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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2025 End of Year Report
2025 End of Year Report
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.
The Border Is a Story
The Border Is a Story
Last month, we hosted the 2025 convening of The Border Is A Story with our Advisory Board Members, Kelly Lytle Hernandez and Alex Rivera.
Who We Are
Who We Are
In this video, produced for our concert announcing Common as our 2025 Belafonte Fellow, we explore The Action Lab's history, mission, and vision for the future of movement and culture.
The Art of Purpose Fall Cycle: Application OPEN!
The Art of Purpose Fall Cycle: Application OPEN!
The Art of Purpose is a transformative program designed to help community organizers deepen their leadership through the integration of political education and embodied practice.
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My Dying City Vol. II
My Dying City Vol. II
A new stage work by Dennis Leroy Kangalee, an Action Lab Artist in Action, explores grief, activism, and movement fracture under rising authoritarianism, using theater as a space to wrestle with the emotional and political costs of long-term organizing.
Brooklyn Mural Honors Immigrant Workers in NYC
Brooklyn Mural Honors Immigrant Workers in NYC
Community leaders in Bushwick unveiled a mural celebrating immigrant workers and launched a broader campaign for immigrant protection across the city.
Inauguran un mural gigante en NYC en defensa de los migrantes: “Los neoyorquinos no cederán ante el miedo”
Inauguran un mural gigante en NYC en defensa de los migrantes: “Los neoyorquinos no cederán ante el miedo”
La obra, en la esquina de las avenidas Gates e Irving, rinde homenaje a los vendedores ambulantes, que forman parte de la identidad cultural de Nueva York
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Pro-Immigrant Mural Unveiled in Bushwick
Pro-Immigrant Mural Unveiled in Bushwick
In the heart of Bushwick, community members, organizers, artists, and elected officials gathered to unveil a towering, multi-story pro-immigrant mural.
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Holiday Benefit & Mixer
Holiday Benefit & Mixer
On December 10th, we held a joyful Holiday Benefit & Mixer at El Santo in Brooklyn, which introduced the Evergreen Initiative, launching at The Action Lab in early 2026!
2025 End of Year Report
2025 End of Year Report
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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