Takeaways from a packed NYC Civic Fair
PLUS earn 30 Bootcamp points by sending one copy-and-pastable message
We’re 6 days away from early voting for the NYC June Primary, which also means 6 days away from the end of the Primary Bootcamp. If you haven’t gotten to 70 points yet, it’s not too late.
Reminder: once you hit 70 points, you'll get a beautiful print by a local artist and an invitation to join the Bootcamp Awards Party on July 12.
Log 30 Bootcamp points today for reminding others to vote and sharing civic resources!
It’s worth 20 points for reminding 5 more people to register to vote by June 14.
It’s worth 10 points for sharing this newsletter with someone.
You can do both in one note, and complete 30 points today!
Here’s a template message you can send to a group chat. Send it to your college alumni Whatsapp group, to that parent email listserv, or to a group text with friends or neighbors.
Hi everyone! Sharing a PSA about voter registration and resources:
🚨Have you moved recently? TOMORROW, June 9, is the deadline to change your address for your voter registration! 🚨
More key dates:
June 14 - Voter Registration Deadline
June 14 to June 22 - Early Voting
June 24 - Primary Election Day!
If you want do one more thing in addition to voting, the NYC June Primary Bootcamp has a list of actions as a place to start:
https://nycpolitics101.substack.com/i/161266825/bootcamp-instructions
Extra credit (+30 points) if you add in your voter guide too!
Here’s how to get credit for sending :
Step 1. Remind folks to register to vote.
Step 2. Register for the Bootcamp if you haven’t already (link here).
Step 3. Log your points (link here).
70+ attendees meet 13 NYC civic groups
Last week, Lenny and I hosted the first NYC Civic Fair. The idea was to connect New Yorkers with the groups working to improve our city– like a career fair, but for community and civic impact.
My learnings:
New Yorkers are hungry for resources on how to make a difference in their neighborhoods. The event was featured in a ton of events newsletters, and we had a waitlist beyond what the space could accommodate.
People want to get involved, but they need an easy way in. Having a real conversation with someone doing the work- someone who can say “come to this event” or “join this campaign”- is all it takes to turn interest into action.
Folks are motivated by local issues, but it’s overwhelming to figure out how to tackle them on your own. Engaging with a civic group is the best way to tailor your unique efforts to have an impact on broader systems.
I’m so grateful to all the civic groups that shared their wisdom, their resources, and awareness about their impactful work. Thank you for your time and energy helping others join the effort!
I also wanted to share appreciation for everyone who attended to learn about the groups in the room. Thank you for showing up with curiosity, openness, and purpose!
If you want to get things done in this city, it helps to do it with others. Being part of a group makes civic work less lonely and more fun. You get to celebrate wins, share the load, and learn from each other.
But more than that- it builds power. There’s power in numbers. In showing up not just as one voice, but as part of something larger. Elected officials, agencies, and institutions take notice when we act together.
That’s what the Civic Fair was about: connecting people who care with the people and groups already doing the work.
Thank you to the incredible organizations who joined us. Here’s how to get in touch with them and follow their work:
Abundance New York
Climate Club Friends
Climate Writing Club
Maximum New York
New Kings Democrats
New Liberals
Open New York
Open Plans
Regional Plan Association
Riders Alliance
StreetsPAC
Sunrise Movement NYC
Transportation Alternatives
If you attended the Civic Fair and joined a civic group, you’ve already racked up 30 Bootcamp points. Log your 30+ points here:
Register for the Bootcamp (link here)
Log your points (link here)
Check out the rest of the Bootcamp Actions and log any more that you've done!
Two Primary Bootcamp events tomorrow!
Meet and Greet with Keith Powers
I’m teaming up with friends to host a fundraiser for Keith Powers, who’s running for Manhattan Borough President. As a former community board member, I’ve seen firsthand how important the role of borough president is. Borough presidents appoint the people who serve on community boards, and community boards are some of the loudest voices on issues that affect our neighborhoods. Keith is the best pick for Manhattan Borough President.
I won’t actually be able to make it in person to the fundraiser, but if you’re a Manhattanite considering your options for how to vote for Borough President, please come through! Even if you’re undecided right now, it’s fine to stop by to learn more about Keith and decide whether to donate from there.
📅Monday, June 9: 7-9pm
📍Le Dive on Canal St
Primary Bootcamp Meetup in Crown Heights
We're meeting up in Crown Heights-- come ready to share with others about what you've been working on, or ask for help, or get inspiration from other Bootcampers' experiences.
📅Monday, June 9: 6-8 pm
📍Crown Inn