Civic Engagement New York

Technology for Mass Engagement

Hosted by: [The AIA NY Social Science and Architecture Committee](https://www.aiany.org/committees/social-science-architecture-committee/) In Partnership with: [PLASTARC](https://plastarc.com/) New technologies are reshaping how communities participate in decisions about the built environment, creating new opportunities to broaden who is engaged, how people contribute, and how public input informs planning and design. With the launch of Mayor Mamdani's[ Office of Mass Engagement](https://www.nyc.gov/content/organize/pages/), New York City is investing in new approaches to civic participation and exploring how technology can support more inclusive, accessible, and responsive engagement at scale. This conversation will bring together leaders in civic technology, community engagement, and the built environment to explore the tools, platforms, and methodologies transforming public participation. From digital engagement platforms and participatory technologies to new approaches for collecting, interpreting, and acting on community feedback, panelists will examine how technology can strengthen the connection between communities and the decisions that shape their environments. The discussion will consider the opportunities and challenges of technology-enabled civic participation, and what emerging models of mass engagement mean for architects, planners, policymakers, and the communities they serve. **Hear from the Innovators Ready for the OME:** * **[inCitu](https://www.incitu.us/):** Democratizing city planning by bringing urban development to life through spatial data and Augmented Reality (AR)—allowing residents to literally see the future of their neighborhoods. * **[Convoca](https://convoca.org/):** Innovating at the intersection of civic tech and community organizing to mobilize the public and break down the traditional barriers to local agency. * **[Urban Sense](https://www.urbansense.city/):** Using technology and urban data to better understand how people experience and engage with cities, creating new opportunities to inform more responsive, people-centered planning and decision-making. * **[PLASTARC](https://plastarc.com/):** Leveraging social science and data-driven spatial strategy to design environments that inherently foster human connection and participatory experiences. **Event Details:** * Registration: Opening soon! **Stay Tuned:** We are currently finalizing the details for this exciting tech refresh. Keep an eye on the AIA NY Social Science and Architecture Committee and [register at AIA NY](https://calendar.aiany.org/day/2026-9-15/). **Why You Should Attend:** As cities seek more meaningful ways to engage communities, technology is reshaping how residents participate in planning, policymaking, and the design of the built environment. This event brings together architects, urbanists, civic leaders, and technology innovators to explore the platforms, methods, and emerging practices driving this transformation. Expect an evening of dynamic presentations highlighting civic technology, data driven engagement, and innovative approaches to gathering and acting on community input. Through case studies and discussion, speakers will examine how these tools can help create more inclusive, transparent, and responsive processes for shaping New York City's future.

Dinner with a Side of Democracy: Get Out the Vote

**When:** Wednesday, Sept 16th from 5-8pm **Where:** Brooklyn Ethical, 269 4th Avenue (between Garfield and 1st Street), Brooklyn, NY Come socialize, share some food, and make a difference. We will be writing postcards to black voters to encourage them to vote early in the 2026 Georgia General Election. The message was developed by the Center for Common Ground in close collaboration with Black community activists and focuses on the issues of healthcare, housing, food, education, civil rights, and Black history. If you would like to bring a dish to share, that would be welcome, but never expected.

Bi-weekly Salon

Bi-weekly salon discussing NYC events, issues, or other intellectual topic of our choice. Expect warm ambiance, aesthetic food, and perhaps a featured speaker from time to time.

Soundview Restoration Day! 🌳

On Saturday, September 19th let’s plant trees and clean up the coast as part of Soundview Restoration Day! 🌳 Details below: 9:45am to 2pm Meet at the Butterfly Meditation Garden At Lafayette Ave & Colgate Ave Google maps link to Butterly Meditation Garden in Soundview Park: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/ev7eciwsSAcpA8QL9](https://maps.app.goo.gl/ev7eciwsSAcpA8QL9) In Soundview Park, The Bronx Will help plant 250 trees, clean up the shore Must sign waiver As of 9/9/26, registrations Of course, please reach out if you have any questions! The not so fun rule on RSVPs Please only RSVP if you think you can make it and adjust your RSVP asap if anything changes (as there are other people who would like your spot). Two no shows or cancellations within 6 hours results in a 4 month ban. I will send a reminder 24 hours in advance to the group Thanks and can't wait to see you!

Trivia Meetup - Sat. Sep. 12

A Saturday meetup at this location. The Hugh is at the Citicorp Building at 53 Street and Lexington Avenue in Manhattan. The 6, E and M trains stop there. From the subway, go thru the revolving doors and walk straight down. We'll be sitting at one of the large tables. Look for a table with games on it. You should check mta.info for changes in train services which often occur on weekends. NOTE - most of the atrium venues are closed on weekends. You might want to pack a sandwich or snacks and drink to bring with you. There are nearby places outside to get food and drinks. Okay, you know what to do.

Help Samara Community School students learn to ride!

BRONX volunteers needed

Desert and food events for low income families in the Bronx, and other recipients that need help throughout NY. Every Thursday - Saturday during January and February. Welcome Tasters and Admin assistance. For your help, you will be treated too! RSVP via meetup for location and further information before spots fill up!

Volunteers - 1pm Help with our public program! - Free Kayaking for everyone!

**If you want to kayak/paddle board without volunteering just show up anytime on this date between 11 am - 3 pm!** Our full schedule and details can be found [HERE](https://sites.google.com/hobokencoveboathouse.org/hccb/free-paddle-days) *** This meetup is for volunteers to run our public program. This program exists only because of you! We can always use the help. No experience is necessary to volunteer. We'll show you the ropes on the spot :) Let us know if you would like to assist with **desk/beach/patrol** (Desk and patrol requires previous training)**.** The lead will do their best to give you your prefer choice but it'll depend on experience and where help is needed. *If you can, please sign up for both morning and afternoon!* **Overall Lead:** Desk Primary: Desk: Life jackets: Beach Primary: Lead in training: Beach: Cove Patrol Primary: Cove Patrol: Cove Patrol: SUP: Float:

Volunteers - 10am Help with our public program! - Free Kayaking for everyone!

**If you want to kayak/paddle board without volunteering just show up anytime on this date between 11 am - 3 pm!** Our full schedule and details can be found [HERE](https://sites.google.com/hobokencoveboathouse.org/hccb/free-paddle-days) *** This meetup is for volunteers to run our public program. This program exists only because of you! We can always use the help. No experience is necessary to volunteer. We'll show you the ropes on the spot :) Let us know if you would like to assist with **desk/beach/patrol** (Desk and patrol requires previous training)**.** The lead will do their best to give you your prefer choice but it'll depend on experience and where help is needed. *If you can, please sign up for both morning and afternoon!* **Overall Lead:** Desk Primary: Desk: Life jackets: Beach Primary: Lead in training: Beach: Cove Patrol Primary: Cove Patrol: Cove Patrol: SUP: Float:

Film Festival Planning Mtg

Sunday Gathering: Why Ethics Matter More than Ever

At a time when outrage is profitable, division is rewarded, and many people feel powerless to influence the forces shaping their lives, choosing to live ethically can seem like a radical act. Yet, every day we make choices that either strengthen compassion or indifference, cooperation or distrust, courage or fear. At this season-opening Gathering, Leader Curt Collier will exploreswhy Ethical Culture remains profoundly relevant in the 21st Century. Together we will examine how ethical living is not simply about holding the right beliefs, but about creating the conditions that bring out the best in ourselves, one another, and the larger world we share. In a society often focused on what is broken, we will ask what becomes possible when ordinary people commit themselves to the ongoing work of building a more humane, just, and life-affirming culture. Inspired by Ethical Culture Founder Felix Adler’s vision that we should “elicit the best in others and thereby in ourselves,” this talk is an invitation to begin a new year of ethical action, community, and hope. This Gathering is at the meetinghouse and on Zoom. To receive the Zoom link, please email admin@ethicalfocus.org.

Social Action Fair

Especially now, your voice and actions matter. Our Social Action Fair, on the meetinghouse lawn, offers an opportunity to connect with like-minded organizations, explore volunteering, and become part of a collective effort to defend democratic values and build a more inclusive future. Indoors we’ll create a coffeehouse atmosphere featuring our member musicians, including Ron Schwartz, Carol Sucher, Jonathan Kaplan, Silvia Acosta, Sean Banfield, Rob Eigenbrod, and Jessie Glass with the House Band. We’ll have a roving reporter, Eric Sandhusen, for those participating via Zoom. To receive the Zoom link, please email admin@ethicalfocus.org by noon on Friday.