Dear John,  Watching the news these days, it’s hard not to be reminded that our democracy is only as strong as we make it. Participatory Budgeting is one of the things that gives me hope about the possibility of bringing grassroots democracy, real participation and accountabi…

Dear John I’ve always admired Jumaane’s ability to plainly call out the wrongs that many ignore or sweep under the rug. I couldn’t be prouder to endorse my friend Jumaane Williams for re-election this November 5th -- and if you know him like I do, you understand why. Long before …

Dear John,  I wanted to remind you that we have two opportunities this week to bring your Participatory Budgeting ideas and brainstorm with your neighbors about how to improve our community, Monday night in Kensington at P.S. 230 and Wednesday night at the Park Slope library,…

Dear John,  On Friday, thousands of students -- hopefully hundreds of thousands -- will take the streets for a massive demonstration to confront the climate crisis. Young people are striking from school, leading the way for the rest of us to make bolder demands and take more …

Dear John Are you excited about the idea of a President of the United States who has made it her life’s work to take on powerful interests and entrenched inequality? Who is equal measures tough, compassionate, and smart? Who’s a former public school teacher, and committed to hire…

Dear John,  School isn’t the only thing back in session this September -- Participatory Budgeting (PB) cycle 9 is underway and ideas are already flowing in!  Are you a fan of the Park Slope Library reading garden? Bus countdown clocks? Supporting Spanish-speaking teens to bec…

DearJohn When the booking agent that freelance stylist Angela Ivana contracted with for work on ad campaigns and TV productions told her that he wouldn't put her headshot on the website because he “didn’t want his clients seeing that I was black” she didn’t have an HR department…

Dear John,  The first day of school always brings the thrill of the new, and the anxiety of the unfamiliar. It requires some courage, but it’s got such bright promise. On this first day of school, thousands of 6th graders in our community are embarking on a new and courageous e…

Dear John,  Last week, amidst flooded streets, blackouts, overheated jails, and subway failures, New Yorkers saw some of the consequences that have resulted from a failure to engage in strategic long-term planning for the future of our city. The dangers of failing to invest st…