Updates from District 8 in Manhattan and the Bronx

Interested in getting involved with Participatory Budgeting in New York City (PBNYC)? Check out this opportunity to intern with the participating Council Member offices this fall!

PBNYC Interns will work closely with Council Member staff and community members, contributing to outreach and publicity efforts, planning and facilitating meetings, and providing support for community members participating . The internships are ideal for graduate students eager to gain experience in civic engagement, community development, and local government. 

See the full posting here for more information about the internships and how to apply.

Back in November I was on a quest to add more depth to my life and break up the monotony of my day to day routine.  More importantly because I work a full-time job I really wanted to be able to do something that would allow me to strengthen my current skill set in Community and Economic development or develop a new one.

That’s when I came across a volunteer opportunity to participate as a Budget Delegate in the 2013 Participatory Budgeting process with Council District 8. After reading up about the process and the responsibilities, I realized what a great opportunity it was!

I’m proud to say that thus far this opportunity has given me a sense of inclusion and empowerment. Although I’m from the South Bronx I work in Harlem and consider myself a stakeholder in the community. PB gives the power back to the community--the power to play an active role in improving the aesthetic and built environment in their own backyard.  As an aspiring Urban Planner  this process further grounds me in believing in the power of community and the bottom-up approach. Thank you PB!

- Krystal Peartree, District 8 Budget Delegate