Feb 08
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 to help you launch or strengthen a community building project.
Our workshops are only for grassroots volunteer groups (e.g., block and tenants associations) or community members looking to initiatie a neighborhood improvement project, not for projects or paid staff of established organizations.
Below are workshops we currently offer, including upcoming dates. Complete four workshops in our Neighborhood Leadership Institute series and receive a certificate.
RSVP is required
Check back for new dates for the trainings or sign up for our monthly newsletter (at bottom of page) to learn about upcoming workshops.
We’re also happy to do workshops on an as requested basis, in your neighborhood, on your schedule, tailored to your project.
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 - Workshop Handout
Dates:
Saturday, February 08
11am-3pm; RSVP for workshop location
Feb 22
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.
Group Structure - Workshop Handout
Dates:
Saturday, February 22
11am-3pm; RSVP for workshop location
Feb 29
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.
Media Tools - Workshop Handout
Dates:
Saturday, February 29
11am-3pm; RSVP for workshop location
Mar 07
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.
Navigating City Government - Workshop Handout
Dates:
Saturday, March 07
11am-3pm; RSVP for workshop location
Mar 14
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.
Grassroots Fundraising - Workshop Handout
Dates:
Saturday, March 14
11am-3pm; RSVP for workshop location
