Who runs Friends of Athens?
Friends of Athens was founded in 2017 as a democratically principled organization. Our elected board of directors regularly engage with our members and the larger community to better understand local needs and desires, basing all initiatives and partnerships on efforts that will build and support a more flourishing village for our families, friends and neighbors.
What are some projects Friends of Athens has completed to date?
Friends of Athens conducted a comprehensive tree inventory in the Village of Athens, followed up by a large scale tree planting effort. Over 35 new trees were planted around the Village in 2019. In 2021, Friends of Athens founded our New Neighbor Committee that offers a welcome package and support to new residents who wish to be contacted. We are also working with the Village Historian to develop thematic app based walking tours in the Village.
What is required for membership?
All that is required is your enthusiasm! Currently there are no dues or minimum hours of participation nor volunteerism, however we encourage everyone’s committed involvement to best ensure we are most effective as an action-oriented community organization.
What are the benefits of membership?
The benefits of membership directly correlate with how much time and energy we’re willing and able to put into our beloved community! Being active supports a more vibrant village and stronger bond between our fellow residents, and builds a better today for a better tomorrow. Taking an effective role instills greater pride in our neighborhoods and empowers us all. As a member, you will have a say in the projects we choose to invest in and help generate new ideas, in addition to keeping the leadership of Friends of Athens accountable to commitments made.
Does Friends of Athens have any dues?
Not at this time.
How often, when and where does Friends of Athens meet?
With the pandemic, meetings have not been as regular as in previous years. In general, Friends of Athens aims to hold between 4-5 meetings each year, more if major projects are undertaken. Meetings usually take place on a Saturday at 4:00 PM. For social distancing purposes the meetings have been held via zoom, although we hope that later this year we will be able to start holding them in person again at the Athens Cultural Center, 24 Second Street, Athens, NY.
Meetings are now held via zoom until it’s safe to meet in-person again.
Do you have a political or religious affiliation?
No. Friends of Athens welcomes all, regardless of race, faith, politics, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or socioeconomic factors. We are a safe space that promotes unity within community; we believe we are better together.
Is my donation tax-deductible?
As a 501(c)3, your donations to Friends of Athens are 100% tax-deductible.
I’m interested in partnering. What’s the process?
We’d love to hear from you. Please use the “Contact Us” page to connect with us.
Do you accept calendar event submissions?
Yes, we do. However, we are not able to promote every event due to limited platform space.