The ultimate character and direction of the political winds whipping around us are as yet still undetermined. But in places like New York City, there are new possibilities opening up for progressives to organize for transformative change to deepen democracy and promote justice. Last week at NYU’s Greenberg Lounge with Partners for Dignity & Rights, we hosted a critically relevant panel conversation with movement leaders from Jackson, Mississippi, Barcelona, Spain, and Budapest, Hungary. Each panelist spoke to their experiences with progressive movements that seized and worked to wield governing power at the municipal level, reflecting on the myriad challenges and opportunities of such political moments. The conversation addressed everything from the need to take independent narrative power seriously to the capacity crunch that can accompany trying to organize inside and outside strategies simultaneously. We look forward to sharing more insights from the conversations sparked at this event in the weeks and months ahead!
Beyond Elections: Building Power for Co-Governance - Reflections & Lessons for Progressive Movements
We are in the midst of a period of momentous political upheaval.
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The Action Lab is organizing a learning delegation to Istanbul, Turkey from April 12-18, 2025, bringing together 30 labor organizers, communication strategists, creators, strategic funders, and movement leaders to build power and challenge oligarchy.
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On Thursday, February 5, we co-hosted a screening and Q&A of the powerful new documentary Homegrown at NYU.
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2026 Law and Organizing Academy Application is Open!
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We invite current law students from New York-area law schools or with New York-area summer internships to apply to our fourth annual Law & Organizing Academy (LOA)
2025 End of Year Report
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2025 has been a jam-packed year at The Action Lab! To learn more about our year of sparking imaginations and driving change, check out our 2025 End of Year Report.
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Rivers of Care at the COP in Brazil
Rivers of Care at the COP in Brazil
In partnership with indigenous leaders and organizers, and allies from the labor movement, The Action Lab traveled to the Cop 30 in Belém, Brazil.
Empire City - Real History and the Realities of Policing Today
Empire City - Real History and the Realities of Policing Today
The mainstream narratives tell us that police are here to protect us.
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SALSACTIVISM — March 21
SALSACTIVISM — March 21
SALSACTIVISM returns on March 21 in Astoria, bringing together community, music, and organizing. The evening will feature Salsa en Vinilos, live sets from Fabio Puentes y Su Tremendo Lío, and guest speakers Jeannette García and Yhamir Chabur.
May Day Solidarity School
May Day Solidarity School
Labor and community organizers gathered at a training session to build strategy, alliances, and collective power ahead of May Day 2026.
Small Business United Organizing Initiative
Small Business United Organizing Initiative
The Small Business United organizing initiative brings together small businesses to advocate for their communities and support the Small Business Rent Stabilization Act introduced in the New York legislature.
Power in Solidarity Training Series
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The Action Lab wrapped its “Power in Solidarity” training series, equipping organizers with practical skills in community organizing, storytelling, trust-building, and running effective meetings to strengthen collective action.
Providers Organized for Power (POP)
Providers Organized for Power (POP)
The Action Lab is helping coordinate Providers Organized for Power (POP), a growing coalition of childcare providers and partner organizations fighting for fair wages, improved working conditions, and universal childcare in New York.
Free Tax Prep Program
Free Tax Prep Program
Anchor partner New York Communities Organizing Fund (NYCOFI) continues its free tax preparation program, helping New Yorkers access key tax credits such as the Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit. Services run weekends from March 1 through April 13.
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