Families Together in NYS

Family Empowerment Day 2026 brought nearly 300 advocates to Albany to share their stories and meet with legislators. The work doesn’t stop here. 

Nothing about us without us.

#FamilyEmpowermentDay #YouthVoice #FamilyVoice

Family Empowerment Day 2026 brought nearly 300 advocates to Albany to share their stories and meet with legislators. The work doesn’t stop here. 

Nothing about us without us.

#FamilyEmpowermentDay #YouthVoice #FamilyVoice

Few important deadlines for the 2026 Annual Conference are coming up.

Award nominations close April 6 — recognize individuals and organizations making an impact for youth, and families. 

Hotel rate deadline: April 15.

Register & learn more: conta.cc/4d7vr7T

Few important deadlines for the 2026 Annual Conference are coming up.

Award nominations close April 6 — recognize individuals and organizations making an impact for youth, and families. 

Hotel rate deadline: April 15.

Register & learn more: conta.cc/4d7vr7T

New York City and Hudson Region youth (14-30) The Youth Mental Health Advisory Board needs you! Middle and high school students with lived experience or an interest in mental health. Applications close Monday, March 30 at 11:59 PM Apply now: bit.ly/3tQ9RAn

New York City and Hudson Region youth (14-30) The Youth Mental Health Advisory Board needs you! Middle and high school students with lived experience or an interest in mental health. Applications close Monday, March 30 at 11:59 PM Apply now: bit.ly/3tQ9RAn

Families Together in New York State's monthly newsletter, The Voice, is now available for March 2026! 
Family Empowerment Day is this weekend! Don’t miss out free transportation and lunch provided. Register Now! conta.cc/46Co6Jq

FED IS 12 DAYS AWAY! Join us for Family Empowerment Day on March 30, 2026 in Albany. Rally & march across NYS to demand policies that support our communities. Free Lunch & Transportation in several locations. Register: ftnys.org/fed #FamilyEmpowermentDay #FTNYS

FED IS 12 DAYS AWAY! Join us for Family Empowerment Day on March 30, 2026 in Albany. Rally & march across NYS to demand policies that support our communities. Free Lunch & Transportation in several locations. Register: ftnys.org/fed #FamilyEmpowermentDay #FTNYS

Join us today at 12 PM for a teach-in on the Senate and Assembly One-House State Budget proposals. Learn what’s being proposed, what it means for youth and families, and how to prepare for advocacy and Family Empowerment Day. Join here: us02web.zoom.us/j/89537039996

New York families may be eligible for up to $1,000 per child through the Empire State Child Credit. 
You qualify if you:
• Have little/no income
• Don’t usually file taxes
 Not affecting Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, cash or housing assistance.

Learn more: otda.ny.gov/ChildCredit

Highly Participatory Family Engagement: From Checkboxes to Connection takes place March 11, 10–11:30 AM as part of our Real Talk, Real Tools, Real Support – Provider Edition series.

Presented by Kim Kaiser & Simcha Weinstein.

Register: conta.cc/4lnH3FN

CPSE and CSE meetings are coming up, and preparation matters for families navigating the IEP process. Family Resource Network is hosting a virtual training March 12, 9–11 AM with practical tips for before, during, and after the meeting. Register: us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regist…

FTNYS Storytelling Academy is back virtually! This free training is open to youth (12+), parents/caregivers, and who want to build advocacy skills through storytelling. Trainings: Mar 25, Apr 4 & 11 at 7 PM Online Speakout: Apr 18 at 7 PM Register: conta.cc/4rUgOcl

There’s still time to submit a workshop proposal for the 2026 Families Together Annual Conference (May 3–4, Albany). We’re seeking interactive, strength-based sessions grounded in lived experience. Submit before the end of the day: ftnys.org/news-events/an…

New episode of The Peercast now streaming. We’re unpacking how policy and system change impact youth & families across NYS — and what meaningful advocacy really requires. Listen here: open.spotify.com/episode/0lWt9e…

Important advocacy events! March 10 at 6 PM: "State Legislative Advocacy 101" March 16 at 12 PM: "One-House Budget Teach-In" March 30: Family Empowerment Day at the NYS Capitol! Let’s rally for equitable funding and community voice! For More: conta.cc/3OYyiFU

New York families & youth your voice is needed by April 3! Gov Kathy Hochul’s EXPRESS NY is cutting outdated rules to improve services, housing, small business support, and youth & family programs. 💡 Share your ideas to make government more efficient: tinyurl.com/4z9cwcjz

Submit now. The Call for Presentations closes this Friday, February 27. We’re seeking interactive, strength-based workshops centered on lived experience for the 2026 Families Together Annual Conference, May 3–4 in Albany. Send in your proposal today: ftnys.org/news-events/an…