I’m often invited to speak to school-aged kids and during these visits a common question kids have for me is: What does it means to be a good citizen? The question itself is inspiring because it means they are searching for ways to be good citizens. What is even more encouraging is that without realizing it, many kids already know the answer and work to make an impact on our communities each day. Citizenship can take many forms and an individual does not need to be an adult to be a good citizen. Whether it is being respectful to others, volunteering with an organization, or heading up an Eagle Scout project, youth are involved in ways to help improve our communities and show good citizenship.

One way to encourage good citizenship and civic engagement is to provide our youth with firsthand opportunities to learn about how our government works. By encouraging youth to be involved, it enables them to have a deeper understanding of their communities, their government, and their world. It also helps students understand the freedoms and rights we have in this country while empowering them with the knowledge they need to become a part of tomorrow’s solutions.

There are many opportunities offered at various levels of government that give students a firsthand experience. New York State has done a great job in trying to encourage youth involvement through state internships. These internships allow college students a chance to work side-by-side with state representatives or in state agencies. Students can apply to intern in the Assembly, the Senate, the Unified Court System, the Attorney General’s office, or at any number of state agencies.

The New York State Assembly session internship allows college students to work with state Assembly representatives to gain firsthand knowledge of the legislative process. Each year, 150 interns are selected to work in Albany during session. Each intern is assigned to a representative and helps with constituent concerns, assists with correspondence, and learns how a session is run on the Assembly floor. In the six-month period, interns become familiar with the Assembly rules, learn how bills travel through or get stopped in committees, and learn the various steps that are necessary for some to become laws. During this time, each of them helps with the daily tasks in the Assembly offices and also learns about the political process and ideas that shape policy.

I have had the pleasure of working with bright and ambitious students who aspire to make an impact on shaping policy. They are optimistic and dedicated to their futures and feel a responsibility to improve the world. They are our next generation of leaders and welcoming them to learn firsthand strengthens our state and the communities in which they live.

To learn more or to download an application, visit http://nyassembly.gov/intership/. This is a paid internship program that allows graduates of any major the opportunity to learn firsthand about state government. Both undergraduate and graduate internships are available. Applications are due this year on Nov. 1. To learn about other state internships, visit the “New New York Leaders Initiative” at https://nysinternships.cs.ny.gov/nnyl/more.cfm. The site contains internship listings available in a particular area within an executive branch agency or department.                                 

William (Will) A. Barclay is the Republican representative of the 120th New York Assembly District, which encompasses most of Oswego County, including the cities of Oswego and Fulton, as well as the town of Lysander in Onondaga County and town of Ellisburg in Jefferson County. Contact him at barclaw@assembly.state.ny.us, or (315) 598-5185.

Autumn is upon us. The area’s hard-working residents and proud small-business owners always go above and beyond to make each fall season special with unique events. Autumn is a particularly great time to visit, as the beautiful fall foliage, incredible hiking trails, and wine country-related events are unparalleled in New York and abroad.

 We are blessed to have a natural landscape that is second-to-none right outside our door. The natural resources of the Finger Lakes region contribute directly to our quality of life and our economy. A recent report from the New York State Comptroller notes that the Finger Lakes region, thanks to its “pristine, glacially created lakes” and wine industry, is positioned to enjoy substantial tourism-related jobs and income.

Abundance of autumn opportunities

The transition into fall brings many recreational traditions. For those inclined to enjoy the changing leaves, updates on peak times and locations can be found in this foliage report (https://www.iloveny.com/things-to-do/fall/foliage-report/#.WAjIXfkrK1s). For those interested in learning about the types of trees in the area, be sure to keep a copy of this New York Leaf Identifier (https://www.iloveny.com/things-to-do/fall/leaf-identifier/#.WAjsQ0b09Rc) with you as you travel. Leaf peeping is a great way to help children practice their reading, research, and observation skills. It’s never a bad time to encourage young New Yorkers to appreciate the relationship between science and nature.

Our region has exploded into a world-class producer of high-quality wine, beer, and cider. The fertile farmland and dedicated craftsmen and women in our region have helped the area pace the nation. I am proud of all the hard work and dedication our farmers, viticulture experts, and supporting workers have put into making the Finger Lakes so special. This fall is a great time to experience a taste of these remarkable products for both visitors as well as natives.

For a calendar listing of wine-country events and information, visit fingerlakeswinecountry.com. The Bristol Mountain Fall Festival celebrates the region’s foliage featuring games, food, and drink; and a chair lift offers a spectacular view of the changing leaves. The festival is located between Canandaigua Lake and Honeoye Lake.

Visiting the Finger Lakes helps our local businesses

 By indulging in the many experiences our region offers, visitors and residents show their support for our local economy and businesses. The Finger Lakes region offers countless events and attractions for all to enjoy. Visiting the farms and retailers that sell them is both an endorsement of their efforts and helps strengthen our region. Whether you are leaf peeping, apple picking, or pumpkin patching, I hope each of you have a chance to explore our magnificent region this fall.                

Brian M. Kolb (R,I,C–Canandaigua), a former small-business owner, is the New York Assembly Minority Leader and represents the 131st Assembly District, which encompasses all of Ontario County and parts of Seneca County. Contact him at kolbb@nyassembly.gov