Why Should You Get Involved with NICE?

A Letter from the Outgoing NICE Board President Dave Weinstein

For the past 3 years, I've served on the Board of Neighbors Investing in Childs Elementary (NICE) and I'm so glad I have. As a general member, a vice president, and this past year as president of the Board, I've had exactly the experience I was hoping for: an opportunity to work alongside members of my community in support of our local school.


I moved to Point Breeze 3 and a half years ago. I was new to South Philly, but not to the city or its education system. When I heard about NICE, I came to a few meetings to start getting involved and ultimately ended up applying to and joining the board. I didn't really know how I could help. The group seemed pretty successful already and I was just trying to get involved and do whatever I could. I'm so glad I got past that initial feeling of awkwardness and imposter syndrome that led me to think I couldn't be a useful member of the team.

In my past 3 years on the Board, we've been able to do so much in partnership with the school.

  • We finished fundraising for Project Recess and are getting set to break ground on a rooftop playground for the school

  • We launched a new campaign and started raising funds that will lead to the upgrade of the auditorium into a state-of-the-art performing space.

  • We've held numerous events that connect the fabric of our community - Halloween parades, bake sales, cleanups, fundraisers, you name it

I'm definitely going to remember the accomplishments our group has had over the past 3 years, but more so I'm going to remember the people. When I go to the store, or out to dinner, or take my daughter to the playground, I know more people in my community because I chose to get involved with NICE. To me, that's invaluable, even if it's not why I joined NICE to begin with.

This will be my last year on the board, at least for now. I have some new challenges to tackle in my professional life next year and baby #2 is on the way - it's time for me to take a temporary step back. I hope if you've read this, it's time for you to take a step up. NICE needs new people to join the board every year, and I hope this is the right year for you. While I won't be the president any longer, I will be here as a community supporter.

- Dave Weinstein
2021-2022 NICE Board President


Interested in learning more about what it's like to serve on the NICE Board?
Join us for an information session via Zoom on June 28th at 5:30PM to hear from current Board members about their experiences and get your questions answered!


Neighbors Investing in Childs Elementary is looking for community members who want to get more involved in ensuring that GW Childs Elementary is a thriving school at the heart of our neighborhood by joining us in partnering with the school community for the 2021-2022 school year.

NICE is looking for individuals to support the organization with community outreach, marketing, communications, grant writing, event planning and fundraising. Individuals should be committed to NICE's mission, passionate about volunteerism, civic engagement, & public education, and want to help shape the future of our neighborhood and our local public school.

Applications are due Wednesday, June 30, 2021.

Contact info@nicephilly.org with questions.