You've told us you want better public transit and safe space to walk and ride a bike in the city. Well we've heard you loud and clear. Transportation Alternatives is giving you the opportunity to be a leader in your community -- to stand up for the improvements you want and deserve.

Residents can join their board as either a public member or a full board member. Each community board consists of up to 50 members. Public members are allowed to speak at committee meetings, but, depending on board rules, may or may not be able to vote at meetings. To join as a public member, simply call your board and find out how. All that is usually required is attendance at several consecutive meetings.

To join as a full board members you must be appointed by the Borough President through an application process. The City Council Members who represent the community district can recommend to the Borough President up to half of the members of the board for appointment so it is a good idea to talk to your City Council Member about your interest in applying.

Full members vote at both the committee and full board meetings and are required to attend 2-4 meetings each month. The application and nomination process for full board members is different in each borough:

Bronx

Bronx applicants must apply by February 3, 2012. Applicants will be interviewed by a member of the Borough President's staff. For any questions, call Thomas Lucania at the Borough President's office at (718) 590-6005.

The application, instructions and details on Bronx community boards are available on the Bronx Borough President's website.

Brooklyn

Applications for Brooklyn community boards are due by the end of February. Although the process may vary, applicants should generally expect to speak with a staff member from the Borough President's office during the review of your application in March.

The application, instructions and details on Brooklyn community boards are available on the Brooklyn Borough President's website.

Manhattan

Applications for Manhattan community boards are due by January 13, 2012 and all appointees will be notified by April 1, 2012. Before applying, the Borough President strongly encourages all applicants to attend community board meetings, become involved in your neighborhood, visit the "Community Boards" section of their website and fully familiarize yourself with the process. Community Board members are expected to attend 3 meetings a month -- the full board meeting plus the meetings of two committees.

The application, instructions and details on Manhattan community boards are available on the Manhattan Borough President's website.

Queens

The Borough President accepts applications on a rolling basis. Appointments are made on the first of April of every year. The Borough President recommends that applications be signed by your local City Council Member. Interested applicants should contact Barry Grodenchik at the Borough President's office to request an application. Barry Grodenchik can be reached at (718) 286-2900.

Visit the Queens Borough President's webpage on community boards for more information.

Staten Island

Applications for Staten Island community boards are reviewed on a rolling basis. For any questions, please call (718) 816-2000.