WCC’s Civic Matters Workshops are safe spaces where women can gather to learn, network, and organize to create change in their communities.
Workshops are designed for people who have historically faced barriers to civic participation.
Session topics are informed and selected by Workshop participants via surveys. Additionally, WCC’s Civic Matters Workshop Design Team (WDT), aims to ensure that programming is informed by community members’ own needs, experiences, and desires for learning and engagement.
There are many benefits to participating in Civic Matters Workshops, such as:
- Learning where to get started with civic engagement and gaining knowledge and tools to stand up for yourself and your community
- Becoming part of the WCC civic engagement family with access to future events and resources
- Gaining opportunities to take leadership roles and learn skills to boost your resume
Follow us at @Civicmatters on Instagram and sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date on all of our programming and opportunities to get involved. Information about previous workshops can be found below.
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Past Workshops
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 27, 2023
Civic Matters Workshop: Get Heard! Reconditioning Our Thinking About Public Speaking
Facilitated by Deneisha Thompson, and the Workshop Design Team, the workshop focused on developing confidence and public speaking skills. Participants learned key components of effective public speaking, discovered the value of showing full and authentic self when public speaking, and learned how to adapt in real-time based on the audience’s reaction.
WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 15, 2023
Showing Up for Self & Community: An Intro to Civics & Becoming Your Own Civic Superhero
Designed by WCC’S Workshop Design Team (WDT) and led by facilitator Deneisha Thompson, this workshop educated participants on different types of civic engagement and skills to help individuals feel more confident taking civic action within their respective communities.
WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 30, 2022
Introduction to Advocacy and Coalition Building
This workshop in partnership with the Advocacy Institute and led by Engagement Director David Ng, participants discussed how government is operated and who are involved in important decision making processes. Participants also learned the process of coalition building in order to collaborate and be involved in making a change in their community.
WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 26, 2022
Sip & Learn: Racial Equity and Government Accountability
In this workshop led by Deneisha Thompson, participants discussed the definition of racial equity, its interplay with government accountability, and how to ensure voters are informed at the voting booth.
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 28, 2022
Civic Engagement: Spotlight on Participatory Budgeting
In this workshop featuring Daniella Eras, Director of Special Initiatives and Operations, participants discussed what civic engagement is, why it’s important, and learned about an exciting opportunity to have a say in how the City Budget is spent through PB. Participants practiced filling out a project proposal to submit to the PB website.
WEDNESDAY JUNE 15, 2022
Civic Matters Storytelling Workshop: Speak Up & Shine
This last workshop in the Civic Matters Spring 2022 featured a guest facilitator, Jasmine Wilson. Attendees participated in improv activities and leave with resources for how to strengthen their storytelling skills in real-life contexts.
WEDNESDAY MAY 25, 2022
Introduction to Advocacy and Local Governance Training
This workshop & training in partnership with the Advocacy Institute was designed for those who are new to advocacy and want to get familiar with the basics. It featured WCC Facilitator Deneisha Thompson and was led by David Ng and Marissa Martin from the Advocacy Institute!
WEDNESDAY APRIL 27, 2022
Showing Up For Self & Community: How To Be Your Own Civic Superhero
This engaging and interactive workshop defined civics and civic engagement, featuring facilitators Deneisha Thompson, Reda Taleb, and Arabhis Nicholson. This workshop was redesigned by the Workshop Design Team.
WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 23, 2022
Unleashing Your Voice
Attendees participated in improv-based and public speaking activities to empower them to express themselves with confidence, conviction, and authenticity with Jasmine Wilson.
Participants learned and practiced the fundamentals of public speaking and discussed the challenges and resources to strengthen their skills.
MONDAY NOVEMBER 29, 2021
How Any Woman Can Make Change: A Panel of Local Changemakers
Attendees heard from three phenomenal speakers on the many ways one can make a difference in their community. The panel featured Thahitun Mariam, Founder of the Bronx Mutual Aid Network, Marjorie Velázquez, City Council Member Elect, District 13, and Cheryl K. Jones, Volunteer, New York Cares. The workshop was led by Deneisha Thompson.
WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 20, 2021
Your Ballot, Your Voice, Your Vote
Attendees learned what will be on the November 2nd General Election Ballot, about the 5 ballot measures, and why it is important to vote on them. The workshop was led by Deneisha Thompson and featured guest speaker Fulvia Vargas-De Leon from Latino Justice.
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 22, 2021
Unleashing Your Voice
Attendees participated in improv-based and public speaking activities to empower them to express themselves with confidence, conviction, and authenticity with Jasmine Wilson.
Participants learned and practiced the fundamentals of storytelling and discussed the challenges and resources to strengthen their skills.
THURSDAY JUNE 17, 2021
Election Season is Here: Come & Learn What’s New!
Attendees learned about ranked choice voting and participated in a Q&A and discussion about voting and elections. The workshop was led by Deneisha Thompson and featured guest speaker Aarati Cohly from DemocracyNYC.
Please see the Voting Resource Toolkit created by WCC, DemocracyNYC, and the New York City Civic Engagement Commission here.
THURSDAY MAY 20, 2021
Know Your Rights!
In this Civic Matters workshop, we took a short journey through the history of race and gender in politics in the United States to explain the roots of common inequities that impact women every day, provided information about one’s basic rights (like protesting and voting), and shared things one can do to contribute to meaningful change.
Please see the Know Your Rights toolkit here.
WEDNESDAY APRIL 21, 2021
Sip and Learn: Everyday Actions Everyone Can Take to Make Change
A fun and casual conversation about civics where attendees learned what it is, why it matters, and how they can make a difference in their families and communities. Participants were able to connect with other like-minded women and gain resources.
Please see corresponding civic engagement resources here.
FRIDAY OCTOBER 30, 2020
Voting Workshop
A discussion about issues surrounding voting, creating a voting plan, gaining knowledge about voting rights, and learning how to get involved in voter outreach and voter advocacy. Participants learned about the importance of voting, the role of voter suppression, and how to vote in 2020 and beyond.
Please find a corresponding resource for voting and participation here and a personalized NYC voting plan here.
