The NYC Preparedness & Recovery Institute (PRI) is conducting a comprehensive review of NYC’s COVID-19 response, with a focus on a whole-of-society approach. This work has included analysis of hundreds of reports and journal articles, interviews with key individuals, and conversations with more than a hundred New Yorkers about lessons that can strengthen the city’s preparedness and response to future public health crises.
To ensure our recommendations reflect the real experiences of New Yorkers, PRI invites local community leaders to take part in the PRI COVID-19 Community Convenings (Nov 5-21), a series of structured virtual discussions designed to capture on-the-ground perspectives from those most connected to neighborhood needs during the pandemic.
We’re looking for people who are deeply engaged at the neighborhood level, those who know their communities firsthand and were involved in supporting local needs during the pandemic. This means individuals and grassroots leaders, not representatives of large nonprofits or citywide institutions. Participants must be 18 years of age or older. Eligible participants may include, but are not limited to:
- Members of Community Boards, tenant associations, block or neighborhood associations, or other resident-led groups
- Parents and caregivers active in PTAs or school-based initiatives
- Small business owners and local organizers who helped sustain their neighborhoods during the pandemic
- Volunteers and organizers from mutual aid networks, faith-based communities, or cultural organizations serving local residents
Participation is virtual and includes full attendance at:
- Orientation: 1-Hour (November 5, 2:00–3:00 PM) Don’t worry if you missed it – you can watch the orientation here in English, Spanish, and Mandarin.
- Convening session: 2-Hour discussion in English, Spanish, or Mandarin (November 7-21)
| | Mon, Nov 10th | Tues, Nov 11th | Wed, Nov 12th | Thurs, Nov 13th | Fri, Nov 14th |
| 2:00-4:00pm | Brooklyn | | | | Queens |
| 6:30-8:30pm | | Manhattan | Brooklyn | Mandarin | |
| | Mon, Nov 17th | Tues, Nov 18th | Wed, Nov 19th | Thurs, Nov 20th | Fri, Nov 21st |
| 2:00-4:00pm | Staten Island | Bronx | | | Manhattan |
| 6:30-8:30pm | Queens | Bronx | Staten Island | Spanish | |
During these sessions, PRI will share key findings and draft recommendations, then gather your input to refine them. Your feedback will directly shape the final recommendations, which will be shared publicly to guide how NYC responds to future health emergencies.
Stipends for Community Expertise
PRI is committed to supporting community expertise and recognizes the value of your contributions. If you are an unpaid volunteer or a representative of an organization with an operating budget under $5 million, PRI will provide $140 for complete participation in the Orientation and Convening sessions. This reflects a compensation at $35/hour for three hours of virtual discussions (Orientation and Convening session) plus up to one hour to prepare for discussions. Payments will be made in the form of a virtual prepaid Visa card and sent via e-mail within two weeks of your completed participation.
Note: If participating in this convening is considered part of your regular job responsibilities and you are compensated by your employer for this work, you are not eligible for a stipend.
Are you a neighborhood or community leader ready to share your insights? If so, sign up above. If not, please share this invitation with others that you know who stepped up for their neighborhood needs during the pandemic.