About Us

Grassroots Initiative was founded to ensure that public service is accessible regardless of race, creed or economic status. Since 2005, the organization has served as the "go-to" point for individuals interested in running for elected office in New York's five boroughs. Beginning in 2008, Grassroots Initiative will also offer select services outside of New York.

Grassroots Initiative's programs and services fall into three tiers: (1) recruitment and confidence building; (2) election assistance; and (3) tools for newly elected officials. Together, these tiers work to ensure that the door to public service is open to the best and brightest community leaders and that, once elected, these officials have the tools they need to successfully serve their constituents.

Among its early successes, Grassroots Initiative helped elect the first Sikhs in New York City in 2006, opening new doors of opportunity for one of the city's most misunderstood immigrant communities. The organization's work was featured in the New York Times and other media and documented in the photo exhibition, "Fighting Prejudice with Votes," which debuted at the Queens Museum of Art in March 2007, and was seen by more than 10,000 people.

In early 2007, Grassroots Initiative's work on special elections in East Flatbush, Brooklyn resulted in a record number of candidates (13), including immigrants from Haiti, Jamaica and Panama, filing petitions for New York City Council. During fall 2007, Grassroots Initiative reached another milestone as 100% of the candidates the organization assisted were elected.

Grassroots Initiative does not endorse or give preferential treatment to any candidates. We are a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization and contributions are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. For a copy of our 501(c)3 certification letter, click here.