WNYC and Gothamist have teamed up for our Ask a Reporter series. You ask us questions about politics, voting, or civic life and we find the answers. We’re hard at work reporting, but one thing we’ve learned so far about finding your way to greater civic engagement: sometimes it’s a good idea to start with your block. WNYC’s Yasmeen Khan visited Pilling Street in Bushwick to speak to one of its long-time residents, Blanche Romey, who’s well-versed in speaking up, and sweating the small stuff.