Students Speaking Out

& Taking Action in NYC

Youth Issues Roundtable

In 2022, Mikva Challenge kicked off programming in New York City with three Youth Issue Roundtables. Each event focused on a different top priority issue that young people raised through their Soapbox speeches: The Environment, Housing Insecurity, and Gender Justice.

At these "fishbowl" style discussions, a handful of youth leaders had a conversation with policy-makers and non-profit leaders who are also working to address these issues - while other youth watched in the audience. Attendees gained insight into young people’s vision for the future, learned more about what is currently happening to address these issues, and got inspired with ideas for taking action. 

Mia Salamone

NYC Partner Site Director

“The Youth Issue Roundtables are a great opportunity for young people who made their voices heard about an issue through their Soapbox speech to take their advocacy to the next level. It's powerful to see these young leaders engage and collaborate with adults who are also working to address the same issue - both groups learn a lot from each other. The Roundtable conversations are an important bridge between speaking out and taking informed action.”