Welcoming Steve Kest to the Advisory Board

Update
March 6, 2026
Community organizing leader Steve Kest, newly welcomed as an advisory board member of The Action Lab.

The Action Lab welcomes veteran community organizer Steve Kest to its advisory board. Kest brings decades of experience from ACORN, SEIU, and Popular Democracy, including leadership in the Fight for 15 campaign.

Community organizing leader Steve Kest, newly welcomed as an advisory board member of The Action Lab.

We are excited to welcome longtime friend of The Action Lab Steve Kest to our advisory board! Steve serves as Senior Advisor to Popular Democracy, with responsibility for a number of projects designed to build PD’s capacity. In addition, he is coordinating the network’s “fight-back” campaign against the policies and programs of the Trump administration. Steve is a decades-long veteran of community organizing, who ran the Fight for a Fair Economy (FFE) program at Service Employees International Union (SEIU), and helped support the Fight for 15 campaign to organize fast food workers. Before joining SEIU, Steve was a Senior Fellow at the Center for American Progress, where he helped CAP develop its work on community organizing. Steve’s most significant experience was at ACORN, where he worked for over 35 years in a wide variety of roles, including as National Executive Director. Steve graduated from Harvard and lives in Brooklyn, NY. Welcome, Steve!

The Action Lab spark logo

Check Out The Video!

More Images

No items found.

More From This Initiative

No items found.

More Highlights

1010 WINS All News 92.3 FM logo representing real-time local news coverage for New York City.
Report
Update
Video
Press
March 21, 2026

1010 WINS: News That Matters to New Yorkers

1010 WINS: News That Matters to New Yorkers

1010 WINS delivers real-time local news to help New Yorkers stay informed and connected to the issues shaping their communities. Listen live and stay up to date.

Community members dancing salsa and gathering for SALSACTIVISM, a cultural organizing event featuring music, speakers, and community building.
Report
Update
Video
Press
March 7, 2026

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.

Labor and community organizers gathered at a training session to build strategy, alliances, and collective power ahead of May Day 2026.
Report
Update
Video
Press
March 6, 2026

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 owners and community organizers collaborating to support the Small Business Rent Stabilization Act campaign.
Report
Update
Video
Press
March 6, 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.

Participants in a community organizing training learning strategy, storytelling, and meeting facilitation skills.
Report
Update
Video
Press
March 6, 2026

Power in Solidarity Training Series

Power in Solidarity Training Series

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.

Childcare providers and organizers rallying together to advocate for fair wages, better working conditions, and universal childcare in New York.
Report
Update
Video
Press
March 6, 2026

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.

top