We've seen a rash of extreme abortion bans sweeping the country recently, all with one goal in mind — to bring a direct challenge of Roe v. Wade to the Supreme Court, and make abortion inaccessible. Politicians are doing this in defiance of the American people, whose support for access to safe, legal abortion is an at an all-time high—and growing.

Talking about abortion can be difficult and charged, especially with all the misinformation out there. We want to arm you with the facts and the framing to be an all-star repro health activist.

Join us along with Planned Parenthood NYC to learn how to talk about abortion with confidence, learn about the recent abortion bans, the state of reproductive health in NY, and how you can support organizations like Planned Parenthood in the fight for sexual and reproductive health and rights. This interactive 90 minute training will be led by Senti Sojwal and Alexandra Natale of PPNYC at the Meg Hosts PPNYC pop-up space in Boerum Hill, Brooklyn.

It’s election time in Queens. On June 25, New York City is holding an election for the Queens District Attorney. If we want to push for real change in the criminal justice system, we have to pay attention to these races and remind people what’s at stake: racial justice, social justice, economic justice, and ending mass incarceration. We can’t sit this one out.

Enter Tiffany Cabán! Cabán is a 31-year-old, queer, Latina public defender who is running for Queens District Attorney. She earned the second-ever endorsement from AOC. She’s spent her career defending people who can’t afford to defend themselves. And she’s hands-down the most progressive candidate in the race—and looking to change the criminal justice system through community-based solutions as opposed to indictments and sentences.

If you’re a Queens voter or not, you can help by joining Amplify Her, The Broad Room, Women of Color for Progress, and Queer Amisú on Saturday, June 22 as we door-knock for Tiffany Cabán!

This year, in addition to our monthly trainings, The Broad Room will host the Women to Watch Series - three happy hour networking events for our members. At each, we’ll highlight women working as activists and advocates for progressive change, women who embody the mission and values of The Broad Room. Members will have an opportunity to learn more about the work these women do while mixing and mingling with fellow Broads.

Join us for our first installment on June 10th, where we will be in conversation with New York State Senator Jessica Ramos. 

It’s true, the Netflix documentary Knock Down The House lives up to all its hype. The film follows the campaigns of four women across the country who challenge powerful incumbents in Congress. One of their races becomes the most shocking political upset in recent American history. Yes, we’re talking about Broad Room favorite, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

We can’t think of a better way to spend a Tuesday night than with a group of Broads cheering and crying together. The film screening will be followed by a panel discussion with women working in the grassroots space to elect women to office. We'll discuss some of the key themes of the film and give you an opportunity to ask our panel questions! Plus, as always, the event is completely free to attend!

Tuesday, May 28th, 2019

Egg, 109 N 3rd Street, Brooklyn

7:00pm - 9:00pm

We can’t wait to see you! RSVP Below. Spaces are limited!

So we all know how to use Instagram to find our favorite new restaurant, and how to find good memes on Twitter. But what does it mean to be an activist on social media?

If you have a cause you care about and a social platform with more than 5 followers, you can make a difference. And we can teach you how!  (Yes, social media activism is real—and it works. Just watch AOC’s insta stories if you don’t believe us). Come to our free, ladies-only, Broad Room training on social media activism to learn best practices, worst practices, how to raise money, how to raise awareness, and how to get your followers to take action on the issues you care about! Then, we’ll put our new skills into action to support badass Queens DA candidate, Tiffany Caban. Plus, free wine.

About Our Trainers: Come hang out with Emily Cody & Nieve Mooney - the broads who run The Broad Room social platforms! Aside from that, their experiences range from using social media as a tool to help end gun violence to crafting global digital strategies for brands and orgs.

We promise you’ll leave feeling like the things you say online matter—because they do.

*RSVP!* Spaces are limited!

What is birddogging? Good question! Remember when two women confronted Senator Flake in an elevator during the Kavanaugh hearings, demanding accountability for his vote? That's birddogging.

Want to turn all of those wimpy “democrats” into actual champions like dreamgirl/firebrand Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez? We got you.

If you have ever attended a school committee meeting, a town meeting, or a political event and spoken up, then you already have some birddogging experience.

We've enlisted the amazing Jennifer Flynn Walker - one of the leaders of the “progressive strike force that saved the ACA” - to give our Broads a tactical training on how to get *real* commitments from candidates for office and elected officials.

We'll teach you the basics of birddogging and how to fight for what you care about. You don't want to miss it!

*Please note: this venue has an elevator and the training is wheelchair accessible! We aim to make our events accessible to as many women - of all different abilities - as possible.

ABOUT OUR TRAINER: Jennifer Flynn Walker directs the Mobilization and Advocacy program at The Center for Popular Democracy. She's responsible for federal healthcare, tax policy, and advocacy, and also works to develop new ways to mobilize affiliates in federal campaigns.

We can't wait to see you! *RSVP BELOW!* Spaces are limited!

The Broad Room’s theme for our next year of trainings is BATTLE READY 2019. We will prepare women across the city with everything they need to handle the impending political madness of 2020.

To kick off our year, we are planning an event to help women find their voice. For our January training, we will have Surina Jindal, a badass lady expert in public speaking and on-camera presence, come in to teach our Broads how to crush their fear of public speaking and stand with confidence to speak up in front of one, or many, no matter where they are or how high the stakes.

Surina Jindal is a public speaking coach, actress (Succession, Outsourced, 90201), and award-winning producer. She's trained in improv and sketch comedy and has worked in TV, film, theatre, and national commercials. She's also a self-development enthusiast and has invested herself in learning mindset techniques and performance skills. Her unique method of combining over a decade of acting training along with mindset training allows for fast and effective results in public speaking.

Bring a notebook and something to write with; we’ll provide wine!

Liuba Grechen Shirley is a community organizer, women’s economic development expert, and mother of two running for Congress in Amityville. She’s taking on 25-year incumbent GOP Congressman Peter King — and making history while she runs.

We’ll meet in Manhattan at Union Square East at 10:00 AM, the bus will depart promptly at 10:30 AM, and we’ll leave from Long Island at 4:00 PM. The bus is currently full, but we encourage you to RSVP below to join our waitlist. If we have cancellations, we will let you know ASAP and ask you to bring your $5 contribution with you to the event. Lunch will be provided!

Never done this before? No worries — we’ll teach you everything you need to know.

Alessandra Biaggi and Jessica Ramos are two candidates running for NY State Senate and both ladies slay the game. As true progressives, they are fighting for housing justice, better funding for education, healthcare, and improved transportation across the city.

We'll give you the run-down on how to phone bank and then get down to business. Primary day is September 13th so if you haven't gotten up and out, now's the time! Join us!

You last saw her slay as the speaker for our fundraiser in January, now come out, pick up the phone, and support her run for governor! As a true progressive candidate, fighting to end income inequality, mass incarceration, and promoting access to health care, The Broad Room can't wait to help make the call to elect Cynthia Nixon.

We'll teach you how to phone bank and give you free snacks too. You don't want to miss it!

Wanna learn how to fundraise? Join us on June 20th for our interactive Get That Money: How to Fundraise training, where you’ll learn how to make the “big ask” and fundraise for progressive causes and candidates. *Space is limited - RSVP below*

About the trainers:

Elana Leopold

Elana Leopold is a founding partner at Seneca Strategies, focusing her efforts on long-term strategic fundraising and political consulting for local and statewide campaigns. She currently fundraises for candidates including Liuba Grechen Shirley, Jessica Ramos and Cynthia Nixon.

Leopold has experience in local and national fundraising and politics. Prior to founding Seneca Strategies, Leopold worked as finance director for Mayor de Blasio’s successful re-election campaign, where she was responsible for raising over $10 million, developing a citywide finance plan, and organizing hundreds of fundraisers from a deep network of donors.  

In 2014, Leopold joined City Hall and served as the Mayor’s right hand, building his executive team from the ground up and running the Mayor’s day-to-day schedule. She went on to serve as a senior member of the Mayor’s political team, overseeing community engagement and political strategy with elected officials and advocates for city agencies. 

Catherine Almonte

A New York native and proud Afro-Latina, Catherine Almonte is a public service devotee. In her current role as Government & Community Affairs Liaison for the Brooklyn Museum, she works to enhance relationships between the museum and the communities it serves.

Most recently she worked on Mayor Bill de Blasio's re-election campaign as Deputy Finance Director where she helped raise over $10 million, planned more than 100 fundraising events, and managed various projects.

Previously, she tackled the puzzle of Deputy Director of Scheduling to the Mayor of New York City. Catherine has also served as Special Assistant to the Mayor, Event Coordinator for the Mayor's Office Special Projects and Community Events and Special Assistant to the Director of Appointments. 

She resides in Flatbush, Brooklyn with her two cats and enjoys riding her bike to work.

***This event is full. Please join the waitlist!***

Get ready to learn the basics of field campaigning and the reasons why we use these tactics at our Field 101: How to Get Your People to Vote event. This hands-on training will cover the ins & outs of electoral field campaigning: from the social science behind phone-banking to perfecting your door-to-door candidate pitch.

About the trainer: 

Regina Schwartz: Director of Movement Capacity Building for the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, Former Director of NYC Mayor's Office for Public Engagement

Kassandra DeVorsey: CEO and founder of Minerva Insights, Senior
senior advisor to the Movement Cooperative.  She has served leading
roles in data and analytics at President Obama’s 2012 campaign, BlueLabs, and the Democratic National Committee.

***This event is full. Please join the waitlist!***
 

New York State Senate is currently run by Republicans. You read that right: in true blue New York, the State Senate is majority GOP. Here's how to help flip the Senate—this month: phone bank for Shelley Mayer, the Democratic candidate for State Senate in NY-37.

We'll teach you how to phone bank, give you free wine, dial for Dems, and have an amazing Sunday. You don't want to miss it. RSVP today. (For women only).

***This event is full—make sure to join the waitlist!***

Not sure what the midterm elections are—but know you should know? Want to know which seats are up for election—and how you can help fill these seats with progressives? Confused why New York has *FOUR* different election days this year? Fear not. 

Join us for What are the Midterms and Why Do They Matter? and we'll teach you all you need to know about the upcoming midterms. Plus, free wine (obvs).

About the trainers:

Alison Hirsh: Political Director of 32BJ SEIU

Lis Smith: Democratic strategist, co-founder of 50 State Communications, former Deputy Campaign Manager for Martin O'Malley's 2016 campaign and former Director of Rapid Response for Barack Obama's 2012 campaign

Melissa Mark-Viverito: Senior Advisory to the Latino Victory Fund, and former Speaker of the New York City Council

***This event is full—make sure to join the waitlist!***

***Event is full, make sure to join the waitlist!***

Want to learn how to make a political argument? Curious why Trump’s message was so clearer much than Hillary’s? Not sure what the difference is between flacks, pundits, reporters and commentators? Wonder if your background in PR could translate into political communications?

Join us for Messaging On the Left: Political Comms 101, with two of New York City’s top political communications strategists, Rebecca Kirszner Katz and Rachel Noerdlinger. We’ll teach you how the insane new cycle works, what breaks through, how to frame an argument, and what all this has to do with political activism. Plus, free wine (obvs). Thanks to our friends at The Wing for hosting.

***This event is out of tickets. Please join the waitlist below and we will let you know when more seats open!***

Our incredible trainers:

Rebecca Kirszner Katz: A Partner at Hilltop Public Solutions, Rebecca Kirszner Katz has become a go-to strategist for candidates who want to speak to and understand the party’s progressive base.  A former top advisor to the Mayor of New York City and Communications Director for Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid, Katz understands the modern news cycle and what drives it. From assisting with the planning and execution of the White House’s communications strategy for Judge Sonia Sotomayor’s confirmation, to helping Planned Parenthood fight back against the unprecedented assault on women’s health in the first year of the Trump presidency, for two decades Katz has helped personalities, campaigns, and causes tell their story to news media and stakeholders inside and outside the Beltway.

Rachel Noerdlinger: Rachel Noerdlinger is Managing Director at Mercury Public Affairs and President of Noerdlinger Media. Noerdlinger has brought visibility to national civil rights cases and politics during her two decades of experience in strategic communications, crisis management, and public affairs, along with community engagement in electoral politics and business. Noerdlinger has served as Chief of Staff for New York City’s First Lady Chirlane McCray, as President of Noerdlinger Media, and Press Secretary to Rev. Al Sharpton during his 2004 Presidential run. Noerdlinger has been featured in Essence Magazine as one of the top ten females in the country making strides in her respective field, and she has been called “the public relations force behind Rev. Al Sharpton and National Action Network.” 

Get that money.

Let’s be honest: asking friends and family for money to support progressive causes can be painfully awkward. But it’s also essential. Men often enter the political arena with more funds, more support, and more confidence than female candidates. If we want to get more progressive women in office, we need to help fix this resource imbalance. 

Come to our next training to learn how to make the hard ask, how to plan a fundraiser, and how to get that $$$ for the candidates and causes you care about. 

Then we’ll put those tools in action as we turn towards the next big hurdle: the 2018 elections. 

We’ll be testing out our newly honed fundraising skills for Liuba Grechen Shirley, a 2018 Democratic candidate in New York fighting to unseat Republican Peter King. Check her out here: http://liubaforcongress.com/

About the trainer: As Finance Director for Mayor de Blasio’s 2017 Mayoral re-election campaign, Elana Leopold raised over $10 million in the last year and a half, developed a citywide campaign finance plan, and organized hundreds of fundraisers through a developed network of donors. Leopold has also served as Senior Advisor in the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs in New York City, as Senior Aide to the Mayor, and as Compliance Director for the Mayor’s 2013 campaign. Leopold is also a co-founder of The Broad Room. 

Training is free, and for women-identifying individuals only.

Why is Congress controlled by the GOP when Dems win more votes? In large part because Republicans have used their advantage in state legislatures to gerrymander Dems into the minority. The good news: We can do something about it this year. 

We're hosting a phone bank for two women running to help flip Virginia's House of Delegates blue. And we're partnering with the amazing women at Bulletin Broads to phone bank in their store in Williamsburg (perk: they provide free rosé). We'll have expert phone bank trainers on hand to walk you through every step. 

Who are the candidates? Danica Roem is 32 years old — this is her first time running. And if she wins, she’ll be the first transgender member of the House of Delegates. Her opponent is Bob Marshall, 73, a 13-term incumbent who authored a “bathroom bill” during the last legislative session. Danica’s running in one of the districts that Hillary Clinton won in 2016 but that is currently held by a Republican in the Virginia House. 

Jennifer Carroll Foy is a public defender born and raised in Petersburg, VA. She was one of the first women to graduate from the Virginia Military Institute, and she has devoted her life’s work to foster and orphan children. VA-2 is considered a swing district — a Democratic delegate unseated incumbent Mark Dudenhefer in 2013 after President Obama won the district by 58% in 2012; Dudenhefer won it back in 2015 by barely 100 votes. 

 

When the ground crumbles beneath us, it's time to arm ourselves with the tools to fight for real change. On September 23rd, the Broad Room is holding our third free training -- Building Power: Grassroots Organizing 101.

Want to learn how to tackle the big issues and achieve concrete wins? Superstar organizer and general badass Emma Wolfe will be training us up on how to organize around a cause, build out a strategy, and take action from the grassroots.

Join us to learn from the best and gain the tangible skills to turn these lessons into real action.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Emma Wolfe is the Director of Intergovernmental Affairs for Mayor Bill de Blasio. Most recently, she served as the Deputy Campaign Manager and Political Director for de Blasio’s mayoral campaign in 2013, overseeing the building of a victorious citywide coalition that spanned all five boroughs. Wolfe previously served de Blasio as Chief of Staff for the Office of the Public Advocate, reorganizing the office into an effective agency watchdog with an emphasis on community organizing. She has worked as an organizing and field director for the New York State Senate, Working Families Party, ACORN and 1199 SEIU.

Event is for women-identifying folks only.

This past week, the DCCC (our party overlords) chose big tent politics at the expense of women - informing their base that reproductive rights would not be a litmus test for party endorsements.  

The Broad Room is not about that shit. And on August 15th, you can join us to phonebank with #VOTEPROCHOICE - an organization identifying, endorsing and actively supporting proactive prochoice candidates across the country. Because reproductive care is not a litmus test. It's a fundamental right.

RSVP to join our Brooklyn rooftop phonebank. BYO lady (identifying) friends, snacks, and drinks.

<3 The Broad Room