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CEO MESSAGE
At We Stay/Nos Quedamos, we believe that the people closest to the challenges are also closest to the solutions. Residents are the experts of their own lived experiences, and when communities have the opportunity to shape decisions that affect their lives, meaningful and lasting change becomes possible.
Civic engagement is often thought of as voting or attending a meeting, but it is much more than that. It exists along a community ownership spectrum, a journey that moves us from simply being informed about decisions, to being consulted, involved, and ultimately empowered to help shape and own those decisions.
When residents are only informed, they are told what is happening. When they are engaged, they help influence what happens. When communities have ownership, they become partners in creating solutions and driving the future of their neighborhoods.
We have already seen what is possible when residents move along that spectrum and claim their power.
The Melrose Urban Renewal Plan (MURP) stands as one of the strongest examples of community-led action in our neighborhood's history. Faced with disinvestment and uncertainty, residents, organizers, and local leaders came together to envision a different future for Melrose. They did not wait for others to define what the community needed—they stepped forward and led the conversation.
The result was a community-driven plan that helped preserve affordable housing, expand access to green space, support economic development, and create opportunities for generations of residents. The Melrose we know today is, in many ways, a reflection of what can happen when community members move beyond participation and into leadership.
The success of MURP reminds us that civic engagement is not simply about having a seat at the table and it is about building the table itself.
As we look ahead, our responsibility is to continue creating opportunities for residents to organize, participate, and lead. Whether that means joining a resident committee, attending a community meeting, advocating for neighborhood improvements, mentoring young leaders, or supporting local campaigns, every action helps strengthen our collective voice and move us closer to true community ownership.
The future of Melrose should be shaped by the people who live here, raise families here, work here, and invest their time and energy into this community every day. We know what our neighborhood needs because we experience it firsthand. Our voices matter, our experiences matter, and our solutions matter.
The story of the Melrose Urban Renewal Plan shows us what is possible when residents lead. The next chapter of Melrose's future will depend on our willingness to continue organizing, engaging, and claiming ownership of the decisions that impact our lives.
We Are Melrose: Celebrating Community, Organizing for Tomorrow
 | Get ready for one of our favorite traditions—NQ’s Annual We Are Melrose Event! This year’s theme, Preserving the Melrose Commons, speaks directly to the heart of our community and the work that has shaped it for generations. Together, we will celebrate the powerful legacy of resident-led organizing that transformed Melrose and protected our neighborhood from disinvestment and displacement. At the same time, we will look ahead to the challenges before us. With growing development pressures and the upcoming expiration of the Melrose Urban Renewal Plan, now is the time to come together, organize, and continue the work of preserving the community we fought so hard to build. Join us for an afternoon of celebration, reflection, and action featuring live performances, community resources, music, snacks, and opportunities to connect with neighbors and local leaders. Whether you've been part of this movement for decades or are just beginning to learn about Melrose's history, your voice and participation matter. Come celebrate our past, strengthen our present, and help shape our future. Save your spot today: We can't wait to see you there! When: July 11th Time: 2pm - 6pm Location: Yolanda Garcia Park (Melrose Avenue &, 409 E 159th St, Bronx, NY 10451) A Powerful Day of Youth Leadership: Youth Symposium Recap
| On June 5, Nos Quedamos proudly hosted its 3rd Annual Youth-Led Symposium on Environmental & Housing Justice, bringing together youth leaders, community members, educators, advocates, and partners for an inspiring afternoon of learning, dialogue, and action. Centered on the theme "Somos La Voz / We Are the Voice," this year's symposium highlighted the leadership, creativity, and determination of young people working to address the environmental and housing challenges facing the South Bronx. NQ's Youth Team took center stage, presenting original capstone projects, facilitating discussions, and sharing their vision for a more just and equitable future. Attendees participated in interactive workshops, community conversations, and networking opportunities that explored environmental justice, housing equity, and community-led solutions. The event served as a powerful reminder that young people are not simply preparing to become future leaders, but they are leading today. Thank you to everyone who joined us in uplifting youth voices and strengthening our collective commitment to community-driven change. Together, we continue building a healthier, more equitable future for the South Bronx. Check out our Instagram to see more: @nosquedamos |
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