In New York, community boards are an important tool for improving the quality of life in neighborhoods. However, few Hispanics and few young people are participating in themwhich leaves their communities without the representation of their generation and their culture.
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These boards, which seek solutions to the problems that most affect communities, represent the 59 districts of NYC. Each of them is made up of 50 volunteers, who are appointed by the county president and the members of the Municipal Council that represent said district.
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Among other things, community boards can change local development regulations, on issues such as housing, businesses, street hygiene and transportation. For example: are you tired of seeing so much garbage thrown in the streets? Are you worried about a hole or gap to measure street? Your representation on a community board could expedite their solutions. On the other hand, if you are not part of them, you let others choose (and direct) how all that will work… or how it will not work.
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Why it is important to participate in a community meeting
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Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine stresses that it’s important for more people to participate in community meetings because “When you are not part of the conversation, you cannot be part of the process either”and that the problem that this generates is not small, because in the absence of people who represent their communities, there is “one voice less that advocates for parks, security, small businesses, or for anything that is of interest to the Hispanic community”.
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According to The City, each county has a different process for reviewing applications, which typically involves a written application and interviews. But, due to the low number of applications that have been received, there is a good chance that you will be accepted.
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There are no prerequisites to join a board, except that you must live or work in the district where you would like to serve. Any city resident age 16 or older can join.
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According to Levine, working on a community board is not easy: “it requires a lot of time and patience and working with the neighbors”; however, he assures that the satisfaction that this work gives outweighs the difficulties: “Honestly, it is very gratifying to be connected to your community and help your neighbors.”
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And he adds that in addition to being an opportunity to shape your neighborhood, being a member of a community board “will teach you skills that will make you a more capable adult –– how leadership, dedication and the ability to negotiate–– and eventually, will help you when you enter the labor market”.
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The dates to apply to be a community leader are:
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