BROOKLYN, NY: Last week, Council Member Jumaane D. Williams (D-Brooklyn), Deputy Leader and Chair of the Council's Housing and Buildings Committee, announced open registration for "Students Taking Action Today" (S.T.A.T.), a youth task council he founded in 2012 to help engage the future leaders of District 45. The council, which is open to all high school students, will have its first meeting this Friday, September 12, at Council Member Williams' district office located at 4517 Avenue D, Brooklyn, NY 11203. All high school students in District 45 are welcome to attend.

S.T.A.T. offers a unique experience for teens to learn about important issues in the community, inform their peers of these issues and then take action to better the district. Members work regularly with Council Member Williams' office to plan and execute community programs like the Pre-Labor Day Senior Concert, Youth Empowerment Summit, Youth/Senior Holiday Party, Back-to-School Supply Drive, Easter Egg Hunt, Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway, and his "Not in My Hood" Anti-Violence March and Community Resource Fair.

S.T.A.T. officers and members also coordinate workshops for youth focusing on bullying/cyber bullying, conflict resolution, crime prevention, 'know your rights' training and gun/gang violence. In addition to workshops and regular meetings with Council Member Williams, S.T.A.T. members meet with other local, state and federal elected officials, advocacy groups, business owners, media and music industry professionals. 

The 2014-2015 S.T.A.T. officers include Alane Flores, President; Xavier Desir, Vice President; Aaron John, Treasurer; Pamela Azard, Secretary; and Stacie Williams, Social Media Officer. For more information about S.T.A.T. membership or to find out how to become an officer, contact Farah Louis, Director of Community Outreach for Council Member Williams at statyouthcouncil@gmail.com or call (718)-629-2900.