Introduction

Resource Library

Our comprehensive resources point you to educational materials, specific issues, and engagement opportunities that can help you make change.

Resources

Learn, act and connect with our library.

Explore a wide range of NYC resources to learn, take action, and find support. Search or filter to discover tools, services, and information at your own pace. Please note, Women Creating Change (WCC) is not responsible for the material, information or opinions expressed by third parties or the resources made available by or through WCC.

Victory Institute

The Victory Institute trains candidates about what it takes to run a successful campaign while talking about the unique obstacles (and solutions) that LGBTQ+ people face. Their signature 4-day bootcamp-styled LGBTQ+ Candidate & Campaign Trainings provide a comprehensive, non-partisan simulation to understand campaign best practices for any present or future LGBTQ+ candidates, campaign staff, and community leaders. Trainees learn the necessary skills and strategies by engaging in tough, realistic campaign exercises and working with peers to develop a plan to run for office and win.

Represent Women

RepresentWomen imagines a healthy 21st century democracy with gender-balanced representation in elected and appointed positions, at every level of government. To achieve this, RepresentWomen is committed to researching, understanding, and then championing the evidence-based solutions that break down structural barriers to women’s political leadership.

New American Leaders

NAL is the only national, nonpartisan organization focused on bringing New Americans into the political process. NAL is leading a movement fighting for inclusive democracy by equipping immigrants, refugees, and their allies with the tools they need to realize their potential by running for and holding elected office; as well as engaging in civic action that brings their voices to the forefront of American politics. We uplift New Americans — anyone who identifies closely with the immigrant experience — by tackling equity in representation.

Higher Heights for America

Higher Heights is the political home for Black Women and was founded by Black women for Black women's political growth and equity.

Dare to Run

Dare to Run is Brooklyn-based, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization whose mission is to educate and empower women with the skills necessary to run for public office at the local, state and national level of government. Dare to Run offers women candidates the chance to participate in a one-year certificate program in pursuit of a career path in public service. Dare to Run gives women the opportunity to be a voice for their communities by committing to run campaigns in search of elected office within two years of graduation from the program.

The APAICS Women’s Collective

The APAICS Women’s Collective aims to build a community that inspires and supports AA & NH/PI women to become politically engaged by leading the national conversation on AA & NH/PI women representation in politics, uplifting AA & NH/PI women in politics, creating resources and tools for AA & NH/PI women to increase representation in public service, and to connect leaders and stakeholders.

Black Mamas Matter

The Black Mamas Matter Alliance (BMMA) is a Black women-led cross-sectoral alliance that centers Black mamas and birthing people to advocate, drive research, build power, and shift culture for Black maternal health, rights, and justice.

NCJW’s ProTruth Campaign

Led by the National Council of Jewish Women New York, Pro-Truth is a coalition of reproductive rights advocates, policy makers, and service providers, united to fight fake abortion clinics. They aim to educate vulnerable communities, across the country, about the dangerous and deceptive tactics of fake clinics, empowering them with information to protect themselves and their peers. They also aim to motivate advocates to take action, giving them the information, tools, and resources they need to speak out.

NY Birth Control Access Project

The NY Birth Control Access Project centers their work on birth control access and focus their resources on training reproductive health advocates. Young adults learn, develop, and exercise the skills necessary to advocate for legislation, policy change, and in areas of direct impact.

The Bridgid Alliance

Wherever someone needs to get to abortion care in the U.S., The Brigid Alliance finds a way to get them there – through direct support and in collaboration with their network of partners. They book, coordinate and pay for travel, travel expenses, and child care, serving as a single, trusted point of contact for every step of the journey.

Support Groups – Postpartum Support International

PSI’s mission is to “promote awareness, prevention and treatment of mental health issues related to childbearing in every country worldwide,” and they offer over 20 different support groups in the categories of Pregnancy and Postpartum Mood and Anxiety Disorders (including groups called Black Moms Connect and Queer and Trans Parent Support Group); Pregnancy and Infant Loss & Fertility Challenges; Post-Abortion; Family Members; and nine groups in Spanish.

Black Doula Directory

The presence of a doula during pregnancy and childbirth is valuable for all mothers but especially beneficial for Black mothers who face disproportionately high rates of discrimination, and poor outcomes compared to non-Black mothers. Many Black mothers feel that they are not given enough support and respect during childbirth. A doula, in particular a Black doula, can provide an extra layer of comfort, advocacy, and respect during this time. This directory, the largest of its kind, has been designed to help Black families find doulas that look like them and who understand the unique challenges, experiences, fears, and concerns faced by Black families. By having easy access to qualified Black doulas, Black mothers can be more empowered to make decisions about their birth experience and take control of their health care.

The Birth Plan – Sista Midwife Productions

Many families find themselves battling for the birth they envisioned. This free course will give you some tips and information to help make birth better with or without a birth plan.

Black Birth Equity Fund Grant Application

As part of Baby Dove’s commitment to helping close the gap in care and health outcomes for Black expecting mothers, birthing individuals, and their babies, Baby Dove is launching The Black Birth Equity Fund. The Fund will provide immediate care to expecting Black moms and birthing individuals by increasing access to doulas as critical supports in the birthing journey.

Ancient Song Doula Services

Ancient Song is a national birth justice organization working to eliminate maternal and infant mortality and morbidity among low-income Black and Latinx people. They ensure that all pregnant, postpartum, and parenting people of color have access to high-quality, holistic doula care and services regardless of their ability to pay. They also provide doula training and services, offer community education, and advocate for policy change to support reproductive and birth justice.

SisterSong

The SisterSong Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective, also known as SisterSong, is a national activist organization dedicated to reproductive justice for women of color. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, SisterSong is a national membership organization with a focus on the Southern United States.

U.S Department of Veteran Affairs: Finding Your Voice: Self-Advocacy in Medical Settings

Caregivers often ignore their own needs when taking on the responsibility of caring for another. Being a Caregiver can result in a Caregiver’s health being compromised. Caregivers not only need to be able to advocate appropriately for their loved one who is ill, but also to recognize and advocate for their own needs and medical concerns.

Black Maternal Health Incubator Hub

The Black Maternal Health Incubator Hub is a learning space for the Black Maternal, Perinatal, and Reproductive Health Workforce. BMH-IH aims to enhance the capacity of Black- led, community-rooted organizations serving Black birthing people during the perinatal period and across the reproductive care life course.

NYS Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline: 1-800-942-6906

Domestic and sexual violence service providers may offer: 24-hour hotlines, legal advocacy, counseling, emotional support, information and referral services, transitional housing, emergency shelter and assistance with appointments to court or the hospital for a forensic rape exam. For confidential assistance, contact 1-800-942-6906

Parent Round Table: How To Support The Leadership of Black and Latinx Girls

Girls Leadership discusses what the Read to Lead report means for parents and caretakers of Black and Latinx girls. The report shows what Black and Latinx families have always known — Black and Latinx girls have the highest leadership skills and identity out of all ethnic groups, but teachers’ perceived barriers to leadership for these girls prevents them from seeing and supporting them. How can parents of Black and Latinx girls use the report findings to help advocate for their girl and push for change in schools so their girls can reach their full potential?

Closing the Gender Pay Gap

“Closing the Gender Pay Gap: Why Pay Equity Has Stalled in New York City and the Urgent Need for Action,” is a report with the New School that sheds light on the persistent gender pay gap issue that affects women across all age groups and professions.

Who’s on the Ballot

A fast website and mobile app that gives New York City voters the location of polling places, information on candidates, sample ballots, and voter registration information.

The People’s Money: Participatory Budgeting

The People’s Money is the first Citywide Mayoral participatory budgeting process in New York City, run by the NYC Civic Engagement Commission (CEC). Join the process to decide how a portion of your taxpayer money is spent!

Gender Wage Gap Hub

Learn all about the gender wage gap with reports on pay disparities and resources for salary negotiation, a Domestic Violence Hotline, Paid Family Leave, and more.

Our City, Our Vote

Our City, Our Vote is a coalition that supports expanding municipal voting rights so that legal permanent residents and those with work authorization can vote in local elections in New York City.

Black Emotional and Mental Health (BEAM)

BEAM provides training, peer support, community events, and grants. The Black Virtual Wellness Directory connects women of color, particularly Black women to mental health professionals online. The Black Virtual Therapist Directory's mission is to remove barriers that Black people experience getting access to or staying connected with emotional health and healing. BEAM also invites users to “Build up your wellness toolbox with our educational tools, journal prompts, and reflection questions.”

NYC Mesh

NYC Mesh is a resource that you helps you stay connected to the internet by pinpointing hotspots with free internet access." When you join the Community Network, you can get connected for reliable community-owned internet; get support to fix problems; and volunteer to help build the network.

My Vote NY

My Vote NY provides easy access to all the resources that New Yorkers need to vote!

NYCityMap

Type in your address to this interactive map and find information about your building, neighborhood, and elected officials including a way to find your nearest services, parks, cultural institutions, transportation options, and more.

Know Your Rights

Know your Rights Workshop Toolkit:
The NYC Human Rights Law is one of the most comprehensive civil rights laws in the nation. Explore the Bill of Rights to the Constitution, Free Legal Assistance resources and more.

In need of legal aid? Find an organization that can inform you of your rights and provide you with FREE legal assistance!

New York City City Council Participatory Budgeting

Explore this interactive website map to see ideas for physical infrastructures projects in your neighborhood. Check out ideas that have been proposed or add your own.

Civic Journey Map

Make a civic engagement plan with this interactive worksheet. You can fill out and brainstorm ideas in this document and start mapping out skills you would like to learn and actions that would support the issues you care about.

“My Vote Don’t Count”

A song about the importance of voting and the basics of how the U.S. Government works.

Legislative Process

Read through this brochure to understand the steps of how a bill becomes a law and ways one can participate in their state government.

Branches of Power Game

Play this game to learn how bills are introduced and created into laws by our government with different issue topics, deliberations, and more!

The Powers of Government

Learn the different branches of government and their respective legal powers that keep our democracy intact with an interactive lesson provided by PBS.

Top 100 Worst Landlords Watchlist

Provided by the Public Advocate's Office, search through this watchlist to identify NYC's worst landlords and buildings.

Who Decides Answer Sheet

Learn which types of laws and programs are established by the different levels of government (local, state, federal) by using this one-page Q&A sheet that has 15 questions/examples.

Glossary – It Gets Better

Learn about the meanings of labels and terms that are commonly used in the LGBTQ+ community.

The Voting Rights Act: 10 Things You Should Know

Learn about 1965 Voting Rights Act including key details leading up to the Act that are often omitted from textbooks.

How Partisan Gerrymandering Limits Voting Rights

Read about how redrawing electoral districts through gerrymandering makes it harder to vote and gain some strategies for how to restore voting rights.

NYC Toolkit: City Limits

This toolkit lists topics and corresponding resources that affect New Yorkers with the goal of equipping NYC residents to be more civically engaged.

How Do You Tell if a News Source is Credible?

Learn how policy can promote media literacy and bring a positive effect in teaching students what a credible news source is.

How to Choose Your News

This TED-Ed video explains how the evolution of news reporting has created misinformation and how to figure out who to trust.

Sign Up for THE CITY’s Newsletter

Subscribe to the THE CITY's newsletter where different areas of policy are discussed and how they affect the everyday lives of New Yorkers. The CITY is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, online news platform.

City Limits Newsletter Sign Up

Explore and subscribe to newsletters written by City Limits explaining the different issues in NYC and ways policy can influence change in these areas.

“What is Civic Engagement?”

Learn what civic engagement means and what actions people can take to become civically engaged.

Tips and Template for Written and Oral/Recorded Testimony

NOTE: Any testimony, whether oral or written, that you submit to the Council will go in a public record that can be searched by people who want to read/see it.

How to Mobilize and Organize

A series of short video lessons that will teach you the basics of organizing and its role in helping you make change.

Sign Up for City & State NY Newsletter

Stay up-to-date with New York's policy and politics by subscribing to a newsletter by City & State (which is a media and news organization).

Elections Calendar

View this calendar provided by NYC Votes to be informed on all the important dates and deadlines for elections including voter registration, absentee ballots, and more.

Voting: Am I Registered?

Check if you are registered to vote through this quick and simple online voter search. All you have to do is type your name, birthday, borough, and zip code. There is also a phone number that you can call.

Mutual Aid Disaster Relief: Solidarity, Not Charity!

This short presentation (6 slides) explains the difference between mutual aid and charity, the concept of "solidarity not charity," and what solidarity means.

Hundreds of Mutual Aid Groups Formed in Response to COVID-19. What Comes Next for Them?

Watch this video to learn the significance of mutual aid groups in large communities like NYC, and in health crises like COVID-19.

Introduction to Mutual Aid

This video explains the concept of mutual aid and how it benefits communities. Learn how to introduce mutual aid in your community step-by-step.

Find Your Next Job: Explore Careers | Jobs | NYC

Start your career in public service with a job in New York City Government. Browse through opportunities including open job positions, internships, and fellowships and apply directly.

Change.org

Explore the different types of campaigns and petitions helping to create change worldwide. Sign one (or multiple petitions), or create a petition of your own!

Crown Heights Tenant Union

The Crown Heights Tenant Union is a union of Tenant Associations that advocates for housing protections and tenants' rights in the Crown Heights community. Learn about upcoming meetings, events, and other ways you can get involved.

A 3-minute guide to the Bill of Rights

Watch this quick Ted-Ed guide to the Bill of Rights, explaining Amendments 1-10 and how it has evolved to apply to our modern day society.

First Amendment

In this one-minute video, learn about the the First Amendment and the different kinds of rights that are protected by it.

The Bill of Rights: A Brief History by ACLU

The ACLU explains how the Bill of Rights was created, how it aimed to protect citizens, and also how it did not protect everyone.

Self Care Isn’t Enough – We Need Community Care To Thrive

Learn about community care and how it can contribute to social change.

Community Care – Not Just Self-Care – Is Key to Our Collective Wellbeing

Learn about what community care entails and the importance of taking care of not only oneself, but of others around you.

Nonviolent Communication

Explore how to avoid harmful communication and learn how to empathetically connect with others to peacefully find common ground.

Difficult Conversations

From disagreements to negotiations in our personal and professional lives – some topics are challenging to discuss. Discover tips and insights to effectively approach difficult conversations.

Improv(e): Using Improv to Find Your Voice, Style, and Self

Learn how to unapologetically and authentically express yourself by engaging in the interactive, improv-inspired activities presented in this book.

What a Community Education Council Does and How to Join One

Read this short article to get involved and have a say about decisions being made in your school district through Community Education Councils (CECs). CECs are "volunteer boards that contribute to decisions made around school district zoning, education material, school buildings and more."

A Guide to Making Change

The NYSenate.gov website helps you learn about the lawmaking process of New York; find and follow issues you care about; support, oppose, or follow bills; share additional thoughts on bills; get bill status alerts in your email inbox; and sign petitions.

City Harvest

Work to end hunger in NYC by volunteering with City Harvest New York to make sure that food does not go to waste.

Open Secrets

Open secrets is a nonpartisan, independent and nonprofit research group tracking money in U.S politics and its effect on elections and public policy.

GovTrack: Voting Records

Keep track and learn about how your Representatives in the U.S Senate and House of Representatives vote on policies, bills, and matters that concern resolutions, nominations, treaties and more.

“What Covid-19 Has Done to Our Well-Being, in 12 Charts “

An article about how Covid-19 and the shift to working from home has affected workers.

Coming Out: Living Authentically as Transgender or Non-Binary

A guide to living authentically as transgender or non-binary that is meant for anyone and everyone whose gender does not fit what they were assigned at birth. The guide includes resources and a glossary of key terms. "No matter who you are, we affirm you, your gender is valid - and this resource is for you."

Volunteer with Protect The Vote

Protect The Vote is an organization that works to combat voter suppression by correcting misinformation about elections and organizing volunteers to take action on election protection. Fill out their volunteer form to get started!

Know Your Rights: Demonstrating In New York City

This guide outlines the rights you have when organizing or participating in a protest in New York City.

New York City Council Calendar

Stay up to date on upcoming hearings being held by the New York City Council in order to stay on top of issues that are important to you and your community.

Find Your Representatives

This platform allows you to find your representatives at the federal, state and local level by simply entering your address in their search bar.

Annenberg Classroom Glossary

A glossary that has more than 470 definitions for economic, political, civic and government terms.

Vote Run Lead

This organization unleashes the political power of women as voters, candidates, and leaders to create and sustain an equitable democracy.

Link NYC Free Wifi

All the information New York City residents need to locate and link to free wi-fi hotspots.

NYC Environmental Protection

Provides important information about environmental protection, programs and initiatives in New York City.

Pronouns Tool

This guide helps people referring to people by the pronouns they determine for themselves – a basic human dignity. Being referred to by the wrong pronouns particularly affects transgender and gender nonconforming people.

Voting in Primaries Fact Sheet

This fact sheet outlines the different types of Federal primary elections, and ensures people are aware of their right to vote and have the tools and resources to successfully do so – from anywhere in the world.

The New Majority NYC

This organization builds political power for all women by electing women-identifying candidates running for office in NYC. Its diverse, inclusive, and active membership endorses and supports our candidates.

Let NY Vote

This nonpartisan, statewide coalition is fighting to improve our elections by making registering and voting more accessible and equitable for every eligible New Yorker.

NYC 311

NYC 311 is the official portal of the City of New York to get information about the City (school closures, parking rules), report problems (e.g. noise and heat complaints), look up service requests, and make payments.

She Should Run

This nonpartisan nonprofit works to increase the number of women considering a run for public office and support women through a signature curriculum that helps them fin the their purpose get civically involved and run for office.

We Act for Environmental Justice

This organization's mission is to build healthy communities by ensuring that people of color and/or low income residents participate meaningfully in the creation of sound and fair environmental health and protection policies and practices.

Grow NYC

This resource provides information about green markets, composting, food access and agriculture, conservation, green spaces (like community gardens), and environmental education for NYC's kids.

Human Rights Protected Classes Fact Sheet

This fact sheet outlines rights and categories of "protected classes" – groups of people that may not be discriminated against in New York City.

Public Benefits in New York: Fact Sheets

This resource provides New Yorkers with information sheets that simplify the process of determining public benefits eligibility and applying for benefits.

Women in the Workforce Advancing a Just Recovery in NYC

This 2022 publication reports on challenges women are facing in the workforce in New York City and provides policy recommendations in an effort to turn over these effects. It provides data to help readers understand the economic and work condition discrepancies each racial group of women experiences.

60-Second Civics

60-Second Civics is a daily podcast that provides a quick and convenient way for listeners to learn about our nation’s government, the Constitution, history and civics.

NY State Local Government Handbook

This publication is an invaluable tool for citizens, municipal officials, teachers, students, and anyone who seeks to understand the complexity of state and local government.

Share Your Story: Women’s Activism NYC

Women's Activism NYC is a catalog that documents' success stories in activism–to celebrate womens' accomplishments, and build a collection of stories that inspires other women to create change. You can also share YOUR story here!

Community Stakeholder Mapping Worksheet

Is there an issue in your neighborhood that you want to fix? With this toolkit, map out the stakeholders in your community to identify who you need to engage to get the work done!

“Burn Brightly, But Don’t Burn Out”

"Taking care of ourselves and having fun in our work for social change are essential to building stronger, more effective, healthier movements.”

Ioby: Learn from a Leader Blog

On this website, community leaders share stories on how they have started projects to improve their neighborhoods, cultivate a community that helps one another in accessing resources, and motivate others to start projects of their own.

Understanding New York City’s Budget: A Guide

This guide informs New Yorkers on the New York City and its different components. It also explains the different local policymakers responsible for the City and resources to contact regarding issues or concerns about the budget.

Issue Voter App: Make Democracy Work for You

IssueVoter is a nonpartisan, nonprofit online platform dedicated to giving everyone a voice in our democracy. This free public service makes civic engagement accessible – allowing users to do things like keep up to date with bills that are being introduced in Congress, and relay their opinions to their representatives.

Memria

Memria is a project where adults receiving literacy education can write about their journey and create a community for support and educational resources.

Inform Your Community

Inform Your Community provides information on issues and free online events for kids and adults that educate them on social justice issues and current events to build a more informed electorate.

Racial Equity Tools

This website provides resources, such as action plans, strategies and core ideas to help citizens mobilize a movement towards racial justice and equity.

Emotional Emancipation Circles

Self-help groups created to help heal, and end, the trauma caused by anti-black racism.

350.org Trainings

A website that offers tips and tools for individuals who are looking to delve deeper into activism and taking action towards campaigning and mobilizing groups for movements. Also a great resource for people who are mobilizing and strategizing online instead of in-person.

New York State Senate Legislation Search

On this site you can find out more about issues and bills your New York State Senator is supporting and the bill's status. Bills are also searchable by issue area.

Community Heroes

This organizations shines a spotlight on individuals who have made a significant impact to their respective community. It works with people who desire to execute a project and spread the word through outreach and civic participation, ending in documenting their success stories with the help of local artists.

The Nap Ministry

Rest is Resistance. The Nap Ministry examines the liberating power of naps and believes rest is a form of resistance and reparations.

Grassroots Organizing 101: What is it and Why is it important?

This blog post article provides an overview of grassroots organizing and why it matters.

Op-Ed Writing: Tips and Tricks

This guide offers tips for finding credible information, prompts for getting started, and the standard structure to follow when writing an opinion piece (also known as an Op-Ed).

Know Your Rights

The NYCLU has an extensive library of “Know Your Rights” materials to help New Yorkers understand their rights and react effectively when their rights are under threat.

New York City Human Rights Law

This website provides all the details of the he New York City Human Rights Law (Title 8 of the Administrative Code of the City of New York) – which prohibits discrimination in New York City, in employment, housing, and public accommodations.

NYC Voting and Elections

This website offers a guide to ranked choice voting, voter outreach and election protection, among other topics.

Beautiful Trouble: Joy is a Revolutionary Force

“Our journey towards a better world can – and often should – be a nurturing and joyful experience! Find pleasure in the process, as Adrienne Maree Brown said: “Feeling good is not frivolous, It is freedom.”

Two States. Eight Textbooks. Two American Stories.

This interactive New York Times article shows readers the difference between textbooks used in schools among different states and how these differences contribute to the political divide the U.S. has increasingly experienced over recent years.

Zinn Education Project

This website aims to educate young minds on "people's history" – history that is not taught as part of the general history curriculum that is taught in middle school and high school. It offers free lessons and articles organized by time period, reading level, and theme.

Peace Is Every Step: The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life

Thich Nhat Hanh shows us how to make positive use of the very situations that usually pressure and antagonize us.

Why Civil Resistance Works

This video featuring Erica Chenoweth, Frank Stanton Professor of the First Amendment at Harvard Kennedy School, provides a robust introduction to the theory and practice of civil resistance.

Checkbook NYC

Checkbook NYC provides transparency for New Yorkers as it informs them what and where NYC disburses its finances on a fiscal year basis. It also includes breakdowns of top agencies, vendors, contracts and more that receive the most money from the city.

Ballotpedia

Ballotpedia is the digital encyclopedia of American politics, and the nation’s premier resource for unbiased information on elections, politics, and policy.

Tricia Hersey: Rest & Collective Care as Tools for Liberation

This video includes speaker and founder of the Nap Ministry, Tricia Hersey, where she discusses how to use rest as a form of resisting and disrupting systems of oppression.

Forming a Tenants’ Association

This FAQ page discusses information that can help people build a tenant association for their residence/building. It guides readers on steps and resources needed to take action and improve living circumstances for tenants.

What Unions Do

This resource helps people understand why unions are fundamental in protecting workers, and provides ways on how to start your own union or get involved with an existing union to advocate for better working conditions.

Elected Offices | NYC

This NYC Votes website offers voters information regarding ways to vote and voting dates, ongoing elections, types of elected officials and their roles, and issues mentioned on ballots

Fact Check

Factcheck.org is a platform where people can check whether certain political information is accurate, or not.

Therapy for Black Girls

This online space is dedicated to encouraging the mental wellness of Black women and girls. It connects Black women with therapists and offers a guide for getting started.

National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network

This organization Aims to provide quality mental health care to queer and trans people of color (QTPOC) AND offers a directory of mental health QTPOC practitioners, a mental health fund, and community resources with lists of crisis hotlines, online support, directories, and organizations.

The Digital Civics Toolkit

This collection of resources for educators supports youth to explore, recognize, and take seriously the civic potentials of digital life.

New York Cares Volunteer Opportunities

This volunteer platform allows users to search projects depending on the location, time that you are available, and issues you care about.

Volunteer Opportunities in NYC

This easy-to-navigate website connects users with volunteer opportunities in New York City and lists them by causes and issues you may be interested in.

Mobilize: Action Opportunities Website

This platform provides you with the latest events that are happening concerning social justice issues, civic engagement, and everything political and civics-related. It also provides petitions for you to sign and opportunities to volunteer.

Abortion Action Toolkit

This Take Action Toolkit offers users resources they can use to protect their reproductive rights.

ioby.org: Create and Find Funding for a Community Project

This crowd-funding platform that helps local leaders or someone with an idea to construct a project – in order to achieve change within or outside of their communities.

Black Girl in Om Podcast

Founded by Lauren Ash, Black Girl in Om is a podcast that focuses on the unique wellness journeys of black women. This podcast covers many topics, including self-care, self-love, spiritual awakening, and inter-generational healing.

H.E.R Space Podcast

This podcast is aimed at creating a safe space for black women to discuss their unique experiences within society. Hosted every Friday by Dr. Dominique Broussard, a college professor and psychologist, and Terri Lomax, a techie and motivational speaker.

The Roadmap to Educating for American Democracy

The Roadmap Toolkit provides an inquiry framework that weaves history and civics together and inspires students to learn by asking difficult questions.

First-Time Voter Checklist

Vote 411 is a platform that helps first time or experienced voters find their polling sites, representatives and keeps voters informed about what is happening during elections.

Open Data for All New Yorkers

NYC OpenData is a platform that offers transparency and publishes free public data on New York City agencies and other partners. It also allows you to access training opportunities and upcoming events.

New York State Assembly Bill Search

Track New York State Assembly bills using this searchable database.

New York State Legislative Tracker

This website helps you track active New York State legislation.

New York City Council Legislation Tracker

This tool helps you track legislation that is currently being discussed by the City Council. The tracker includes the type and status of legislation, the committee involved, the prime sponsor of the bill, and the council member sponsors.

iCivics Educational Games

This website provides curricula on civics and explores what it means to be civically engaged. It also includes interactive games for learning about civics.

Civics 101

Civics 101 is a podcast hosted by New Hampshire Public Radio discussing the basics of how our democracy works.

Roots of the Spirit

This podcast hosted by Spirit Tawfiq, centers conversations around history, identity, race, racism, and other social justice issues that intersect in order to construct viable solutions.

Civic Education Lessons

These lessons provide an introduction to the complex makeup of New York State government and the governments of local, county, and state governments in New York City.

Mater Mea: Content and Community for Black Moms

A content page for Black women experiencing motherhood, life and career – sharing motherhood stories and advice to handle micro aggressions in health and workplace.

After Roe Fell: Abortion Laws by State

This interactive website and publication examines the impacts that follow the overturning of Roe v. Wade and also provides an examination of laws, constitutions, and court decisions on abortion as well as a tool to learn about all the bans and restrictions currently on the books in each state.

Let’s Go There: Making A Case for Race, Ethnicity and a Lived Civics Approach to Civic Education

This report highlights the importance of race, identity, and the lived experiences of youth as central elements of civic education efforts. Through a 'Lived Civics' approach, students understand the value that their personal and community-based knowledge is to civic education efforts.

“Your Money, Your Future! A Basic Guide for Financial Education and Empowerment “

This resources provides a basic overview of the American financial system with the aim to educate and better inform immigrant communities.

Community Resources for Immigrant New Yorkers

Many comprehensive resources for immigrant New Yorkers about rights, health and safety, business and finance, and New York State policy.

Immigrants & New York Poster

A fold-out, illustrated poster in English, Spanish, and French that "guides immigrants in New York State on how to avoid immigration scams, protect their families when interacting with ICE, and create a plan for their family in the event of deportation."

New York Immigration Coalition: Know Your Rights Wallet Cards

Short palm-cards with guidance on what to say if you have contact with an immigration agent; available in Spanish, French, Chinese (Simplified), and Arabic.

New York Immigration Coalition: New York State Community Toolkit

An all-in-one resource guide for community members, partners, and allies. Updated regularly based on changing laws and policies, and connects immigrant New Yorkers with resources across the state.

“What You Need to Know About Women’s Suffrage”

A video that tells the story of women fighting for the right to vote.

“What 100 Years of Women’s Suffrage Means for Women of Color”

A short video about women's voting rights and women of color.

Sunday Civics Podcast

Get the civics lesson you need to take civic action every week with national political strategist L. Joy Williams. Sunday Civics is a weekly show that teaches civic education and engagement. It airs on SiriusXM Urban View every Sunday morning at 9:00 am and is also available to download as a podcast.

Mutual Aid Hub

A platform that lists mutual aid groups nationwide as well as helpful educational resources. People are able to view where certain mutual aid movements are located on a virtual U.S. map and contact local organizers to receive or offer help, if needed.

Teaching for Black Lives

This organization works to eliminate anti-blackness and racism in the classroom by turning education sites into sites of resistance, hope and learning about the beauty of blackness through classroom support, study groups, lessons, podcasts, and more.

Everything You Need to Vote

Vote.org provides simple and straightforward resources for voters, including how to register, election reminders, and important dates.

NYC Votes

This organization offers voters information regarding ongoing elections and issues mentioned on ballots. It also informs voters on topics such as different ways to vote, significant dates to keep an eye on, and the different kinds of elections in NY.

Educating for American Democracy: Educator Resources

This collection provides educators with high-quality lesson plans and resources to help teach about civics, democracy, government and more.

Mutual Aid NYC: Community Resource Library

This community-sourced, volunteer-curated library is a growing and comprehensive collection of the many high-quality resources available to New Yorkers. New resources are added every day!

Enroll In LEAD Job Readiness Series

LEAD is a workforce development program that aims to prepare immigrant women entry into the NYC workforce or to pursue higher education and vocational trainings.

Bystander Intervention Resources

This online resource collection offers information and resources on bystander intervention, including resources to use with community members, and information and research on the effectiveness of bystander intervention.

Actions Any Woman Can Take to Make Change

"Civic Engagement: Where Do I Start?" is a one-page flier that provides a list of different options and actions any woman can take to make change within their communities.

New York City Community Boards

This two-page guide will help you learn all you need to know about community boards and how to join one.

Citywide Guide to Services and Resources

The Guide is designed to help individuals and organizations gain access to low- and no-cost social services, programs, and resources available in each borough. Please share this information and help others in need:

CIVIC MATTERS VOTING & PARTICIPATION RESOURCES

WAYS TO PARTICIPATE

Whether you are eligible to vote or not, there are many ways you can
participate in the process of electing the representatives of your community.

Public Housing in New York City: An Overview

This publication was developed by WCC’s Task Force on Public Housing to facilitate better understanding of the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) and encourage advocacy to improve and preserve public housing in New York City.

Suggestions

If you know of resources we should feature, we’d love to hear from you!

Our goal is to provide a comprehensive library of educational materials, issue guides, and engagement opportunities that help you take action and make change.