Civics
Democracy is one of the most important American ideals. But what good is democracy if we don't vote? Young people have the most to gain or lose in any given election, simply because they will be around the longest to suffer the costs or reap the benefits. Unfortunately, young people vote at significantly lower rates than other age demographics. Please do your part to change that! Here are links to instructions or videos about how to register to vote, how to inform yourself about what you're voting on, and how to have productive discussions across political lines. Voting, and participating in politics more generally, is our civic duty. But it can also be rewarding and fun, if you approach it in the right way.
Ten Terrible Reasons not to Vote (and Two Good Ones)
Register to Vote (or change your registration, including your registration address)
How to Get an Absentee Ballot (for those who won't be near their polling places)
Learn about the issues. NY info here. Or simply Google "voter information packet New York State" (or whatever state in which you're registered to vote).