Since our founding, Henry Street Settlement has been a dedicated advocate for the community we serve. Henry Street has a 126-year history of listening to the needs of our community and responding with services and solutions—fighting for social justice, civil rights, and access to social services in the local, state, and national political arenas.

Henry Street’s commitment to advocacy and community engagement is part of our agency’s DNA, and it is a commitment that we continue to build upon today in three main areas. 

Community Advisory Board
The Community Advisory Board (CAB) helps drive Henry Street’s local advocacy work. Made up of Henry Street clients and community members of all ages and backgrounds, the CAB meets monthly and plays an active role in advising Henry Street on how we can best serve, support, and advocate alongside our community. To learn more & get involved, click here.

Town Halls & Community Events 
Henry Street hosts regular town hall meetings and other community events focused on the pressing issues, feedback, and priorities identified by our community. Topics like housing and gentrification, public safety and policing, jobs, education, and senior concerns are discussed. Notable results of previous Town Hall meetings include the Best of LES dance showcase and the People’s Permit Process brochure, available in English and Spanish. 

Take Action With Us
Anyone can advocate for their community if they have the tools—that’s the idea behind Henry Street’s online advocacy action center, where you can get information on upcoming rallies and events, contacting elected officials, registering to vote, and more.

More on our advocacy efforts from New York Foundation’s Engage to Change: watch now on YouTube »