EMPHASIS ON DIVERSE APPLICANT POOL; YOUTH AGES 16 AND OLDER
FULFILLS PROMISE FROM STRATEGIC POLICY STATEMENT OF IMPROVING APPLICATION PROCESS
Bronx, NY – Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson in prioritizing fairness, equity, and broader participation that mirrors the diversity within all 12 Community Boards, announced the launch of the Bronx’s first-ever online Community Board application available in English and Spanish.
Each year, the Office of The Bronx Borough President accepts applications from city residents who reside, work, and/or have professional or other significant interests in the borough. This year’s digital version makes the application process easier and more accessible with the hope of reaching a diverse applicant pool.
“Our Community Boards play such a vital role in decision-making processes throughout our city, and it is important that membership reflects the rich diversity of the neighborhoods they represent,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. “We hope by making the application process digital and available in English and Spanish, we are eliminating unnecessary barriers for Bronxites to participate. Now, more than ever, it is important to have our residents` voices heard and represented on important issues in our borough. We encourage everyone eligible to apply, to do so, and to share the information with their friends and family.”
In addition, Borough President Gibson is also encouraging youth 16 and older to apply for community board membership, as her office is working to ensure greater youth participation. According to the most recent demographic report from the Borough President`s Office, Bronxites 16-24 made up a small percentage of community board members in the borough.
“For some of our youth, their first interaction with government is attending a Community Board meeting and it can spark an interest for them to be civically engaged in their neighborhood,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. “We need to be in our schools, at the community centers, afterschool programs, and anywhere else youth congregate, and encouraging them to apply. Our young people have great ideas but we need to give them the platform to express themselves.”
Also, as stated in the Borough President`s 2022 Strategic Policy Statement, the Office will work with the New York City Department of Education to provide guidance and information to eligible students aged 16 and over in Bronx high schools to apply to their community board.
Applications are now available online on the Borough President’s website. The deadline for submission of applications for the next round of appointments is March 3, 2023.