Last year, Forest Hills High School student Salma Baksh found herself in a club aimed at discussing politics, but felt uncomfortable speaking up. Even with her best friend, Vilinez Estevez, by her side, the environment didn’t feel right. The discomfort led Salma and Vili to look for a space where they could freely discuss the topics they really cared about. And when that original club fizzled out, another opportunity arose. Enter the Youth Informed Club. Their first meeting drew a packed room, with students eager to discuss issues like gun control and Mayor Eric Adams' policies.

Now, the club's impact extends beyond their school, thanks to a partnership with Let’s Talk Democracy, a civics education organization. The students also collaborated with the Forest Hills Green Team, gaining skills like networking and handling press advisories.

In this episode we sit down with Salma and Vili to learn more about Youth Informed Club and what’s in store for the future.