Civic Matters Events

Come join Maternal Health & Hope Coalition on Wed, May 15, 2024 at 2:00 PM for a rejuvenating yoga session tailored specifically for women's health needs. This event will take place at 1095 Flatbush Ave, where you'll have the opportunity to relax, unwind, and focus on your well-being.Their experienced instructors will guide you through a series of poses and breathing exercises designed to promote physical strength, mental clarity, and emotional balance. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced yogi, this class is suitable for all levels.Don't miss out on this chance to prioritize your health and wellness. Grab your mat and join us for an energizing session of Yoga for Women's Health!To RSVP for this event, click here.

Join the Harlem Wellness Community for a move and stretch party! Where you can get to know Harlem's local fitness & wellness businesses, plus map out your wellness routine for spring and summer.We'll have two Fitness Zones with a lineup of FREE classes ranging from dance to yoga, boxing to strength training, and kettlebells to meditation. Plus a Wellness Row, where you'll get to know each small business and sample offerings including massage, acupuncture and plant-based nutrition.Harlem Wellness Festival is a celebration of the strong network of minority- and women-owned gyms, studios and spas that Harlem has built over the past decade. Join them to meet the teachers and trainers who are expanding and energizing our community culture of fitness and self-care.Participating businesses include Harlem Cycle, Harlem Kettlebell Club, Harlem Yoga Studio, Harlem Wellness Center, Mendez Boxing, Harlem Pilates, Movement Harlem, Hurricane Fitness, Anwuli Ilegbe Studio, Benswic, GG & Pop, Body Zock / Kultiv8 Studios, Re-Creation Fitness, Rockmil Fitness, Fierce Grace Yoga, the Urban Yoga Foundation, Uplift Spa, The SPAaht, E.C. Hands for Health, Harlem Chi Acupuncture, Omo Sade Skincare, Joyous Ocean, Uptown Veg, The Juicery, and Campbell & Carr. (Plus more to be added!)Brought to you by Uptown Grand Central, TBo Harlem and Harlem Park to Park, with support from the Mellon Foundation and Harlem Grown's Culture, Creativity & Care Initiative.To RSVP, click the link here. 

In-person (for postpartum people ONLY) Learn how to effectively massage your baby. Participants will learn the benefits of massaging their baby which include: Improving bondingPromoting social, emotional and cognitive developmentPromoting mobilityFor more information, email stull@health.nyc.gov or call 718-312-6136. Registration required to participateMondays: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.Instructor Bio: Safiya Hassan, founder of N-diya Center for Healing and Divine Deliveries Center for Reproductive Health and Childbirth, is a RN and holistic practitioner with over 20 years experience in the healthcare field. Her desire to facilitate healing and promote preventative health initiatives in the community lead her to develop the Well Woman Program at the Family Wellness Suite at the Brooklyn Neighborhood Health Action Center. Event Sponsor: NYC DOHMH Family Wellness Suite: A safe, welcoming and supportive space for women and their families to connect to community resources and city agency services for support. Visitors can get help avoiding eviction, enrolling in health insurance and finding a job.To RSVP for this event, click here. 

If you're interested in making self-care into a daily habit and having the support needed to make it a conscious decision, give this workshop a try! It's a chance for women to come together, learn, grow and share experiences to unlock the best version of themselves.In this workshop, you will experience different self-care based activities, a mini workout, group discussions, and more. Activities will vary based on the workshop theme.Whether you're looking for community, personal development, or just something fun to try this weekend, this self-care workshop is a great option. Come meet like-minded women and embark on a journey of self-discovery with others!What you'll getA folder with workshop materials/activities. As well as a complimentary gift from us to you.What to bringWear comfortable clothing for exercising in. You can also bring a small bag for what you'll receive from us. We suggest bringing an ipad or tablet if you like to take notes digitally.Suitable forThis workshop is exclusively designed for women who are eager to make self-care a priority and are ready to embrace positive change in their lives. All ages and backgrounds are welcome.To RSVP, click the link here. 

Join the Washington Square Park Conservancy to help keep Washington Square Park clean and beautiful! Grab a rake or a broom and lend a hand at one of their Community Clean Ups! Held on the second Saturday of each month from 9:30-11:30am, these are the perfect opportunity to pitch in at your Park. Meet up at the Park House, (by the large dog run). Space is limited, and pre-registration is strongly suggested. To register for this opportunity, click here. 

Join The Forum on the Manhattanville campus on June 8, 2024, for a free fun-filled celebration of community! Immerse yourself in the arts through youth programming, indulge in Uptown cuisine with local vendors, have fun with science activities plus so much more.The Forum invites their neighbors surrounding Columbia's campuses in Morningside Heights, West Harlem, Harlem, and Washington Heights as well as Columbia affiliates to partake in this day of celebration.129th St. between W. 125th St. and Broadway will be closed for BioBus and other community activities, including "The Artful Mind" festival.To register for this event, click here. 

Join the High Line Programs for a joyful celebration of LGBTQIA+ families and Pride at this fun-filled festival presented in partnership with NYC’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center (The Center). Bring your little ones, family, caregivers, and friends for a fantastic summer day filled with art-making, games, a live performance by Flor Bromley, a read-aloud with Drag Story Hour, a photo booth, and plenty of surprises. Refreshments will be served as we come together for love, laughter, and community.Long before the High Line was a park, it was a backdrop, stage, and sanctuary for queer social life and the birth of the LGBTQIA+ activist movement in Chelsea and the Meatpacking District. They celebrate this rich history and their continued work to cultivate a space where all people feel like they belong during Pride and every day. The High Line Programs are thrilled to partner on this event with The Center, an incredible resource and community institution that has supported our local LGBTQIA+ community for 40+ years.This event is ideal for families with kids aged 2-12, but all ages are welcome. All adults must be accompanied by a child. This event will take place rain or shine. The organization encourages all persons with disabilities to attend. To request additional information regarding accessibility or accommodations at a program, please contact programs@thehighline.org. Program venues are accessible via wheelchair, and ASL interpretation can be arranged two weeks in advance.As a reminder, this event is in English only, but speakers of all languages can still enjoy the event.ABOUT THE CENTERThe Center, the heart and home of NYC’s LGBT community, fosters a welcoming environment where everyone is celebrated for who they are. New York City’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center empowers people to lead healthy, successful lives. The Center celebrates our diversity and advocates for justice and opportunity.The Center offers the LGBTQ communities of NYC advocacy, health and wellness programs; arts, entertainment, and cultural events; recovery, parenthood, and family support services. Learn more at gaycenter.org.ABOUT FLORMusically, Flor Bromley wants to share the Latino-American experience through her songs and storytelling with a new generation.Flor is a recording artist, bilingual singer/songwriter, actress, storyteller, and puppeteer. She has a degree in Acting, Musical Theatre Performance and a BA in Theatre Education. She is originally from Peru.Her love for music began at a very early age. She wrote her first song at the age of 14. Out of drama school, she started working with the Peruvian Ministry of Education taking her stories and music to the most needed and isolated places. When Flor began working with children, she was inspired by their magical sense of imagination and started creating songs with them and for them.She performs all around NY with her bilingual musical/storytelling shows at acclaimed venues such as the NYPL, WaveHill, Sugar Hill Children's Museum of Art and Storytelling, The Children’s Museum of Manhattan, Fort Green Festival, the High Line, Hispanic Festival of Valhalla, Brookfield Place, Please Touch Museum, Music in the Grove, Summer on the Hudson, the NY Children’s Theatre Festival, the Westchester Children's Museum, the Westchester Public Library System, The Queens Library System, the Brooklyn Public Library, El Museo del Barrio, etc.Follow her on Instagram. [ Link to instagram.com/florbromley ]Drag Story Hour: Yuhua HamasakiAlways 25 years old, Yuhua Hamasaki is a fun and campy queen from New York City! Yuhua’s drag character is her own invention of a superhero that has given her courage, confidence, and happiness. She especially loves to explore the city and be creative during her spare time.Clowns.comA kids entertainment service that provides quality entertainment that brings joy and laughter to every event they serve. Clowns.com offers more than just a set of activities, they deliver a high-energy and interactive party experience. Visitors can expect face painting, cotton candy, and a magic show!PHOTO CONSENTBy attending this event, you agree that photos and/or video footage of you may be taken, and you grant your permission to Friends of the High Line and its agents/licensees to use such photos/footage for promotional and other purposes.To register for this event, click here. 

Join The Future Perfect Project at the official premiere of "Queer2Queer: Activism Through The Ages"   Q2Q is a 4-episode series featuring heartfelt one-on-one intergenerational conversations between LGBTQ+ youth and elder activists. This video series is a collaboration by queer youth arts non-profitThe Future Perfect Project and the team behind the award-winning documentaryCURED. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion with queer youth and elders, including one of the series creators. The Future Perfect Project created this series to provide a safe space for queer elders to share their experience, history and wisdom and for queer youth to share their hopes for the future and their thoughts about present-day activism. Through these conversations, they hope to make connections between generations and demonstrate that community is based on shared values.To register for this event, click here. 

For her installation The Last Safe Abortion (2023), artist Carmen Winantassembled 2,500 photographic prints to form a collective portrait of the ordinary, daily tasks required to provide abortion health care. Drawn from the archives of university special collections and clinics (and supplemented by photographs made by the artist), these images depict staff, physicians, and volunteers taken over a fifty-year period before the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022.  In this program, Winant extends this project by bringing together a group of clinicians, patients, and activists from the MYA Network to discuss how photography is central to understanding the medical, political, and social realities of abortion care. Speakers:  Joan Fleischman received her MD and MPA from Harvard. In 1999, she founded Early Options Clinic and she has spent the past twenty-five years pioneering normalized abortion care.  Michele Gomez, MD promotes social justice in her work by being an abortion provider and training family medicine residents to learn how to provide abortions through the TEACH (Training in Early Abortion for Comprehensive Healthcare) program. Ashia McChriston is a small business owner, nursing student, and mother. She is a former Early Options patient.  Simona Sudit is an aspiring storyteller and lifelong New Yorker who works on the business side in tech. She is a former Early Options patient. Jessica Valenti is a feminist author and columnist. Her book Abortion Everyday is forthcoming in October 2024.  Carmen Winant is an artist and writer based in Columbus, Ohio.  She is the Roy Lichtenstein Endowed Chair of Studio Art at Ohio State University. Tickets are required ($8 adults; $6 members, students, seniors)To register to attend in-person, click here. To register to attend online, click here. 

Welcome to Black Wall Street HARLEM! Join National Association of Certified Professional Midwives’ at the Harlem Business Alliance for a day celebrating Black excellence and entrepreneurship. This event is a unique opportunity to connect with local businesses, artists, and community leaders. Come support Black-owned businesses, network with like-minded individuals, and enjoy live performances showcasing the talent of Harlem. Don't miss out on this exciting event that highlights the vibrant spirit of the Harlem community. To register for this event, click here. 

Black Restaurant Week is presenting its 5th annual campaign in New York Tri-State Region. Discover black-owned restaurants food trucks, sweets, and more across New York City, New Jersey townships, and additional surrounding metro areas. Find the full list of participating restaurants here. 

Carnegie Hall honors Juneteenth with a free celebration event in association with the Healing of the Nations Foundation. Held on June 19th at 7pm in the Stern Auditorium, this special evening recognizes the historic day of freedom with a powerful program of commentary and performance celebrating justice, peace, and love.To learn more and to register for this event, click here. 

Join Abuela Neighborhood Maintenance as a volunteer to clean up the sidewalks by picking up litter, helping beautify our community! They’ll provide all the tools, supplies, and refreshments for their dedicated volunteers. Be part of this community initiative and make a lasting impact on their public spaces. Let's create a vibrant and welcoming space for everyone to enjoy!To register for this opportunity, click here. 

The American LGBTQ+ Museum, alongside Sara Elise, welcome you to the historic Weeksville Heritage Center for a celebration of Queer Life, as they collectively co-create a future historical photo archive of present-day Queer NYC, making their own images that depict what it looks like for the Queer community to rest, enjoy themselves, and play together. After the photography component, guests will learn more about the vision and inspiration behind the event before diving into a dynamic panel, featuring photographer Lola Flash, photographer Naima Green, and co-founder of BLK MKT Vintage Kiyanna Handy, about the importance of queer history and being in charge of their own narratives, led by The American LGBTQ+ Museum. Guests will then be encouraged to participate in a “Summer Camp”-themed field game led by Sara Elise.Throughout the day, guests are encourage to reflect on: The importance of archiving for queer historyHow can we create a future archive of queer history that we feel is actually representative of us?What does it look like for us to create the realistic and reflective imagery of who we are; to be the narrators in our stories versus just observing what is being told of us?How do we visually create the history we want to be remembered by? How do we amplify historically-silenced histories?What does it look like for us to be in control of our own archiving?How do we positively manipulate or influence future history?There will be DJ sets from iconic queer DJ’s Boston Chery and Adair throughout the day; snacks by Harvest and Revel Catering; food by Dear Henry; and signed copies of A Recipe for More: Ingredients for a Life of Abundance and Ease available for purchase.Participants can sign up for a timed slot to pose with artist + photographer Khaleb Brooks as an add-on to your ticket. Once the project is complete, all photos will live in an online archive representing what it means to be Queer and in New York at this moment.SCHEDULE OF EVENTS11:30AM: Doors open at Weeksville Heritage Center12:00-2:00PM: Participants arrive for their timed photo slots. Photo participants are encouraged to bring their own props that represent their family, heritage, and culture, or pose with some of the historical objects provided by BLK MKT Vintage. While waiting for their appointments, guests can delight in the provided snacks and set up their blankets to enjoy a DJ set on The Meadow by DJ Boston Chery.2:00PM: Dear Henry is available vending delicious lunch options to guests on The North Lawn. Get a meal, hydrate, and rest before the panel begins.2:30PM: Join Sara Elise in learning more about the vision behind the event, and in welcoming The American LGBTQ+ Museum’s Director of Programs and Partnerships, Suhaly Bautista-Carolina, who will be moderating a panel featuring Lola Flash, Naima Green, and Kiyanna Handy, discussing what it looks like to create realistic and reflective imagery of our communities, to be the architects of future historical photo archives, and how to be the narrator of our own stories versus just observing what is being told about us. The panelists will also be discussing the importance of amplifying historically-silenced histories, the difference between restorative and transformative history, and how we can gather together to re-imagine and thus re-create a future history for ourselves that more accurately represents who we are as a community.3:15PM: Sara Elise will share some prompts for consideration for the remainder of the day, while guests are encouraged to rest and eat.3:30PM: Participate in a group “Summer Camp”-themed field game on The North Lawn.4:30-6:00PM: Hangout, rest on the lawn, dance, and enjoy some summer beats by DJ Adair.PLEASE NOTEThe photograph “booth” is outside, and is not in a private area. While posing, other participants might be watching and/or engaging with you.Guests are encouraged to bring their own lawn blanket and a water bottle, and to wear clothing + shoes that they can play in (or plan to be barefoot on the lawns).There will be snacks as well as a food vendor onsite with menu options serving a variety of dietary needs.There will be a quiet “Sensory Break” room that is indoors.Weeksville Heritage Center is an accessible space. The majority of the activities will be held outside on grass lawns.If participants miss their time slot, we will try our best to accommodate them at the end of the photography block (around 2PM), but cannot guarantee it, so please be on time for your timed photo slot!Photo participants are encouraged to bring props that are representative of themselves/their family and can choose to pose as an individual, or with up to 10 other people. There will also be donated props from BLK MKT Vintage that participants can use to pose with as well. There will be up to 1 minute to position/pose and 1 minute of photos taken per time slot.After the photography component, guests will learn more about the vision and inspiration behind the event before diving into a dynamic panel, featuring photographer Lola Flash, photographer Naima Green, and co-founder of BLK MKT Vintage Kiyanna Handy, about the importance of queer history and being in charge of our own narratives, led by The American LGBTQ+ Museum. Guests will then be encouraged to participate in a “Summer Camp”-themed field game led by Sara Elise.Throughout the day, guests are encourage to reflect on:The importance of archiving for queer historyHow can we create a future archive of queer history that we feel is actually representative of us?What does it look like for us to create the realistic and reflective imagery of who we are; to be the narrators in our stories versus just observing what is being told of us?How do we visually create the history we want to be remembered by? How do we amplify historically-silenced histories?What does it look like for us to be in control of our own archiving?How do we positively manipulate or influence future history?There will be DJ sets from iconic queer DJ’s Boston Chery and Adair throughout the day; snacks by Harvest and Revel Catering; food by Dear Henry; and signed copies of A Recipe for More: Ingredients for a Life of Abundance and Ease available for purchase.Participants can sign up for a timed slot to pose with artist + photographer Kaleb Brooks as an add-on to your ticket. Once the project is complete, all photos will live in an online archive representing what it means to be Queer and in New York at this moment. SCHEDULE OF EVENTS11:30AM: Doors open at Weeksville Heritage Center12:00-2:00PM: Participants arrive for their timed photo slots. Photo participants are encouraged to bring their own props that represent their family, heritage, and culture, or pose with some of the historical objects provided by BLK MKT Vintage. While waiting for their appointments, guests can delight in the provided snacks and set up their blankets to enjoy a DJ set on The Meadow by DJ Boston Chery.2:00PM: Dear Henry is available vending delicious lunch options to guests on The North Lawn. Get a meal, hydrate, and rest before the panel begins.2:30PM: Join Sara Elise in learning more about the vision behind the event, and in welcoming The American LGBTQ+ Museum’s Director of Programs and Partnerships, Suhaly Bautista-Carolina, who will be moderating a panel featuring Lola Flash, Naima Green, and Kiyanna Handy, discussing what it looks like to create realistic and reflective imagery of our communities, to be the architects of future historical photo archives, and how to be the narrator of our own stories versus just observing what is being told about us. The panelists will also be discussing the importance of amplifying historically-silenced histories, the difference between restorative and transformative history, and how we can gather together to re-imagine and thus re-create a future history for ourselves that more accurately represents who we are as a community.3:15PM: Sara Elise will share some prompts for consideration for the remainder of the day, while guests are encouraged to rest and eat.3:30PM: Participate in a group “Summer Camp”-themed field game on The North Lawn.4:30-6:00PM: Hangout, rest on the lawn, dance, and enjoy some summer beats by DJ Adair.PLEASE NOTEThe photograph “booth” is outside, and is not in a private area. While posing, other participants might be watching and/or engaging with you.Guests are encouraged to bring their own lawn blanket and a water bottle, and to wear clothing + shoes that they can play in (or plan to be barefoot on the lawns).There will be snacks as well as a food vendor onsite with menu options serving a variety of dietary needs.There will be a quiet “Sensory Break” room that is indoors.Weeksville Heritage Center is an accessible space. The majority of the activities will be held outside on grass lawns.If participants miss their time slot, we will try our best to accommodate them at the end of the photography block (around 2PM), but cannot guarantee it, so please be on time for your timed photo slot!Photo participants are encouraged to bring props that are representative of themselves/their family and can choose to pose as an individual, or with up to 10 other people. There will also be donated props from BLK MKT Vintage that participants can use to pose with as well. There will be up to 1 minute to position/pose and 1 minute of photos taken per time slot. To register for this event, click here. 

Join Brooklyn NAACP for the Youth Council Meeting! This is an exciting opportunity for young people to come together and make a difference in our community.The meeting will take place at Restoration Plaza - 1368 Fulton Street, Multipurpose , where they’ll discuss important topics and brainstorm ideas for projects and initiatives that will benefit the youth.This in-person event is open to all youth who are passionate about making a positive impact. Don't miss out on this chance to have your voice heard and contribute to the betterment of the community!To register for this event, click here. 

School’s out for the summer! Celebrate at Community Field Day in Rockefeller Park. Families are invited to join the Battery Park City Authority for the ultimate obstacle course crush! Pack a picnic lunch and spend the day taking part in classic field day games, activities with local organizations, and their annual tug-of-war. Plus beats by DJ Suzan Z Anthony, lawn games, water play, and so much more!10AM - 12PM: OBSTACLE COURSE 10:30AM - 2PM: LAWN GAMES & ACTIVITIES 12 - 1PM PICNIC IN ROCKEFELLER PARK1PM: PARK HOUSE DEDICATION1:30 - 2PM: FIELD DAY GAMES*Waiver requiredTo register for this event, click here. 

The inaugural March took place in 1970, one year after the Stonewall Uprising, and has since evolved into an annual civil rights demonstration. Its purpose has expanded over time to encompass raising awareness about the fight against AIDS and honoring those we have lost to illness, violence, and neglect.Due to the impact of Covid-19 on  Pride season plans in 2020 and 2021, NYC Pride modified their in-person March and placed significant emphasis on extending their virtual presence. Through the NYC Pride Broadcast on WABC-7, they’ve continued to showcase their community, featuring marching contingents, Grand Marshals, non-profit organizations, sponsors, small businesses, and activists.In 2022 and 2023, NYC Pride returned to the streets, marching to celebrate the lives and the resilience of their community. NYC Pride are thrilled to carry forward this spirit and determination into their 2024 season.In advance of registration, be sure you are familiar with the 2024 March Rules and 2024 March FAQs. While we encourage you to register early, the March order is not determined by when you register.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------NonProfit and Community Organizations can click here for an overview of registration rates.If you are a Nonprofit Organization, Community Group, or Student Group that would like to register for a Float please contacts NYC Pride at march-help@nycpride.orgSmall Business and Corporate Businesses: Please fill out this survey to request your registration rate.The 2024 NYC Pride March Grandstand Experience Tickets NOW AVAILABLE for purchase HERE!For more information and how to register, click here. 

Celebrating Diversity, Building Connections: Nonprofit Community Virtual Career Networking EventJoin Jobs Office for a special event dedicated to honoring the impactful work of nonprofits and fostering meaningful connections within the community. This exclusive networking event is designed to bring together professionals and community members to celebrate and strengthen the nonprofit sector. Whether you're looking to expand your network, find collaboration opportunities, or simply share experiences, this event promises to be an enriching experience.In celebration of the incredible contributions of the nonprofit sector, Jobs Office is excited to present this chapter in their Diversity Virtual Networking Event Series. This special gathering is dedicated to recognizing and uplifting the diverse and impactful work of nonprofits across all sectors of society.Who Should Attend?Nonprofit Professionals and Volunteers: Share your journey, challenges, and triumphs. Connect with peers and industry leaders.Allies and Supporters: Stand in solidarity and learn how you can contribute to creating more inclusive and impactful community work.Funders and Donors: Meet dedicated professionals driving change and innovation in the nonprofit sector.Service Providers: Offer your support and resources tailored to the advancement of nonprofit organizations.Why Join?Community and Empowerment: Join a network of nonprofit professionals and allies committed to supporting and uplifting each other.Collaboration Opportunities: Connect with organizations and individuals who value collaboration and are eager to support the nonprofit sector.Inspiration and Resources: Gain insights and resources that cater specifically to the advancement of nonprofits.Participation is Free for All!Reserve your spot today for an empowering afternoon of networking, inspiration, and growth. Let's celebrate the remarkable impact of the nonprofit community together! To register, click here. 

Across the country, lawmakers are restricting people’s rights and freedoms, including the right to abortion. Here in New York, we have the unique opportunity to enshrine abortion rights into our state constitution so that they are permanently protected, and not vulnerable to shifting political winds. Join NCJW NY and Jews for Repro NY in their campaign to support the New York State Equal Rights Amendment ballot measure! The Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) will be on the ballot in November 2024 and if approved, will be added to the New York State Constitution. No New Yorker should ever be discriminated against by the government, no matter who we are, whom we love, whether we have a disability, or whether we decide to have an abortion. Register here for NCJW NY’s virtual ERA teach-in with Sasha Ahuja, the Campaign Director of New Yorkers for Equal Rights on Tuesday, July 16th at 7 p.m. Zoom link will be sent upon registration.And, please fill out their volunteer form which offers several opportunities to take action, like writing postcards, phone banking and text banking. 

Welcome to Family Community Engagements! This event is all about bringing families and communities together for a memorable experience. From interactive exhibits to engaging activities, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Don't miss out on this opportunity to connect with your loved ones and meet new friends. To register for this event, click here. 

Join the High-line Programs for specially curated talks catered to the older adults in their community. Seated Conversations on the High Line happen once a month from April through September. All talks are followed by an optional 15-minute park walk. If you need to use an elevator, please check their website for elevator status updates.Come celebrate the High Line's 15th birthday with a special Seated Conversation. For this special event, community experts will share their High Line stories about local neighborhood history, art, and horticulture. Share your insights and discover something new. To RSVP, click here. 

Join Life x Hope for a vibrant Community Family Festival in the Bedford-Stuyvesant Heights community, hosted by the City of Hope, Greater Saint Mary Church of Christ, and L'Chayim Family Ministries in partnership with MS 267.Date: August 24th, 2024Time: 11 AM to 4 PMLocation: MS 267, Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, NYLife x Hope’s mission is to connect residents with services that enhance overall health and wellness, provide the tools for healthy living, and decrease generational morbidity and mortality rates in their community. Highlights of the Event:Health Screenings: BP checks, STD screenings, BMI assessments, and more.Health Insurance and Wellness Information: Access essential health resources.Fitness Activities: Sessions with professional fitness instructors.Prayer Station: Spiritual support and guidance.Music and Entertainment: Enjoy live music and fun activities.Giveaways: Exciting freebies for attendees.Friendly Activities: Bring the entire family for a day of health, fun, and community.Why Attend? Enhance Your Health: Take advantage of free health screenings and wellness resources.Engage with the Community: Connect with neighbors and build supportive relationships.Enjoy and Learn: Participate in fun activities while learning about health and wellness.Don’t miss this opportunity to uplift your health and well-being!Bring your family and friends, and join Life x Hope for a day dedicated to creating a healthier, happier community.To register, click here. 

Baltic Street Wellness Solution works to explore the critical role of social connectedness and meaningful interactions in supporting the recovery experience through a Peer lens. Through their review, we've identified the profound impact of isolation stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic and the imperative of social distancing, creating a perfect storm of loneliness.The Baltic Street Wellness Solution aims to address the far-reaching and sustained effects of this loneliness, recognizing its potential to derail recovery and expose individuals to trauma and repeated cycles. By convening professional peers, experts and stakeholders, they seek to develop strategies and solutions to mitigate the impact of loneliness and foster resilience in the recovery journey.Symposium GoalsIdentify root causes and dimensions of isolation and loneliness to gain a comprehensive understanding of their multifaceted nature.Redefine 'community' to make it scalable and adaptable to diverse dimensions of loneliness, beyond traditional boundaries.Develop proactive interventions leveraging Peer support to address loneliness, grounded in empathy and shared experiences.Advocate for policy reforms that reinforce proactive responses and pave the way for ongoing research and innovation.Establish a robust quality-of-life framework to measure the impact of initiatives, ensuring continuity and effectiveness.To register for this event, click here. 

Join the Baltic Street Wellness Solution to explore the critical role of social connectedness and meaningful interactions in supporting the recovery experience through a Peer lens. Through their review, they’ve identified the profound impact of isolation stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic and the imperative of social distancing, creating a perfect storm of loneliness.They aim to address the far-reaching and sustained effects of this loneliness, recognizing its potential to derail recovery and expose individuals to trauma and repeated cycles. By convening professional peers, experts and stakeholders, they seek to develop strategies and solutions to mitigate the impact of loneliness and foster resilience in the recovery journey.Symposium GoalsIdentify root causes and dimensions of isolation and loneliness to gain a comprehensive understanding of their multifaceted nature.Redefine 'community' to make it scalable and adaptable to diverse dimensions of loneliness, beyond traditional boundaries.Develop proactive interventions leveraging Peer support to address loneliness, grounded in empathy and shared experiences.Advocate for policy reforms that reinforce proactive responses and pave the way for ongoing research and innovation.Establish a robust quality-of-life framework to measure the impact of initiatives, ensuring continuity and effectiveness.To RSVP, click here. 

Identity House Walk In Center meets on Saturday every week from 6-8pm. Meet with two Identity House peer counselors trained to listen to your experience in order to help you identify your needs. After speaking with them, you will receive mental health referrals. For more information, please reach out to info@identityhouse.org.Click here for more information.

Please join us for a virtual discussion with Katharine Bodde of the New York Civil Liberties Union and Cassandra Klewicki of the New York Abortion Access Fund. They will be discussing the state of abortion access in New York, how passage of the Prop 1 ballot measure will affect us here, and what we can do to prepare for the incoming administration. Register for this virtual discussion at this link. 

This study group is for adults preparing to take the United States Citizenship Test. Each workshop will focus on several of the 100 citizenship test civic questions. Students will also learn about libraries and online resources to continue their practice at home.This event is located in person in the Community Room at the West Farms Library. No pre-registration required. Audience: Adults, 50+

Join Financial Advisors Julia Strayer and Liz Maccarone as they host The Women and Money Roundtable. This series is a virtual, monthly financial literacy program designed to educate women of any age about the financial matters that affect their lives. The program provides information, resources and learning activities to educate and create a safe and welcoming place for women to learn, share their experiences, and ask questions. This program is in partnership with libraries throughout the Tri-State area. Register to attend the webinar here. For more information, click here. ASL interpretation and real-time (CART) captioning available upon request. Please submit your request at least two weeks in advance by emailing accessibility@nypl.org.

Join the Advocacy Institute Thursday, January 16th from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM for our Real State of the State 2025 webinar -  an analysis of Governor Kathy Hochul’s State of the State address. Equip yourself with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate the legislative landscape and strengthen your advocacy efforts in the year ahead. In this training, participants should expect: An overview of Governor Hochul's State of the State; An analysis of what advocates can expect from the Assembly & State Senate; Overview of budget timeline; Recommended next steps for advocacy. Advocacy Institute trainings are open to policy advocates, organizers, community members, volunteers, and others working toward a more just and equitable New York. Training is free for Advocacy Institute member organizations and $15 per person for non-members. The deadline to register for this training is Tuesday, January 21st. Once you’ve registered, you’ll receive a calendar invitation, which will be updated with the Zoom link prior to the training, and – if you’re a non-member – a payment link. Payments are due by Wednesday, January 22nd for non-members to receive the event log-in details. We are not able to provide refunds, but you are welcome to transfer your event registration to a colleague or apply the fee to a future training if you’re unable to make it or pay after the deadline. Please click here for more information and to RSVP.

Black women and Black femmes are welcome to join us for a free workshop led by Psychotherapist Fanny Tristan, LCSW- R on setting yourself up to achieve your purpose-driven goals!In this session we will: Uncover the "why" behind your goals; Craft intentions that speak to your spirit; Learn tactics that help you follow though. This isn't just about goal-setting. It’s radical self-love in action!Click here for more information and to RSVP. 

It’s not news to anyone that New Yorkers have multiple crises on their hands: fossil fueled extreme weather and pollution, unaffordable and substandard housing, an endangered democracy, and income inequality higher than any other state. Can you join us in Albany January 22nd for a statewide Fund Climate mobilization and lobby day, to demand action on the interconnected climate, affordability, and housing crises? NY Renews’ Fund Climate Campaign is about facing the crises of our time head on, putting money behind community-led climate justice solutions, increasing energy affordability, and repairing dangerous housing conditions. By creating a Community Directed Grant program, our investment plan would create opportunities for local organizations, unions, and municipal governments to develop clean energy projects and initiatives for their communities. Our Fund Climate Spending Plan also includes a flagship, statewide program that directly addresses dangerous substandard housing conditions that cause health and safety issues, such as indoor air pollution, and exposure to toxic materials. By repairing the physical condition of homes and small businesses, we can improve living conditions and prepare buildings for climate critical energy efficiency and building electrification improvements. Join us January 22nd and stand united with hundreds of New Yorkers for climate justice. Transportation will be provided from New York City. This event is sponsored by NY Renews and the Long Island Progressive Coalition. Please click here for more information and to RSVP. 

Scheduled to take place during Human Trafficking Awareness Month, this webinar will highlight the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child's Optional Protocol on the Sale and Sexual Exploitation of Children (which the US has ratified), the most recent US Government's Report to the UN Committee, and PACT's NGO response to the US Report. Our audience will learn about existing initiatives by the US government to prevent child trafficking, hear NGO partners’ recommendations, and Civil Society’s contributions monitoring States’ obligations to implement measures that prevent children from being trafficked. The webinar starts at 1pm (ET) and will end at 2.30pm (ET).Click here to RSVP and for more information. 

Who should come? Anyone who is interested in learning more or who has ideas about phone-banking, door-knocking, deep canvassing, hosting house parties, or doing Jewish institutional outreach to bring our issues to the forefront of the conversation, and elect progressives across NYC.What to expect? Part orientation, part training on these different skills!Register for the hybrid event at this link. The in-person location will be provided by JFREJ to registered attendees. 

As part of our Voices and Votes exhibition, the Alice Austen House invites you to join a Community Conversation exploring the enduring themes of liberty, freedom, and the ongoing struggle for equality. Community Conversation programs encourage New Yorkers from across the state to share their thoughts and experiences and build community through understanding.Facilitated by Joseph Murphy from Humanities New York, this conversation will be built around former Staten Island resident Audre Lorde’s poem “On My Way Out I Passed Over Youand the Verrazano Bridge”. Lorde was a resident of the North Shore of Staten Island for 17 years, raising her two children there with her partner Fancis Clayton. Her words have inspired so many as a call to action to fight for equality and justice. The Alice Austen House has current local school programs inspired by Lorde’s writing and will extend our inquiry into the impact and questions generated by her powerful words in the “Verrazano Bridge” poem written in 1985.This event is open to everyone—community members, students, educators, activists, and anyone interested in exploring the challenges and triumphs that have attended American democracy since its inception. This particular conversation will be anchored in both a reading of Lorde’s poem and the image of Lorde beside a blackboard with the words Women are Powerful and Dangerous. Out of concern for privacy and for creating an atmosphere and trust and respect, this conversation will not be recorded.Click here for more information and to RSVP. 

This study group is for adults preparing to take the United States Citizenship Test. Each workshop will focus on several of the 100 citizenship test civic questions. Students will also learn about libraries and online resources to continue their practice at home.This event is located in person in the Community Room at the West Farms Library. No pre-registration required. Audience: Adults, 50+

This is a free, 90-minute, virtual networking session for women of color, hosted by Embrace Change, a career coaching and training firm for WOC. As WOC and POC, we're disproportionately made to feel like we don't know how to network, or that we're bad at networking, and meeting new people in a professional context can feel intimidating. On top of that, we don't have many spaces where we can connect with each other in a fun, structured way–especially across industry. So during this structured networking session, we'll have opportunities for you to connect with each other in an stress-free way–and share a few key career strategies and tactics with you as well! During this networking session: we'll have opportunities for you to connect with each other in a structured, stress-free way; you'll learn a few key career strategies and tactics; and you'll leave feeling more positive, activated, and empowered about networking and connecting with others!Please click here for more information and to RSVP.

Join us for a book talk and presentation of "Serving the Public – The Good Food Revolution in Schools, Hospitals, and Prisons" (Manchester University Press, 2025) by Professor Kevin Morgan. Access to good food is the litmus test of a society's commitment to social justice and sustainable development. Drawing on evidence from the UK, US, and Sweden, "Serving the Public" highlights how public institutions are harnessing the power of purchase to secure public health, social justice and ecological integrity. The quest for good food in these institutions is an important part of the struggle to redeem the public sphere and repair the damage wrought by forty years of neoliberalism.Register for the webinar at this link. For more information, click here. 

Designed for educators who are interested in deepening equitable practices in their classrooms, schools, and districts, our new TEJ tool guides educator teams to be more critically conscious.Facing History’s Teaching for Equity and Justice Reflection Tool is a guiding resource that can be referenced to help you and your team be more critically conscious in the pursuit of educational equity. This webinar will explore how to use the Equity Tool and its seven reflection domains. Whether you are a district leader, school leader, classroom teacher, or your school’s DEI specialist, we will provide you with tips on how to strengthen your equitable mindset, and tips on how the Equity Tool can inform the equity journey of you and your school community.Our single professional learning sessions are designed to easily fit into your day. Typically one hour or less, these sessions explore timely and relevant topics including teaching strategies, current events, and more. This professional learning event will be led by Facing History staff. When you register here, you will receive instructions for how to attend the event. This event qualifies for Certificate of Completion.

Speakers: Dr. Reynaldo De Leon Jr., EdD, MS: Deputy Director of Research & Community Engagement, Educational Initiatives;  Luis Guaman, MSW: Senior Education Associate, Educational Initiatives. The webinar starts at 1pm (ET) and will end at 2.30pm (ET).Participants Key Takeaways:-Describe the warning signs of human trafficking, including child sex and labor trafficking-Identify risk and protective factors of trafficking, particularly among children and in migrant communities-Discuss the role of a mandated reporter and the importance of safe reporting-Identify practices to build rapport and trauma-informed relationships with clients-Determine strategies to improve support services to help prevent trafficking among children and in migrant communitiesClick here for more information and to RSVP.

This study group is for adults preparing to take the United States Citizenship Test. Each workshop will focus on several of the 100 citizenship test civic questions. Students will also learn about libraries and online resources to continue their practice at home.This event is located in person in the Community Room at the West Farms Library. No pre-registration required. Audience: Adults, 50+

Neighbors are invited to a PLG Community Workshop for Safe Streets to share their ideas to improve walking and biking for everyone in the area. At the Crown Heights Library, 560 New York Ave. at Maple St. We will have kid-friendly activities, too.

The New York State legislative session has begun, and we have an opportunity for you to join fellow advocates in lobbying for the NY HEAT Act. This state legislation, which passed the Senate last year and had a lot of support in the Assembly, will significantly reduce your energy bill while fighting climate change. Formerly known as the Home Energy Affordable Transition Act, the NY HEAT Act will end the 100-foot rule, which forces New Yorkers to pay $200 million every year to subsidize unnecessary new gas hookups, and amend the obligation to serve, allowing utilities to provide cheaper and cleaner energy alternatives at no additional cost to customers. The legislation will also cap home energy bills at 6 percent of household income, which should help the 1.4 million New Yorkers who struggle to pay their energy bills. As part of the Renewable Heat Now coalition, we will be heading up to Albany on Tuesday, February 4 to talk to legislators about the importance of passing the NY HEAT Act this session. They will have a free bus leaving Manhattan at 7:30 AM and heading back around 4:00-4:30 PM that afternoon. We will provide a free lunch and lobby training once we arrive. After that, we will have a rally at the State Capitol Building (indoors) at 12:30 PM followed by scheduled meetings with legislators from 1:30-4:00 PM.The exact pickup and drop-off locations will be revealed to those who RSVP at a later date. Click here for more information and to sign up. 

Neighbors are invited to a Bed-Stuy Community Workshop for Safe Streets to share their ideas to improve walking and biking for everyone in the area. Located at 617 DeKalb Ave. at Nostrand Ave. We will have kid-friendly activities, too. 

Celebrate Black History Month with NYC Parks! Learn about the lives of Seneca Village's residents in the 1800s and the community's place in pre-Central Park. The tour begins on West 81st Street and Central Park West. An Urban Park Ranger will explain the the history of the area. Seneca Village was a 19th-century settlement of predominantly African American landowners in what is now Central Park, Manhattan. Founded in 1825 by free Black Americans, it grew to include about 225 residents, three churches, two schools, and three cemeteries, later also housing Irish and German immigrants. The community was forcibly displaced in 1857 through eminent domain for the creation of Central Park. Rediscovered through historical research and archaeological digs, the site has been commemorated with exhibitions and signage, including efforts by the Seneca Village Project and the Central Park Conservancy to honor its legacy.Click here for more information.

Celebrate Black History Month with NYC Parks! Join the Urban Park Rangers on a walk discussing Brooklyn's significant history to the abolitionist movement in the United States. Located at the corner of Furman and Old Fulton streets in Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pier 1. Click here for more information. 

This event is hosted at the Westchester Square Library (Bronx) as part of the NYPL's Heritage Celebration Programming. The program will feature poems and music by prominent African Americans.Click here for more information. 

This illustrated talk by historian Eric K. Washington visits an unassuming building in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood that, in shedding light on 19th-century Gotham’s forgotten past, has excited wide media attention. Hidden in plain sight on West 17th Street is the former “Colored” School No. 4, the last of a network of racial-caste public schoolhouses that once were relegated to New York’s African American teachers and students. Built in 1849-50, the city-owned building’s decades-long use spanned the eras of the Antebellum Period, the Civil War, Reconstruction and the Gilded Age. Washington spearheaded the collaborative community preservation effort that culminated in 2023 with both the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission designating the curiously idle building a historic landmark and the city’s mayor pledging $6 million towards its rehabilitation. His talk will highlight many of the notable teachers, students and events once associated with this remarkably surviving Black heritage site. Attending the talk online is free, but in-person attendance costs $5. Located in the Van Cortlandt Museum in the Bronx.For more information, click here.To register for online attendance, click here. To register for in-person attendance, click here. 

The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture presents The Harlem Chamber Players’ 17th Annual Black History Month Celebration. The featured guest artist are cellist-composer Akua Dixon and soprano Candice Hoyes who will perform her latest work. PROGRAMCandice Hoyes Zora’s Moon for soprano and string quartetAkua Dixon We the People for string quartet (New York premiere)Ernest Chausson Chanson perpetuelle, Op. 37 for soprano, piano, and string quartet Akua Dixon “Uncross My Soul” from Marie Laveau, an operaAkua Dixon Afrika! Afrika! for solo cello and string quintetARTISTSAkua Dixon, celloCandice Hoyes, sopranoAshley Horne, violinClaire Chan, violinWilliam Frampton, violaWayne Smith, celloAnthony Morris, double bassHosted by Terrance McKnightTICKETSThis concert is FREE and open to the public. RSVP here.

We’re thrilled to invite you to an essential conversation with the 2025 mayoral candidates about tackling the affordability crisis in New York City. The cost of living in NYC has spiraled out of control. Rising housing costs, unaffordable child care and home care, and stagnant wages are forcing middle- and working-class New Yorkers out of the city they call home. This forum is your chance to hear directly from candidates about their plans to make NYC a place where families and workers can not only live but thrive.Topics include: Child Care: Reducing costs and protecting vital programs like 3K and Pre-K; Home Care: Ensuring quality, affordable care for older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers; Housing: Addressing the urgent need for affordable homes across the city; Living Wages: Advocating for fair pay and economic justice for all workers.Please click here for more information and to RSVP. The location of this event will be disclosed at a later date to attendees. This event is co-sponsored by: ALIGN (The Alliance for a Greater New York)National Employment Law Project (NELP) ActionCaring Majority RisingJews for Racial & Economic Justice (JFREJ)NY United for Child CareCitizen ActionRiders AlliancePSC-CUNY (Professional Staff Congress)Women Creating Change

Celebrate Black History Month with NYC Parks! Explore the connection between the natural world and science fiction with this storytelling hike and fire-side chat. Listen to the works of Octavia Butler while walking the trails at dusk. Afterwards, cozy up to the fire and share your thoughts! Located in Van Cortlandt Park, in the Bronx.