The First Amendment protects your right to assemble and express your views through protest. However, police and other government officials are allowed to place certain narrow restrictions on the exercise of speech rights. Make sure you’re prepared by brushing up on your rights before heading out into the streets.

Many protesters may not be aware of the unfortunate fact that exercising their First Amendment rights may open themselves up to certain risks. Those engaging in peaceful protest may be subject to search or arrest, have their movements and associations mapped, or otherwise become targets of surveillance and repression. It is important that in a … Read More

As we can see in the widespread protests against the murder of George Floyd, people are filled with rage and grief at his individual death and at the systemic violence against Black people in this country. As an organization committed to anti-racism and anti-oppression, we are all feeling that rage and grief ourselves. This crisis … Read More

June 20th deadline. All Middle and High school students can submit a 10-minute play about gun violence for a spot in a nationwide play reading event in December on the anniversary of the Sandy Hook shooting. Plays will be read by professional playwrights.  For guidelines and submission details, click here.

Mayor de Blasio’s executive budget leaves the NYPD budget virtually untouched while calling for huge cuts in New York’s social and human services – exactly when they are needed most, during a once-in-a-century global pandemic and humanitarian disaster. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated every measure of inequality in New York City, and cutting critical public … Read More

Access a calling script for talking to city council members about defunding the police and diverting the funds into social services.