The Immigrant Youth Advocates (IYA) are a community group committed to empowering immigrant youth to be leaders. We offer teens opportunities to participate in town-wide events, engaging in activism and celebrating diverse cultural holidays and traditions. We also provide a safe environment for students to support one another, express their cultural identities, and share their immigrant experiences in their new schools and communities.
2026 Meeting Dates
Wednesdays 4:30-6PM
- January 7, 2026 – Noah Webster Story Room
- January 21, 2026 – Faxon Community Room: Moved to January 28, 2026 – Noah Webster Library Story Room
- February 4, 2026 – Faxon Community Room
- February 18, 2026 – Noah Webster Board Room
- March 4, 2026 – Faxon Community Room
- March 28, 2026 – Noah Webster Board Room: Moved to March 25, 2026 – Noah Webster Library Story Room
- April 8, 2026 – Faxon Community Room
- April 22, 2026 – Noah Webster Board Room
Planned Projects
- Teen English Cafe (Practice your English with IYA members!)
- Fundraisers for Organizations Supporting Immigrants Locally and Internationally
- Storytelling
Contacts
- Kari Karp, West Hartford Public Library – kkarp@westhartfordCT.gov
- Ellen Salzman-Fiske – goldendoorhartford@gmail.com
