size of our active membership, and youth – those most affected by youth rights – are the most likely to be our most active members. NYRA should invest more into developing a larger youth membership.
Daniel Karpantschof
NYRA is - in some circles - perceived to be a somewhat radical or autonomous movement. While that state is great for mobilization and getting attention, is not always the most prudent course to take.
Gibson Katz
I believe that radicalism is the biggest challenge for NYRA. I hope to address it by no longer hosting the forums and keeping NYRA focused on youth criminalization.
Keith Mandell
NYRA's principal weakness remains its relatively limited (though growing) financial resources. I believe that a strong base for increased donations has already been set with our impressive efforts to apply for grants. However, we can and should also expand our networking efforts with organizations and individuals who may be supportive of our efforts. I discuss this more in the next question.
Katrina Moncure
Too often I've heard youth rights supporters say "we can't do that, we'll turn off potential supporters!" We should not encourage that kind of thinking. Granted, we don't and shouldn't take positions or actions that do not fit with our strategic plan, are not well researched or thought out, that we don't have enough reason to believe would have a favorable outcome, or don't pass a number of other such quality standards we have for ourselves. But we should never silence or impede ourselves for no other reason than “we'd look too radical”. That idea comes from insecurity and usually can be cured by more thorough knowledge of the issues, that greater confidence as a youth rights supporter I mentioned earlier. No reason to fear being radical as long as we know what we're doing! If we won't be unapologetically fierce for youth rights, who will?
Jeffrey Nadel
We need more exposure, legitimacy and political viability. How do we get there? We need to ensure that our organization is sustainable. NYRA must be a center of action, one with an army of committed activists and a reservoir of sufficient funds. One of our biggest assets is our uniqueness. When an issue arises, NYRA is what should to come to mind. I work with the media so that when a story about young people is aired, there is a youth voice speaking on our behalf. If I'm not in the room and there are older people presuming to know our concerns and understand our interests, then there is a problem. Consistent positive action relies on our chapters; it is crucial that we continue to build our network of chapters. This organization is my passion; and for the duration of my service to it, it has my full commitment.
Kathleen O'Neal
NYRA’s biggest challenge is that its important message does not yet have the sort of mainstream exposure it deserves. I believe that NYRA should be involved with more efforts to bring the youth rights message to a wider audience and I want to help do that by writing and speaking out in various forums for change. Our organization has to be bolder in protesting the evils of an ageist society. I will use my seat on the Board to propose and support ways of doing this.
Usiel Phoenix
NYRA was founded and has historically been run by people with little to no experience in nonprofit activism. It has been a long, hard struggle for us to discover effective structures and operating techniques that other nonprofits take for granted. Because of this, I believe we are resistant to change and function primarily on a reactive level, rather than following a strategic plan. As a board member, I will ensure that the strategic planning process we began this year is continued and taken to heart in all organizational actions. I will promote innovation and do everything in my power to help NYRA grow beyond its current limits.
6. If elected, what will you personally do for the national organization? What projects or activities will you take leadership of? Please be specific and realistic.
Jaylen Bledsoe
If elected I would like to be over the organization’s technology. I will help NYRA become more technology savvy. I would like to take this position because I own my own IT Company.
Jackie Ferro
My chapter has recently begun planning and developing a campaign against internet restrictions in our school... you’re not allowed to Google the words “homosexual” or “knives,” which not only is a gross restriction on the rights of the students, but also on the education of students when researching, say, “The Night of Long Knives” or a book with a prominent theme of homosexuality. I hope to be spending most of my time with this (and fulfilling the responsibilities of a board member, of course, should I be elected).
Samantha Godwin
I believe that when an organization is accessible and transparent and responsive to its members, its members gain a greater sense of ownership and strengthen their commitment. To this end, if elected I would lead a review of NYRA’s governance structure to expand member participation (and increase clarity). In particular I am interested in introducing a ‘plenary session’ where members can propose and debate new policy at the annual meeting, subject to a confirmation vote by the membership as a whole. Proposals would be circulated well in advance, and those not attending would be able to submit audio speeches for or against.
I believe NYRA ought to engage with other progressive movements, including civil rights lawyers, feminists, left-libertarians, progressive educators, and others. I outlined this plan on the forums in more detail here (my username is SG1):
http://forums.youthrights.org/showthread.php?22138-Strategy-for-Building-the-Youth-Rigths-Movement
If elected I would try to organize those outreach efforts.
Eric Goldstein
As explained in other answers, I bring a broad base of experience, both within NYRA and with other organizations. In particular I would hope to become involved in both the financial management and fundraising aspects of NYRA. I have experience doing both of these tasks and feel qualified to take a leadership role in these activities. I can serve as a strong advisor to NYRA’s staff in these areas. At the same time, I know from experience, that I will serve where the need is greatest. In other organizations that I have become involved in, I simply have stepped up in whatever area is neglected. Working with the other members of the board and NYRA staff, I would identify where I could make the biggest difference and focus my efforts there.
Christopher Hardy
I would like to spearhead the opposition of Kyleigh’s Law. I would use the disillusionment Kyleigh’s Law caused to bolster the ranks of NYRA and lead protests. The issue of free speech is also very important to me so I will hope to install a “Student Lawyer” program in all schools to ensure all students are treated fairly.
Max Harmony
If elected, I intend to encourage a culture of transparency and involvement. The board, after all, asks for help from the membership. It is important that the membership has a chance to say what they want to help with.
Nigel Jones
While on the board, I enjoyed my role on the Budget & Finance committee and my chairmanship of the Annual Meeting committee. I would like to continue with those, and would like to continue working on projects I’ve started or joined with NYRA.
In addition to what I’ve already taken on for NYRA, I would like to see our supporters encouraged to more activity. Using the supporters we’ve already attained more effectively is not only a great way to keep our membership active and interested, but is a great way to expand our membership, because active members are more likely to spread our message. There are great reasons to develop a more active membership, and including but not limited to encouraging more email writing campaigns, getting members involved with more national campaigns, and by constantly building our membership, there are great ways to do so as well.
Daniel Karpantschof
Depends on the modus operandi of the organization. Hard to say, before getting my feet dipped in it first, but securing advancement of the organization through strategic planning and development would probably be my first stop.
Gibson Katz
I will promote NYRA and raise funds. I will also make NYRA more appealing to middle schoolers.
Keith Mandell
If I am elected to NYRA's board, I will focus on reaching out to like minded organizations which may support youth rights to some extent. I would also like to connect with high school student organizations and school newspapers, as well as teachers who might be supportive of the cause. We should develop a comprehensive database of such organizations and supporters, so that we can reach out when we need support or action on particular issues and for fundraising purposes.
Katrina Moncure
As I said, I've already been involved in trying to mobilize and strengthen the online community and presence. This should hopefully be easier once the new website is up. I'm planning to improve blog posting through better organizing communication among contributors. I'll continue #16tovote on the 16th and other Twitter hashtag campaigns, such as #isupportyouthrights which first appeared in April for National Youth Rights Day. I've been working on improving chat attendance, especially among active NYRA members and higher-ups so people can more easily learn what's going on and voice any comments or concerns. I'll also still be around to help national with any other events coming up. I'll do the holiday cards again this year, which I enjoy since NYRA and the holiday season are two of my favorite things! I might take on a greater role in merchandise sales once that is reorganized.
Jeffrey Nadel
My question is this: Are you more happy with NYRA, its efforts, and its successes now than you were a year or two years ago? If you are not, do not vote for me. If, however, you think that NYRA is moving in the right direction, enjoying more success, and more powerfully advocating for our mission, then I would be honored to have your vote. If elected, I will continue to serve as NYRA's ambassador at conferences across the nation, give speeches, coordinate with other organizations, and organize our efforts. One specific goal that I have is to establish a legal defense initiative, so that when free speech rights are blatantly violated in schools as happened with the breast-cancer awareness bracelets this year, or when any other instance of the en masse violation of youth rights occurs, we have attorneys who are able to send letters and take action immediately.
Kathleen O'Neal
If elected, I would make it a priority to lead on projects that center the voices of youth. I would also be willing to take a lead in writing newspaper articles, blog posts, and other printed material that explain the organization’s values. Finally, I would like to take a leadership role in NYRA’s ongoing campaign for student rights. It is the most serious, widespread, and pervasive abuse of constitutional rights in this country and it is nowhere on our nation’s radar.
Usiel Phoenix
My top priority continues to be expanding and improving our media presence. I will continue to push for the swift completion of the website redesign, expand our social media activities, and encourage newsworthy actions that will get our name in print.
7. In your view, how is the role of a board member different than that of an active member or chapter leader? How would your involvement be affected if you weren't elected this year?
Jaylen Bledsoe
A board member has a big input on what is going on with NYRA as a whole. A chapter leader or an active member has input on what happens in a chapter. If I am not elected in the year of 2011, I would become an even better chapter leader.
Jackie Ferro
NYRA members, although just as important as the board members, have less responsibility than the board members. The role of a member is to work to the best of their ability to promote youth rights. The only way to not be a proper NYRA member is by not doing anything. The Board of Directors not only works to defend youth rights, but also to make decisions in the best interest of the organization. If I was not a board member this year, I would continue to fight for the rights of youth as I do now, but I would not be able to represent the organization in the same way I do now. I would not have a vote in official matters and I would not be able to contribute to decisions that affect the fate of the national office as much. My influence would be more locally restricted.
Samantha Godwin
Being a board member requires taking responsibility for the whole organization – its finances and staff, its public positions, its growth and development, and its program for activism. While many members influence the organization, board members must assume a role of leadership and ultimate responsibility for NYRA, ensuing that the necessary work is completed. Many members not serving on the board are very committed to NYRA, but being on the board means additionally that one has an obligation to making sure NYRA works on a national level.
If I am not elected to the board, I will continue to be very active in NYRA, I will recruit for and participate in the local chapter when in DC, and I will still try to shape NYRA’s political vision. However I will not be in the best position to take responsibility for national projects that I think are important for NYRA’s future.
Eric Goldstein
Members of a non-profit’s board have a fiduciary responsibilities entrusted to them by the other members of the organization. They have an obligation to act in the best interests of the organization in the furtherance of NYRA’s mission and charter, regardless of their personal needs or beliefs. They are entrusted by the membership of the organization with the responsibility to guide the organization through the coming year. This is not an obligation that other active members and chapter leaders have. While NYRA board members do not swear an oath, this weighty responsibility is not one that I take lightly. NYRA board members serve as advisors to NYRA’s staff, in a way other members do not. This inherent difference in the nature of the positions, active member versus board member, would allow me to make contributions to organization at a different level.
Christopher Hardy
I believe NYRA must give his or her all to advance the cause. They must give all the time and effort they can to advance the issue of ageism. If I am not elected my role will not change one iota. I will still fight on behalf of youth and battle for equal rights for all. However I feel that being a board member could drastically advance my causes, and increase the power and influence of NYRA.
Max Harmony
My belief in youth rights is of course not dependent upon election to the board. However, if not on the board, I will not have the influence on policy needed to implement my goals for NYRA, and would likely be limited in involvement with NYRA policy.
Nigel Jones
I care deeply about the development of the youth rights movement and would be involved with NYRA no matter what happens this election. However, I think the answer is apparent. Board members make decisions about the structure and direction of the organization, while active members advance the movement from within that structure and direction. I’ve had great fun establishing the structure and direction of NYRA this past year, and I’d love to continue.
Daniel Karpantschof
If I am not elected, I wouldn't be a board member now, would I? ;)
Gibson Katz
In my view a board member is a leader of the organization who must project a positive view of the organization. If I am not elected I will try to be as or more active as I was in the movement.
Keith Mandell
Generally, the role of a nonprofit board of directors is to "manage" the nonprofit organization. It hires its officers, approves its budget and works on developing the long term goals and vision of the organization. NYRA is different because of its small size and limited resources. A NYRA director must also serve as a volunteer and must take an active part in growing and developing the organization not just managing it.
Katrina Moncure
Aside from planning and taking part in activism and generally representing the organization in various situations, board members deal with the structural back-end stuff, like funding, bylaws, strategic planning, staff management, and other things that probably aren't very interesting to most but are nonetheless vital and require a deep level of familiarity with all things NYRA. Active members and chapters carry out the activism based on those structural core values. If not a board member, I'd continue trying to advise based on my long experience with the organization, though I'd feel a little unsure about some of my activities since they involve a representation of NYRA more fitting a current board member. I'd find a way to make it work, though.
Jeffrey Nadel
A board member has responsibility for the national organization. We must coordinate efforts among chapters and work to strengthen the image and reputation of NYRA as a whole. Our members are the lifeblood of this organization; I said that last year, but there is no way to talk about this organization without reaffirming that. Members motivate action and carry it out. My work at the local level will never stop. In fact, I am starting a chapter at the University of Pennsylvania. However, if I have the honor of being elected to serve the NYRA and its members again on the national Board of Directors, I will have a greater capacity to serve as a spokesperson and an ambassador for the youth-rights movement and to make some of the lasting changes that will reinforce NYRA's position as a formidable national force.
Kathleen O'Neal
Chapter leaders and active local members steer NYRA at the local level. However, national leaders steer the organization as a whole. Board members must be sensitive to the concerns of those around the country who work for youth rights under NYRA’s banner. It is important that we represent them in a way they can be proud of. Were I not involved with NYRA as a board member this year, I would stay involved as a volunteer and continue to promote the organization’s cause. However, I feel that my talents could best be utilized on the NYRA Board.
Usiel Phoenix
A NYRA member must be dedicated to the cause of youth rights. They must be prepared to offer both innovation and drudge work, they must challenge ageism they may encounter in daily life, and, if youth themselves, they must lead by example and carry themselves so as to break down harmful youth stereotypes. If not elected to the board, I will continue to lead my chapter, expand NYRA’s presence in the public eye, and travel to wherever I can be of use to the cause.
8. If you served on the board last year, how would you assess your level of involvement? Did you follow through on promises you made during last year's election?
Jaylen Bledsoe
I did not serve on the Board of Directors last year.
Jackie Ferro
I think I did a decent job of being involved for most of the year. Unfortunately, I missed a few meetings at the end of the year when my grandmother faced some health complications that impeded on my attendance. Next year, I hope to be more consistent, and of course if I get reelected I'll be working to be even more involved than I was this year. But I’m not disappointed in myself for my level of involvement this year and feel I contributed to the organization.
Samantha Godwin
I have not served on the NYRA board before. Despite this I was involved with the board and attended open board meetings and discussed the board’s business with its members.
Eric Goldstein
N/A
Christopher Hardy
I did not serve on the board last year, however I promise to attend every meeting and fulfill all promises made during the race.
Max Harmony
I was not on the NYRA's BoD last year, so there's no need to include this answer. I'm sure you will anyway just like last year though.
Nigel Jones
I was extremely involved in the board last year. I tried to make every board meeting, even the special ones that weren’t on the set board meeting schedule. Last year, I campaigned on earning our organization greater funding, and I think that’s been accomplished to a greater degree than any of us expected. I secured a position on our Budget & Finance committee and have asked our staff tough questions about where certain expenses came from in the budget and whether certain expenses were frugal or necessary. As chair of the Annual Meeting committee, I’ve suggested fundraising ideas that were approved by other committee members and will actually take place. I’ve also participated in votes to make fundraising easier for Dave, our Director of Development and Operations. I have no doubt that I’ve fulfilled my promise of earning NYRA more money.
Daniel Karpantschof
N/A
Gibson Katz
N/A
Keith Mandell
Last year, I attended every board meeting. I was also involved in supporting efforts to win the Findlaw contest through making phone calls. My mother was also involved in those efforts. My work schedule over the past year has limited my time availability, but I expect the next year to have more time.
Katrina Moncure
I think so. Last year I talked about promoting and posting more to the blog to promote our activities and the youth rights point of view better, and I and others have done that, and the blog is more active than ever, though still less than we'd like. #16tovote on the 16th is still going strong. My efforts to improve member connectedness are still on-going. Also got involved in annual meeting planning, strategic planning, the Supreme Court rally, and other activities in the past year. I'm pleased with what's happened but still striving for better.
Jeffrey Nadel
I have been present at, and chaired, every meeting possible. I have made strides to further the Strategic Planning process, to make sure that NYRA is an organization that can survive perpetually. There is no doubt that we have, as promised last year, gained more legitimacy. And, in the history of this organization, our financial health has never been better. I have traveled the country attending conferences and giving speeches, and I have made efforts to network with people of all political persuasions in an effort to accomplish our goals.
Kathleen O'Neal
I did not serve on the Board last year.
Usiel Phoenix
Last year, I promised to promote inter-chapter cooperation, update NYRA’s website and promotional materials, and ensure that the voice of youth is heard and considered in all organizational actions. During my term, I helped revive and regularly participated in chapter leader meetings that connect activists from around the country, formed and chaired a technology committee to manage the website redesign process, designed and assisted in the creation of buttons and signs, and worked to form internal structures to improve communication between board members and our adult staff members. I have followed through on my promises as best as I could and am eager to continue fulfilling these goals in a second term.
9. Define "youth rights". Describe our mission and our vision in your own words.
Jaylen Bledsoe
Youth rights to me means a big group of youth fighting for their rights and spreading their rights to other youth. Allowing the youth themselves to change what they believe should be changed.
Jackie Ferro
Youth rights is the movement to protect the rights of youth. Youth rights activists work to prevent people from being denied an opportunity based off nothing but their age and people’s perceptions of their age group. NYRA envisions a world where youth are treated as full citizens. A world where 16 year olds can vote and 18 year olds can drink alcohol without breaking the law. A world where young people are active participants in society, paving the way for a more involved and informed future.
Samantha Godwin
Minors lack basic civil rights like voting, and lack even the basic human rights. Minor’s have no right to bodily integrity or freedom from arbitrary punishment, since parents (and in some states teachers) have a legal privilege assault and batter them and to confine them against their will. Minors are generally not free to live their own lives, pursue their own aspirations or maintain a private life, because the state grants parents and guardians domination over them.
Parental power to dictate a minor’s domicile, daily activities, travel, to violate their privacy, and punish them for resisting, demeans young people’s humanity.
Youth rights begin with a demand for human dignity and self-ownership. This entails abolishing parental powers over children and the legal status of minors. Ultimately youth should have equal civil rights and voting rights – all other rights should be granted on the basis of capability, not age.
Eric Goldstein
Youth rights is an understanding that young people should not be treated differently simply because of their age. Youth rights is the belief that young people are, first and foremost, people, and that they deserve to be treated as such. Youth rights requires the acknowledgement that young people are capable of doing so much and achieving great things, if only society would let them. NYRA’s mission is to fight for this vision and make every effort to create a society where this is universally acknowledged. While I could answer this question in a more technical and academic fashion, I hope that this answer conveys in a more straightforward way what it is that I believe.
Christopher Hardy
Quite frankly, I don’t think there is such a thing as "youth rights”. I think that there are only human rights that transcend all borders, races, genders, and ages. The idea of human rights is something that cannot be removed ever. So when I am prompted to assess “youth rights” I am hesitant because I only believe in human rights.
Max Harmony
Youth rights. A fairly simple concept, really. It's just the insane idea that people should be judged as actual individual people rather than the number of times they've circled a giant ball of plasma on a rock. NYRA's goal, ultimately, is making that concept become reality.
Nigel Jones
I think that youth rights is so interesting, because so much of what we see with current youth treatment, we’ve seen with other groups in the past. We shouldn’t tolerate any sort of blanket oppression or unfair societal mistreatment. There are ethical reasons to treat youth fairly and equally, but I also believe in the competency of young people, and find the way that young people are treated totally unjustified. Additionally, there are economic reasons to treat young people fairly. Young people have the potential to benefit society hugely, if they’re only given the chance. Even though our opinion is the minority opinion, I’m absolutely confident that our movement has it right, and that we have to fight like hell to win a very different treatment for future young people.
Daniel Karpantschof
"*All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.*"
- Article 1, The Universal Declaration of Human Rights
The article ascertains that all human beings are *born* free and equal. They do not *obtain* these rights by growing up. The declaration states clear that regardless of age the same rights are to be enjoyed by all men and women.
Gibson Katz
Our mission is to break legal barriers and lessen discrimination of youth.
Keith Mandell
"Youth rights" in my mind means that youth are entitled to the basic civil and political rights that those who are termed "adults" take for granted, such as the right to vote. These constitutional guarantees belong to all of us, regardless of our age.
Katrina Moncure
We tell society, “Youth are people and must not be discriminated against in policy or attitude. Youth aren't property of parents, school, or government. Rights are not just for adults!” Society says, “Nooo! Ridiculous! Prove it!” We provide a ton of great talking points. Society says, “Eh, doesn't seem important right now.” We say, “Yes, it is. Look at all the ways youth and everyone else are suffering due to lack of youth rights.” After we say these ways, society says, “I still don't know. Wouldn't do any good.” We say, “Sure it would. Here's more proof.” It goes on like this until society says, “Okay, fine! We'll give some rights to youth!” And we say “We need more than some. Keep going.” And society grumbles and realizes it'll never be rid of us because we're stubborn and won't stop until youth are truly free. It'll be a while.
Jeffrey Nadel
NYRA is striving towards a society in which youth are not denied their natural rights. While many tend to view our movement as one of "asking" for rights, it truly is not. Instead, we must demand the rights which no man or woman, no government or individual, can create nor take away. Justice Brennan of the United State Supreme Court said, "The Framers of the Bill of Rights did not purport to 'create' rights. Rather they designed the Bill of Rights to prohibit our Government from infringing rights and liberties presumed to be preexisting." We must ensure that youth are not unfairly victimized or unlawfully discriminated against. Youth cannot be denied their natural rights or their representation.
Kathleen O'Neal
Youth rights is about taking the thoughts, feelings, aspirations, and dignity of young persons seriously. It is about being willing to see that what is often injustice when done to older Americans is often just as much or even more of an injustice when done to young Americans. It is about celebrating intelligence, savvy, strength, and self-respect in people of all ages, not terming it valor when it comes from middle-aged business and political leaders and insubordination when it comes from elementary, middle, and high school students. It is about recognizing that our differences mean our struggle for youth rights is not identical but that we all share an interest in tearing down ageist oppression.
Usiel Phoenix
Youth rights is the idea that youth are people and, as such, should be permitted privacy, power, and self-determination. The time spent as a youth is often referred to as the “formative years” because it is during this time that the majority of a person’s interests and personality are developed. Subjecting youth to oppressive conditions stifles this development, causing many to become bitter, passive, or apathetic well into adulthood. To have an active and engaged adult population, we must not force our youth to tolerate dehumanization in silence. To live free, we must start young.
10. With many qualified members running for the Board, what sets you apart? Why should you be elected?
Jaylen Bledsoe
Over the past 3-4 years, I have been in many leadership programs and have taken leadership roles in some of Hazelwood’s most elaborate programs. I believe I am a good leader and I can easily fix a problem using everyone who would like to help & not just me. When I am working on a project I am the one who will pick the best solution using input from the team of members on the project.
Jackie Ferro
For two elections in a row now I’ve set myself apart with my age, declaring myself the future for the movement. But I think the point of NYRA is that age shouldn’t define a person. I’m done distinguishing myself with my age, because there’s more to me than that and as fellow NYRAians, I know you all know that. So although I may be the youngest candidate, representing the “youth” part of “youth rights,” this year I’d like to be the candidate with the bushiest hair. Because there is no living being with hair bushier than mine.
Samantha Godwin
I am not prepared to compromise egalitarian principles or to adopt soft-ageist positions for the sake of easing friendly engagement with the ageist power structure. I believe instead that an open and challenging political approach is ultimately needed to shake the foundations of people’s ageist assumptions and beliefs. The goal should not be to win everyone a few inches towards youth rights while leaving their ageism undisturbed, but to make people consider the full scope of youth rights first, so when the movement achieves critical momentum we can win people over completely: first the radicals/progressives, then the liberals, and finally the center. This is the approach of every previously successful civil rights movement.
I also have unique experience as a campaigner and in leadership positions of large organizations. Finally I think my legal and political background will help me be an asset to the organization on the board.
Eric Goldstein
As mentioned in answers above, I have a variety of experience within NYRA. In the over seven years that I have been involved, I have seen NYRA grow. Knowing where we come from and where we are will allow me better insight in setting a direction for the future and helping us to reach our goals. My involvement outside of NYRA has lent me skills valuable to organization management. I have worked part time for nearly two years in the development (fundraising) office of a non-profit organization. I have managed budgets of over $500,000. I am trained and skilled in parliamentary procedure, the use of which will allow me to guide organizational decision making. While I would be new to the board, I am not new to NYRA or its challenges, its mission, or its member’s passion for success.
Christopher Hardy
I have served on many boards before, I have met with congress men, I have formed committees, and I have passed injunctions. A fire burns within my heart for the equal rights of man.
Max Harmony
Because I'm just awesome like that.
Nigel Jones
I genuinely think that the job that I’ve done on the board in the past year makes me an asset to our board of directors, and I know that other board members feel the same way. I’m not suggesting that any incumbent deserves to be re-elected, but in the last nine questions and my personal statement, I hope I’ve illustrated the important role that I’ve played on this board. I would really appreciate another term that I could use to continue moving this organization forward.
This year’s income has broken NYRA records, and NYRA’s income is what I campaigned on last year. This year, I’d like to see our active membership expand, and I’d like to work with our other board members – who I believe share the same goal – to figure out how to do that most effectively.
Daniel Karpantschof
I have years of experience in developing youth-led organizations, issues and movements, as well as board work.
Gibson Katz
I think I should run for BOD so I can appeal to the political mainstream.
Keith Mandell
A few things set me apart as a NYRA board candidate. Besides the years of NYRA experience I offer, as an attorney, I can provide a unique perspective. As a father of a five year old, I try to bring a youth-rights perspective to raising my own child.
Katrina Moncure
Re-elect me and I'll tell you what's in the box...
Jeffrey Nadel
I have served as NYRA's President for the past two years and as a successful chapter leader since 2008. It is critical that someone with on-the-ground experience as a chapter leader be on the national Board of Directors to coordinate and to represent the interests of chapters. Throughout the course of my service to NYRA, I am confident that I have established a track record that has justified the great trust you have put it in me, and one that has adequately exemplified my gratitude for your immense confidence.
Kathleen O'Neal
My nonprofit management background would allow me to help elevate NYRA’s status to one more befitting a national organization. Due to my involvement with NYRA and current Board members, I know what Board membership entails. Having seen NYRA warts and all, I am still excited to serve.
I grew up in a rural community on the Florida-Alabama border. My parents are teachers. While I admire their dedication to their students, I know there are systemic problems not even the most right-minded teachers can fix alone. I am female and bisexual. I do not believe these things qualify me in and of themselves. However, I know my life experiences represent a unique, needed perspective in NYRA.
Most importantly I have spent much time thinking, discussing, and studying youth rights. I would not run for the Board if I did not know I could make a consequential, positive difference.
Usiel Phoenix
I’m capable, quick-learning, and firm in my decision to devote my life to youth rights activism. I value effective communication and am often able to assist people that have difficulty working together. Not to mention, my cookies are way better than Katrina’s.
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