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, we support young people in becoming advocates for inclusion and positive social change.

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 for hate and bias prevention work within their communities. It is open to people aged 18-22, or up to age 26 for individuals enrolled in 2- or 4-year undergraduate programs. The Division recently welcomed the inaugural class of Youth Council leaders.

Youth Council membership is a paid, certificate-based program encouraging youth-led initiatives with mentorship and guidance from the Hate and Bias Prevention Unit, Regional Councils, and external partnerships. The Youth Council:

Provides a forum for youth to discuss real-life issues;
Empowers young leaders to design and implement community-based initiatives; and
Promotes peer-to-peer support and education.

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.

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.