Basics of Community Organizing
Bring neighbors together to work on issues that matter to you.
Workshops
Sharpen your community organizing skills.
At Citizens Committee, we don’t just give out grants. We host free community workshops on great ways to mobilize your neighbors, raise funds (beyond our own grants), navigate city government, and more. We share stories, tools, and tips custom-tailored to meet the needs of grassroots groups—and listen to your experiences.
Our workshops are designed with resident-led groups in mind; each session draws from the ideas and experiences that you bring.
Upcoming workshops are listed with their date; workshops without dates have passed. Check back for the next time we offer these trainings!
RSVP is required
We’re happy to do workshops on an as requested basis, in your neighborhood, on your schedule, tailored to your project.
Complete four workshops and receive a Neighborhood Leadership Institute certificate.
Explore Our Workshops
Neighborhood Leadership Institute
Our most popular workshop gives a comprehensive overview of how to bring about meaningful community change. You’ll learn how to address your neighborhood's most pressing needs—and target specific solutions. You'll gain tools you can use to craft a mission statement, strategize your action plan, recruit volunteers, and even build alliances.
Basics of Community Organizing , Action Planning, Facilitating a Meeting, Basics of Community Organizing: One Page
Dates:
This workshop will be available again soon!
Group Structure
Build and maintain an effective neighborhood association or community group.
Learn how to work together and address issues as a group. A structure that works for a block association in Bedford-Stuyvesant might not work well for a youth organization in Highbridge. You'll learn about different ways to organize your group in a way that meets your needs and supports your work.
Choosing Your Group's Structure, Mission, and Goals , Sample By-Laws, Robert's Rules of Order, Conflict Resolution
Dates:
Media Tools
Increase public support for your group by framing your message and alerting local media.
You read about a music camp in your local paper, or heard about a vertical garden on NY1. Whether it's through print, radio or TV, you can get the word out about your project—and inspire others to spring into action, too. This workshop will teach you how to write a compelling press release, host a press conference, and otherwise frame your message in a way that grabs the spotlight—and gets people involved.
Developing A Media Strategy.pdf, Basics of Social Media.pdf, Preserving East New York (PENY) Case Study.pdf, Framing the News.pdf, Media Alerts and Press Releases 101.pdf, Tips for Holding a Media Event.pdf, Basics of Securing Media Coverage.pdf
Dates:
Navigating City Government
Learn how city government functions and how to have your community issues addressed.
De-mystify the inner workings of the City of New York—and get a tip or two on how to make the city's process more efficient for you. We'll share our frustrations and success stories—and listen to yours. Come away with clarity, confidence, and the experience of someone who’s been there before.
NYC Government at a Glance, City Government Players, City Organization Chart, Government Resources, ULURP, Know Your Community Board
Dates:
Grassroots Fundraising
Support your group's work with community fundraising efforts.
Learn how to raise money from your neighbors. We'll share specific messaging strategies and fundraising ideas to appeal to your local community. Whether it's garden party or a bake sale, we’ll help you find a strategy that works for you.
Basic Fundraising Ideas, Credit Unions, Six Degrees of Separation, No Staff? No c3 Status? No Problem!, Fundraising at the Grassroots, Why People of Color Need to Be Good Fundraisers, Fundraising Resources
Dates:
11AM - 3PM
D.I.Y. Green Blocks
Rainwater Harvesting
Learn how to collect and use rain water in your community garden.
This workshop is made possible by ConEdison.
Join us for a free workshop to learn how to build a rain harvesting system - save money, reuse water, and help your garden grow!
This workshop is made possible by ConEdison.
Dates:
How to Build A Cold Frame Workshop
Join us a for a free workshop to learn how to build a cold frame to protect your plants from frost and/or trap heat to help jumpstart seedlings for the spring!
Join us a for a free workshop to learn how to build a cold frame to protect your plants from frost and/or trap heat to help jumpstart seedlings for the spring.
Dates:
Cover Crops 101 Workshop
Come learn practices and the benefits of introducing and maintaining cover crops including soil quality improvement, weed suppression, and soil disease and pest prevnention!
Come learn practices and the benefits of introducing and maintaining cover crops including soil quality improvement, weed suppression, and soil disease and pest prevnention!
