Registration open! Civics 101: The People’s Guide to Local Government
Facilitated by Rebecca Martin, co-founder of KingstonCitizens.org
Strong communities start with an informed public. Civics 101 gives everyone in Kingston the tools to understand, engage with, and shape local government — strengthening good government and building real people power.
-
Explore the City of Kingston’s website and learn how local government works.
-
Hear directly from staff and elected officials as they share their expertise and explain the processes they oversee.
-
Gain practical tools and strategies to participate confidently in public life.
We especially encourage young people to attend — as elders, we are mentors, and we want to help you learn how to engage. Your current and future participation is critical! If you are a teacher in the Kingston City School District, please share this opportunity with your students. We’re working on a Spanish translator and will provide a living document of all topics and resources discussed for future reference.
It’s free. It’s virtual. It’s for everyone. Register today and help build a stronger, more engaged Kingston.
For more information, visit KingstonCitizens.org or contact ou*********@***il.com
2026 Sessions
REGISTER: Tuesday, January 13, 6-8pm
Second hour: Discussion on City of Kingston school and property tax
With special Guest: TBA
REGISTER: Monday, April 13, 6-8pm
Second hour: City of Kingston Charter Reform
With special Guests: Ward 9 Council member Michele Hirsch
REGISTER: Tuesday, July 14, 6-8pm
Second hour: Discussion on City of Kingston’s Payments-in-Lieu of Taxes (PILOTs)
With special Guest: City of Kingston Assessor Daniel P. Baker
REGISTER: Tuesday, October 13, 6-8pm
Second hour: Discussion on City of Kingston’s Boards, Committees and Commissions
With special Guest: City of Kingston Mayor Steve Noble
###
About Rebecca Martin: Rebecca is a seasoned organizer and advocate with over 20 years of experience in coalition-building, strategic communications, and civic engagement. Originally from Maine, she has lived in the Hudson Valley since 2000, where she has worked to empower communities and promote government transparency. In Kingston, NY, she co-founded KingstonCitizens.org, leading initiatives such as the successful campaign to stop Niagara Bottling from purchasing the city’s municipal water supply and a Water Powers Referendum to secure public oversight of future water sales. As the first Executive Director of the Kingston Land Trust, she launched nationally recognized programs in urban agriculture, rail trail development, and the protection of African-American heritage sites. At Riverkeeper, she served as Campaign Manager and Director of Community Partnerships, where she helped establish the Hudson 7, and co-founded the Water Justice Lab in Troy, NY. She currently serves as Source Water Protection Coordinator for the Hudson 7 and managed a major report on the threat of landfill leachate to drinking water. In 2025, she joined Beyond Plastics as Director of Community Partnerships and Training, where she is building a Community Partnerships Program and leading grassroots advocacy and speaker trainings in the fight against plastic pollution.
Thanks to local artist Anna Gilmore for her work in designing our civics logo.