The AAPIC Youth Council is one of the Commission’s flagship programs, created to uplift the voices of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) youth across Massachusetts. Launched in 2022, the Council brings together a small, passionate group of high school students each year to foster leadership, strengthen advocacy skills, and build community.

Youth Councilors participate in advocacy trainings, meet with elected officials, plan community events, and learn how to champion the needs of their peers and neighborhoods. Through this program, young people are equipped not only with tools for civic engagement—but also the confidence to lead.

The Youth Council was envisioned by former Education Committee Chair Meena Bharath, with support from Commissioners and staff including Haseeb Abdul, Yasmin Padamsee, Lily Tang, and Haniya Syeda. It emerged in response to concerns raised by AAPI students across the Commonwealth—stories of racial discrimination, cultural isolation, and the absence of meaningful change in their schools and communities.

Originally structured on a calendar year, the program shifted to a school-year model in 2023 to better align with students’ academic schedules. Since its founding, the Youth Council has received over 100 applications from young leaders eager to make a difference.

Beginning in the 2024–2025 program year, the Youth Council was redesigned by Program and Research Director Shubhecchha Dhaurali and Youth Council Coordinator Ashley Shan to center civic engagement more deeply. Each Youth Councilor identifies a challenge in their community, designs a project to address it, and leads its implementation from start to finish. These projects are rooted in lived experiences, cultural identity, and a shared commitment to change.

“Be the change you want to see. You have to be willing to fight the fight to make a difference. With this amazing group of people, I hope to continue this and soon make a difference—and it wouldn’t have been possible without the people and resources offered by the Commission.”
– 2022 Youth Council Member

The Youth Council is primarily led by the Youth Council Coordinator, with support from the Program and Research Director and AAPIC staff.
For more information, contact: youth.coordinator@aapicommission.org

 

One of the most anticipated highlights of the Youth Council program is the Annual Asian Caucus State House Visit. During this special event, Youth Council members tour the Massachusetts State House and learn about the history and workings of the state legislature. 

These visits also provide a powerful platform for dialogue. Youth Council members engage directly with Asian Caucus legislators, discussing pathways to civic engagement, challenges facing AAPI youth, and strategies for building a more equitable future.

The Commission is deeply grateful to the Asian Caucus and the Massachusetts Legislature for welcoming our Youth Council into the halls of power—and for inspiring the next generation of AAPI leaders.

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Past Trainings

The Youth Council participates in a wide variety of trainings to strengthen their advocacy and community-building skills each year. The following workshops were supplemented by regular discussions and were designed to meet the specific needs of this year’s Youth Council, the areas in which they hoped to grow, and other Youth Council programming.

  • Ethnic studies panel led by the Coalition for Anti-Racism & Equity in Education (CARE)
  • Hierarchies and Oppression Workshop
  • AAPIC Black History Month Event with Dr. Gloria Ayee
  • Queering Our Names Workshop
  • Bridging Cultural Gaps: Solidarity and Allyship for API and Black Communities led by Leadership for Asian Pacifics (LEAP)
  • Youth Town Hall Workshopping 
  • Asian American History is American History led by North Carolina Asian Americans Together (NCAAT)
  • Community Outreach Training 
  • South Asian LGBTQ+ History Workshop led by Deekshita Madhalam (YC member)
  • Testimonial Writing Training 
  • Leaders for an Equitable Tomorrow (LET)