Call For Participants

About the Program

The High Line Network is building a North America-wide network of public space professionals trained in facilitation of the Community First Toolkit (CFT) workshops, and knowledge sharing of its resources, and helping participants to embed these principles into their existing work championing equitable development in their organizations, communities, and regions.
Over the course of the program, participants will learn and share their own expertise through a series of interactive workshops on five main themes of the Community First Toolkit: Examine History, Center Equity, Prepare Internally, Build Partnerships, and Ensure Progress.

Who should apply?

This opportunity is not limited to community engagement roles! Anyone passionate about including equity in their organizations’ work from finance, administration, fundraising, to operations & maintenance is encouraged to apply.
Criteria for participation in the 2026 cohort are as follows:

• Applicants from all regions are welcome! TD Bank’s footprint from Maine to Florida(excluding Georgia) is a special focus, however all are welcome to apply.
• Staff members of non-profit park and public space organizations.
• Mid-career individuals seeking professional development opportunities.
• Please note that a maximum of up to two staff members per organization will be selected per cohort.

What are the benefits of participating?

As a participant in the 2026 facilitator cohort, you will:

• Become a recognized Community First Toolkit ambassador equipped to champion the principles and practices of the CFT with a broader audience.
• Gain professional development in public speaking, presenting, and workshop facilitation.
• Join a North America-wide cadre of leaders committed to advancing equity in public spaces.
• Receive ongoing support and guidance from the High Line Network team.
• Have the opportunity to shape the Community First Toolkit’s trajectory based on your feedback and on-the-ground experiences.

Financial Support

As a participant in the 2026 facilitator cohort, you will:

• Travel reimbursement: Funding to cover your travel expenses to attend the in-person training in NYC.
• Accommodation reimbursement: Funding to cover two nights of your accommodation costs during the in-person training in NYC.

The Commitment

To fully benefit from and contribute to the program, selected participants must be available for the following:

• Three 1.5 hour-long virtual training sessions (see detailed course schedule).
• Two-day workshop training in NYC in February (see detailed course schedule).

Becoming a Community First Toolkit facilitator involves an ongoing commitment to the materials. Applicants must be available for:

• Check in sessions with the cohort within the first six months to one year.
• Availability to offer Community First Toolkit related technical assistance to community and park practitioners in your region.
• Tracking Community First Toolkit touch points with community members and local partners and reporting back on resources shared, feedback and more.
• Opportunities to share Community First Toolkit resources where applicable in your work.