Overview
In addition to boards and commissions, the City of Allen offers a variety of citizen involvement programs and groups. Most of these groups are affiliated with a specific department while a few operate as stand-alone nonprofits to benefit ongoing community interests or to provide funding support for designated initiatives that might be carried out by the city.

Community Emergency Response Team (C.E.R.T)
With training in fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization and disaster medical operations, C.E.R.T. members are prepared to help their neighborhoods or workplaces following an event that requires large-scale, immediate emergency response. This is just one of many initiatives that benefit the city’s overall readiness to handle emergency situations. If you are interested in becoming a C.E.R.T. member, contact Dave Campbell at 469.371.1018.

Citizens Fire Academy
Firefighters from throughout the department serve as Citizens Fire Academy instructors to provide insight on everything from emergency operations to fire and life safety training. Participants will ride along with on-duty firefighters on emergency calls and participate in hands-on demonstrations.

Citizens Police Academy
The Citizens Police Academy (CPA) is presented by the Police Department's Community Relations Unit in an effort to educate the community about their Police Department. Participants are instructed on topics ranging from criminal law and patrol tactics to effective surveillance techniques. After graduating from the Citizens Police Academy, alumni become eligible to train for two additional volunteer groups: Volunteers in Policing (VIPs) and Citizens on Patrol (COPs). Members of the Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association actively support and assist the Police Department.

Allen Public Safety Recovery Fund
This fund is managed by a volunteer board of directors whose members represent a diversity of Allen citizens, business professionals and public safety personnel. Their goal is to ensure funds are available and appropriately dispersed to our public safety personnel in cases where emergency financial assistance might be needed for the families of those who selflessly protect and serve this community.

Allen Parks Foundation
The Allen Parks Foundation assists the City of Allen and governmental partners, local groups and organizations in enhancing the overall park system and recreational facilities through expanded development of parks and recreational programming.

Friends of the Allen Public Library
The Friends of the Allen Public Library is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the Allen Public Library by providing funds and programs that would not otherwise be possible.

Allen Arts Alliance
As an umbrella organization for arts in our community, the Allen Arts Alliance promotes, nurtures and celebrates the arts in our community.

Keep Allen Beautiful Volunteer Programs 
Keep Allen Beautiful functions as a designated city board and offers a variety of volunteer involvement programs and green initiatives.