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Local Network Reliance

Community Boards rely on their network of local organizations, non-profits, media and individual citizens to help them reach as many people as possible.

Community Boards cover large geographic areas, made up of multiple neighborhoods. It’s impossible for board staff and members to know what’s happening on every single block. Many Community Boards refer to local block associations and other community based organizations as their “eyes and ears” on the ground. Boards often rely on local organizations to expand their outreach in the community, as well as hearing from residents.

For example, Manhattan Community Board 1’s Community Liaison and Brooklyn Community Board 8’s District Manager mentioned their strong reliance on local media to promote and cover public meetings. In Queens Community Board 1, many board members are also leaders of local organizations.

Here are some examples of tools that can assist Boards in identifying and maintaining a local network.

  • Local Org DirectoryA citywide directory of local organizations. The directory will assist Community Boards in expanding their outreach.
  • Local Orgs in Mailing ListIncluding Community Based Organizations and local blogs in the Community Board’s mailing list. Several Boards do so in order to expand outreach.