Youth Initiatives

The Hate and Bias Prevention Unit is committed to empowering young adults ages 12–26 through meaningful programming that fosters leadership, awareness, and action. By engaging youth in open dialogue, structured initiatives, and community-focused efforts, HBPU provides tools and opportunities for young leaders to combat hate and bias in their communities.

Through statewide initiatives, including our annual No Hate New York State Youth Council, we support young people in becoming leaders and advocates for inclusion and positive social change in their communities.

Our Youth Programs

No Hate NYS Youth Council

The No Hate NYS Youth Council is designed to support youth leadership development through education, advocacy, and community engagement. The program helps inform the Hate and Bias Prevention Unit’s work through an important youth perspective and seeks to help young people identify areas in need of hate and bias prevention work within their communities.

This paid, certificate-based program empowers young New Yorkers to become leaders in hate and bias prevention, advocacy, and community change. Over the course of this 7-month program, participants will complete a series of workshops and project development exercises with mentorship and guidance from the Hate and Bias Prevention Unit and its network of regional partners throughout the state. Each Youth Council member receives a $2,000 stipend upon successful completion of the program.

Eligibility:

Applicants must be:

Young adults age 18-22, or up to age 26 for individuals enrolled in 2- or 4-year undergraduate programs

Current residents of New York State

Passion for human rights, community engagement, and advocacy

Program Details: 

Current Term: September 2026 – April 2027

Format: Hybrid. Virtual meetings with three in-person gatherings throughout the council term

Stipend: $2,000 for successful participation

Youth Training & Presentation Program

Our Youth Initiatives team also offers customized training and presentations upon request. The Unit's youth-centered training is geared towards schools, youth organizations, clubs, and staff working with youth. These sessions cover:

An introduction to the Division of Human Rights and the Hate & Bias Prevention Unit;
Best practices for hate and bias prevention that is specific for young people and those who support them; and
Real-world strategies to address and reduce hate and bias.

Visit the Division's Outreach page to learn more about the presentations offered and request one for your event or organization.

Youth Hate and Bias Prevention Tools & Resources

We develop practical and accessible resources to help young people, families, and educators:

Understand the Division’s role in enforcing the Human Rights Law across New York State;
Educate youth on how hate and bias impact their communities;
Identify and report hate-based incidents; and
Provide prevention strategies and best practices to address hate and bias.

Get Involved

Whether you’re a student, educator, parent, or community leader, you can play a role in building inclusive, hate-free spaces. Together, we can prevent hate and bias and empower the next generation to lead the way.

Youth Initiatives