NAACP gets youth involved in voter registration

(BINGHAMTON, N.Y.) The Broome-Tioga branch of the NAACP is utilizing their education/youth development program to encourage young people to learn more about African American history, school issues and survival skills. Upon orientation, children in the youth program receive a list of about thirty topics to look over. The topics include what to do If stopped by police, the importance of voting and bullying. Advisors of the program ask that parents assist their children in picking a minimum of five of the listed topics to pursue. The EYDP committee said that in addition to educating the youth on Black history, one of their main objectives is to also provide awareness of alternative options of higher learning. The program’s mission statement states, “It is our aim to give each child intelligent and realistic dialogue and life skills”. There are twelve to fifteen advisors in place to provide children who do not wish to attend college with the necessary tools and trade options suitable for them. The program, however, does not discourage children from attending college. The committee said they believe children need to know they are equally important with a trade as they are with a degree. Members of the committee recently held a “meet and greet” at a local park, in which they encouraged children to get family and friends registered to vote. To further engage the youth in the voting process, advisors made it a friendly competition. The child who brings in the longest list of new registered voters wins a cash prize. The EYDP is open to any child ages eight through eighteen. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the group is currently meeting virtually at a minimum of twice a month. To enroll your child in the EYDP, call the Broome-Tioga branch of the NAACP at (607) 752-3813 and speak with any of the following committee members: Joan Barrett (chairperson), Christina Archie, Ruth Lewis or Mattie Irvin.