Overview:
As Documented studies, immigrants who can’t vote in NYC nonetheless play a robust civic position. From becoming a member of PTAs to testifying at hearings, right here’s methods to assist form your neighborhood and citywide selections.
By Paz Radovic
This text was initially printed by Documented, an unbiased, non-profit newsroom devoted to reporting with and for immigrant communities in New York Metropolis. The unique article may be accessed here.
Immigrants who’re unable to vote within the U.S. nonetheless play an important position in shaping New York Metropolis’s future. From organizing round employees’ rights to serving to neighbors entry metropolis providers, there are various methods they will be a part of civic life and make communities stronger. If you’re questioning methods to keep civically engaged in NYC with out voting, listed below are some methods you possibly can contribute.
First, perceive how NYC’s authorities works
Earlier than getting concerned, it helps to understand how politics are organized. On the high, the federal authorities, with the President, Congress, and federal agencies, set nationwide legal guidelines and insurance policies that may have an effect on everybody, together with immigrants.
Beneath that, New York State has its personal Governor, state senators, and meeting members who make statewide legal guidelines.
In New York Metropolis, the local government is led by the Mayor, who manages city agencies, and Metropolis Council members, every representing a district who approve how native cash is spent.
Different citywide officers embrace the Comptroller, who monitors the city’s finances, and the Public Advocate, who listens to residents’ complaints and proposes options.
Lastly, on the neighborhood stage, neighborhood boards and native organizations give residents a direct solution to elevate points and form selections that have an effect on every day life.
Many metropolis companies and organizations invite residents — no matter immigration standing — to affix advisory teams or neighborhood boards. You possibly can verify your local Community Board here.
These areas affect selections on housing, transportation, security, and training. New York residents can attend public conferences, submit feedback and even apply to take a extra energetic position as a neighborhood board member.
Members have a direct voice in selections about neighborhood considerations like parks, housing, transportation, and metropolis providers.
Any New York Metropolis resident who lives, works, owns a enterprise, or has one other important curiosity within the district can apply to be appointed to a neighborhood board. Citizenship isn’t required.
Have interaction in native colleges and PTAs
Each New York Metropolis public faculty has parent-teacher associations (PTAs), areas the place dad and mom and caregivers can assist make selections, share concepts, and help college students. Becoming a member of them doesn’t require a Social Safety quantity, ID, or proof of citizenship.
Your voice helps form the standard of training and sources your little one receives. Additionally, PTAs and councils are secure locations to attach with different dad and mom, find out about rights, in addition to strengthening confidence and neighborhood ties.
Learn our information on how to join a Parent-Teacher Association in NYC.
Take part in public hearings and city halls
Metropolis Council committees and metropolis companies usually host public hearings to collect neighborhood enter earlier than making guidelines, passing legal guidelines, or approving initiatives. Anybody can communicate by testifying in individual or by way of Zoom or by sending written feedback.
For those who want non-English language interpretation, e-mail translationservice@council.nyc.gov, not less than three enterprise days earlier than the general public listening to.
Right here’s are some methods to become involved:
By collaborating in these cases you possibly can talk about points like tenant protections, wage theft, healthcare entry, or transportation. You don’t want to point out ID to attend or remark.
Advocate for a selected coverage or thought
New Yorkers, no matter immigration standing, can take part in two key city-run initiatives to straight affect how public funds are spent.
Participatory Budgeting, overseen by the Metropolis Council, permits residents in particular districts to suggest capital initiatives for bettering infrastructure resembling colleges, libraries, and parks. Be taught extra at council.nyc.gov/pb.
The People’s Money is the place New York Metropolis residents can share proposals for social providers, occasions, or consciousness campaigns. All residents, no matter citizenship standing, can weigh in and vote about how the town will spend about $4 million. Go to participate.nyc.gov to be taught extra.
Advocate by way of immigrant and employees’ rights teams
Becoming a member of with others to demand honest therapy, higher legal guidelines, and equal entry to alternatives is a potent solution to take part within the metropolis’s civic life. Immigrant and employees’ rights organizations meet with elected officers, manage protests and press conferences, and work with neighborhood members to inform their tales to impact change.
Right here’s are some methods to become involved:
- Discover a trusted group engaged on points you care about, resembling employees’ rights, housing, healthcare, or training.
- Attend neighborhood conferences or trainings. Many are multilingual, free, and open to all residents — no ID or citizenship standing required.
- Assist unfold info. You possibly can distribute flyers, share social media posts, or volunteer at rallies.
- Promote community-based and issue-based petitions, that are open to all residents no matter their immigration standing.
- Construct management abilities. Teams could provide neighborhood organizer or peer chief coaching, the place you learn to advocate for your self and others successfully.
Additionally Learn: Organizations Serving Immigrants in New York
Volunteer on a political marketing campaign
No matter immigration standing, anybody can volunteer for a political marketing campaign. If in case you have work authorization, you possibly can work for a marketing campaign. Whereas noncitizens are barred from donating to a marketing campaign or gathering signatures for a politician, they will nonetheless take part by canvassing, telephone banking or organizing candidate boards.
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