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QCH was founded in the settlement house tradition, which is deeply rooted in advocacy work. Starting over 100 years ago, settlement houses continue to be action-oriented, and new programs and services are added as neighborhood needs arise. Historical examples include the creation of free kindergarten and worker co-ops. Settlement houses seek solutions for the root causes of inequities, leading to their involvement in broader campaigns for transformative change. Below are some of ways that QCH is carrying out this legacy.

Neighbors in Action

Building an Empowered Queens Together!

Neighbors in Action brings together QCH participants, neighbors, and friends to actively engage in their community. Whether you’d like to connect with others in a more social setting, join a documentary screening, clean up your local park, or advocate for positive change, Neighbors in Action has a place for you.  

Want to take action? Here are some ways to get involved:

Advocacy Campaigns

  • Join a monthly advocacy meeting in Jackson Heights or Forest Hills to discuss issues of importance to you and make your voice heard. Choose a local issue to work on with your neighbors, such as transportation, public safety, and sanitation.

Park Stewardship

  • Participate in monthly cleanup events at Flushing Meadows Corona Park to beautify our shared spaces. 
  • Learn how public parks are resourced and gather the tools you need to advocate for park improvements. 
  • Help canvas fellow park users about their experiences. 
  • Complete our park user survey by clicking here.
  • To receive text message updates, text “Join QCH” to 347-440-1346 

Community Building Events

QCH’s community centers offer space where neighbors can gather, connect, and learn from one another. You can volunteer to organize a film series, workshop, or other activity to raise awareness on important issues. You can also volunteer to help out with a holiday potluck or other community event that strengthens neighbor to neighbor connections.

Civic Engagement

  • Deepen local democracy by getting involved in local and citywide participatory budgeting processes: www.participate.nyc.gov.
  • Encourage neighbors to get out and vote in upcoming elections and ensure they have the information they need to cast an educated vote.

Want to take action? Email us at action@qchnyc.org | Follow us @qchaction | Call 929-471-4478

Advocacy

Throughout its history, QCH has been involved in specific campaigns for community change including work on immigrant’s rights, affordable housing, financial justice, and access to parks and open space. Currently, QCH is a member of several coalitions working together to advocate for a number of important issues. Together with Queens Power, a coalition of faith communities, non-profit organizations, schools and unions, QCH is engaged in the Public Land for Public Good campaign advocating for affordable housing development at the Creedmoor site in Southeast Queens and at other sites throughout the borough. As an active participant in the Human Services Council’s Just Pay campaign, QCH is working with other non-profit organizations to fight for livable wages for human services workers. As part of ANHD’s Thriving Communities Coalition, QCH is advocating for a more equitable approach to land use and development in NYC. Participation in membership organizations and coalitions is an effective way to extend the reach of QCH’s mission- and vision-driven work. We are proud to work in collaboration with:

Apoyo Queens Community House

Group photo from Queens Community House

Queens Community House brinda a las personas y las familias las herramientas para enriquecer sus vidas y construir comunidades saludables e inclusivas.