Basics of Community Organizing
Bring neighbors together to work on issues that matter to you.
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!
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.
Bring neighbors together to work on issues that matter to you.
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.
This workshop will be available again soon!
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.
Saturday, February 02
11AM - 3PM
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.
Saturday, February 09
11AM - 3PM
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.
Saturday, February 16
11AM-3PM
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.
Saturday, March 02
11AM - 3PM
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.
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.
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!