Membership
CYCA members represent our most dedicated neighbors, volunteers, and learders. Join us today and become a part of everything we do!
Events
From our annual Festival Friday 4 Miler and Cooper-Young Beerfest to our fantastic holiday events, we love hanging out in the neighborhood.
Resources
Have a question about code enforcement? Need help with a lost pet? Check out these great resources to help you get the most out of Cooper-Young.
Cooper-Young Community Association
The Cooper-Young Community Association (CYCA) was created in March of 1977 and is a fully registered and recognized nonprofit 501(c)3. With an initial goal of mobilizing residents to stem the tide of decay that so many urban areas experienced, this organization has always functioned as a grassroots, volunteer effort. The CYCA has assisted with a number of projects including an early neighborhood watch, the installation and maintenance of the nationally-recognized Cooper Street Trestle Bridge, and the redevelopment of the communities’ eponymous corner at Cooper Street and Young Avenue. It also began publishing its monthly community newspaper, The Lamplighter, in the early 1990s; this publication continues today and is hand-delivered to each residence within the neighborhood. This organization currently maintains community office space within a redeveloping commercial area in the southeast quadrant of the neighborhood. It is financially supported through events including its annual Cooper-Young Festival Friday 4-Miler and Beerfest as well as membership dues and donations. While it continues to be a predominantly volunteer organization, it does employ a full-time executive director as well as a small part-time staff for The Lamplighter.
Become A Volunteer
We can always use another hand. Click the button below to see volunteer opportunitites. You may just be exactly the person we need.
Projects and Programs
Calendar
Women’s History Month is here and the book club will be reading The Unwomanly Face of War: An Oral History of Women in World War II. Come read about some badass women who were at the front lines of World War II proving that war isn’t so “unwomanly” after all. Riveting discussion and fizzy drinks provided.
It’s our favorite day of the week! This month, our Thirsty Thursday is held at BAR DKDC in honor of Women’s Month and our own historic CY woman, Karen Blockman Carrier who owns DKDC and The Beauty Shop Restaurant. Join us and meet the CYCA Board and your neighbors!
Houseplant Lovers – please join us for a houseplant swap at the Cooper-Young Community Association. Bring cuttings from your houseplants along with any helpful growing tips, we’ll provide the potting soil. We’ll have a number of repurposed containers but welcome everyone to bring along some if you have them.
Beginning at 6:30 p.m., cyclists will meet at the Cooper-Young gazebo and take off riding by 6:45 p.m. with volunteer cyclists leading the way through different routes every week. To add to the excitement, each ride will have a different theme with the first being Glow Sticks! (Kids more than welcome but please no training wheels).
Come vote for the next CYCA vice president and secretary!
There There by Tommy Orange
Lamplighter News
Top 10 Chemical-Free Spring Cleaning Tips
By Carla Worth and Mallory Elkins Spring cleaning doesn’t have to be an overwhelming task. Breaking it down into smaller portions will take the anxiety and chaos out of each chore. 1. Start from the top! Dust needs time to settle before you can sweep or vacuum it up....
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Green Ways to Cut the Clutter
By Stephanie Gonzalez You’re sniffling, it’s raining nonstop, the dogs are constantly tracking mud in from the backyard. It can mean only one thing: Spring is here! The season of renewal is a great time to pare down some of the clutter that’s gathered in your home...
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10 Reasons to Create an Urban Garden
By Kim Halyak Spring is around the corner which makes us think of flowers and sunshine. It's the perfect time to plant your garden and watch the flowers grow but living in the city with a smaller garden does not mean you are left out! For all the city dwellers out...
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We Solved Your Spring Break
By Sheree Stubblefield With Spring Break literally around the corner, everyone is looking for great programs during the week that will not only entertain the kids but educate them as well. Have you had trouble finding a program that checks all your boxes? Well,...
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CYCA! Zero Waste! And Me?
By Sheree Stubblefield If hanging out with the Cooper-Young Community Association is your thing, you may have noticed us throwing around the term Zero Waste. In fact, I just published an article on it in the Lamplighter, our free community newspaper. But what is it...
read moreUpcoming Garden Events
• Spring Fling Gardening Event and Plant Sale. Large plant sale by Master Gardeners. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, March 29 and Saturday, March 30. Red Barn at Agricenter International, 7777 Walnut Grove Rd. Free admission. For more information, call Memphis Area Master...
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