Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams is calling on civic-minded Brooklynites to apply for a position on one of the borough's 18 local community boards, particularly teenagers, who can become community board members for the first time this year.
"Teenagers play a vitally important role in our communities, and it's time they sit on these boards as well, so our government reflects the opinions of all people," said Adams.
Community boards are local representative bodies consisting of up to 50 unsalaried members appointed by the Borough President, with half nominated by the city council members who represent the community district. Board members are selected by the borough presidents from among active, involved people of each community, with an effort made to assure that every neighborhood is represented; they must reside, work or have some other significant interest in the community.
"Community boards are the most local, grassroots level of our government, serving as a sounding board for neighborhood issues and an incubator for civic solutions. Their members help to guide the future of our communities." said Adams. "I encourage any interested Brooklynite to step up and apply for membership!"
Adams added, under a law signed last year by Governor Andrew Cuomo, teens and young adults are now encouraged to participate. Now, borough presidents can appoint up to two teenagers over the age of 16 to each community board in New York City.
"Getting our young people engaged in serving their neighbors is an important part of a well-rounded civic education, which I believe needs to become a cornerstone of our approach to holistic community development. I am looking forward to reviewing the applications of our young people this year and appointing some great new talent to our boards."
Applications for appointment and re-appointment for community boards are available on Borough President Adams' website. The application deadline for those interested in being appointed or re-appointed this year is Sunday, February 15. Original applications must be notarized and returned by mail to Brooklyn Borough Hall.
