Columbia University in the City of New York
	Government and Community Affairs Office of Community Affairs

	OFFICE OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS 301 Low Library (Phone 212 854-4469; Fax 212 666-1952)
	Larry Dais, Assistant Vice President and Director of Community Relations
	Erica Gonzalez, Community Relations Manager
	Joan Griffith-Lee, Coordinator and Administrative

INFO FOR OUR NEIGHBORS Click on "Info for Our Neighbors" for the latest news and information for Columbia's neighbors. COMMUNITY AFFAIRS MISSION Columbia is committed to working with the community on all levels to address issues of concern. We know that active involvement is the key to creating and maintaining a strong University-community partnership. The Office of Community Affairs plays a critical role in helping the community and University understand each other better, by: Communicating concerns residents have to University officials and disseminating information to the community at large. Developing and administering outreach programs and other projects of special interest to the community and the University. Providing local not-for-profit organizations, civic groups and elected officials (non-partisan events) with access to University facilities; Providing access to athletic facilities for city, state, and regional play-offs and championship events. (Access is provided occasionally for local charitable events with University sponsorship.) Representing the University in coalitions, committees and boards of civic, social and economic development organizations. Assisting the Office of the Executive Vice President for Administration, the Vice President for Facilities, and other senior administrators in forming policies, and initiatives to improve community relations. Helping to establish initial contact between local vendors and University departments. Providing administrative support for University-affiliated childcare facilities that also serve local residents. Coordinating the annual Columbia Community Service Appeal, which raises funds for community organizations that offer services to people in need, including underserved youths, the elderly, and homeless. Supporting the work of the Board of Trustees Committee on Community Affairs on an administrative level and keeping the committee informed about programs and issues. COMMUNITY AFFAIRS AT A GLANCE Columbia maintains relationships with Community Boards 7, 9, 10, and 12. This allows for direct communication and the exchange of accurate information about University plans. Columbia is an active member of a number of community organizations, including the Morningside Area Alliance (MAA).. Columbia produces and distributes a newsletter to keep the University, institutions, organizations, community and civic leaders, elected officials and Columbia�s neighbors abreast of developments and services. Community Affairs coordinates the Columbia Community Service (CCS) Annual.  This campaign encourages Columbia faculty and staff to contribute to local organizations that provide critical social services. Last year, raised  $230,000 and distributed the funds to more than 50 non profit agencies. Community Affairs sponsors community programs such as the Chinese Saturday School; Swim Program; Summer Baseball/Softball League; Public School Improvement Project; Westside and Harlem Baseball Little Leagues; Westside Soccer League for boys and girls; and the Annual Child Care Fair. During the winter holiday season, Community Affairs collects and distributes hundreds of toys, donated by Columbia faculty and staff, o local organizations that service children. Community Affairs provides guidance to organizations serving the local communities. We work closely with groups such as Dominican Sunday by directing its leadership to resources that will allow them to continue offering ESL and citizenship classes and other services. EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT FOR GOVERNMENT AND COMMUNITY AFFAIRS HOME COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HOME