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.
More Images
More From This Initiative
Take a Breath: November 2026 Residency Applications
Take a Breath: November 2026 Residency Applications
Apply by October 16 for a free, self-guided residency at Bailey Farms from November 14–19.
Welcoming Union’s Buddhist Studies Program as an Anchor Partner
Welcoming Union’s Buddhist Studies Program as an Anchor Partner
The partnership connects Buddhist scholarship, spiritual care and social justice with movement learning.
Welcoming Sixth Street Community Center as an Anchor Partner
Welcoming Sixth Street Community Center as an Anchor Partner
The Lower East Side community center supports education, wellness and food justice.
Turkey Learning Delegation: Strategies for Resistance
Turkey Learning Delegation: Strategies for Resistance
Thirty labor leaders, organizers and communications strategists gathered in Istanbul to learn from Turkish movements organizing under authoritarianism.
Youth Organizing Institute: The Next Generation of Organizers
Youth Organizing Institute: The Next Generation of Organizers
Thirty-three young people from seven partner organizations completed a week of political education, organizing training and campaign development.
Welcoming Flatbush Tenant Coalition as an Anchor Partner
Welcoming Flatbush Tenant Coalition as an Anchor Partner
The member-led coalition builds tenant power in Flatbush, East Flatbush and South Crown Heights.
More Highlights
Mexican Indigenous Artists Use Rap to Defend Their Languages and Identity
Mexican Indigenous Artists Use Rap to Defend Their Languages and Identity
teleSUR English covers the Mexico City festival and The Action Lab’s role in creating independent spaces for Indigenous artists, languages, and stories.
Amalia Oliva Rojas | Artists in Action
Amalia Oliva Rojas | Artists in Action
Meet playwright Amalia Oliva Rojas and watch an excerpt from her work exploring love, immigration, identity, family and belonging.
Rap en lenguas originarias, el hip hop que convierte la resistencia indígena en música
Rap en lenguas originarias, el hip hop que convierte la resistencia indígena en música
El Informador examines Indigenous-language rap through the Mexico City festival, including Ángeles Solís’s account of The Action Lab’s work supporting independent cultural platforms.
El rap defiende las lenguas indígenas en el Festival Hip Hop Indígena de México
El rap defiende las lenguas indígenas en el Festival Hip Hop Indígena de México
Agencia EFE’s video report follows Indigenous artists using rap to defend their languages and identities at the festival in Mexico City.
El rap indígena alza la voz por las lenguas originarias
El rap indígena alza la voz por las lenguas originarias
Aristegui Noticias covers the Indigenous Hip Hop Festival in Mexico City and quotes The Action Lab’s Ángeles Solís on building independent platforms for Indigenous languages and artists.
10,000 NYC Families Off the Child Care Waitlist
10,000 NYC Families Off the Child Care Waitlist
Providers Organized for Power shares an update on access to low-cost child care for 10,000 New York City families.
Join The Action Lab
Be part of the movement. Join The Action Lab’s network of artists, organizers, and community leaders working to create lasting change. Sign up to get updates, event invitations, and opportunities to take action.
