It is never too early to be civically engaged.

Encouraging youth to become involved in the decision-making process that affects their daily lives will ensure our success as a community. Young people have vision, ideas, passion, creativity, and endless energy that if harnessed in the right way can bring about transformative, long-lasting changes to the public policies that shape our way of life.

Empowering and entrusting our youth to lead is a great first step in allowing them to develop a sense of pride and ownership in their surroundings that translates into them becoming stewards of their neighborhoods – this is why I fully support the new law allowing 16 and 17-year-olds be appointed to their community boards.

Having young leaders on board will inspire us to explore innovative ways of addressing the challenges we face as a community.  If you know a young person who resides in New York City and cares about making a difference, tell them to submit an application for community board membership.

The Bronx Borough President’s Office is accepting community board applications through Friday, Feb. 6.

—Samelys Lopez 

Samelys Lopez is a member of Bronx Community Board 7, which represents Norwood, Bedford Park, Kingsbridge, Fordham, and University Heights. She’s also the vice chair of the Board’s Long-Term Planning Committee.