Get Out the Vote for the Nov. 3rd Election
We’re two weeks away from the start of early voting in New York. Early voting for the 2026 general election runs October 24th through November 1st. Click here to find your early voting and election day poll site. If you’re based outside of NYC, here is where you can find your polling site for the November 3rd general election. The deadline to register to vote is October 24th, here is where you can register.
With rising authoritarianism and blatant attacks on our elections from the regime, one of the most important things we can do right now is to exercise our right to vote and get our families and loved ones to do the same.
On Wednesday, October 14th from 12-1:30pm, we’re co-hosting a Get Out the Vote (GOTV) Social Work Phone Banking Event via Zoom with the National Association of Social Workers New York Chapter. No experience is needed. We’ll get together to talk about current threats to our elections, democracy defense, and then make calls to our neighbors to make sure they are registered to vote. Register here to join us.
If you have any questions or would like to get involved in our pro-democracy work, please contact Yonah at yonah@katalcenter.org.
Organizing in Response to ICE Shooting in the Bronx
Yesterday, at around 4:15pm, ICE shot a man at 225th Street and Marble Hill in the Bronx. The victim was shot through the windshield of their car with a 5-year-old child in the back seat. This is unconscionable.
Our partners at Hands Off NYC put out this statement last night:
“ICE must be abolished. We have seen the proof time and again in blood. When violent, masked agents come into our communities, people are hurt and killed. This incident marks the 37th ICE or CBP-related shooting since January. We do not need any more.
These agents shot with the intention to put this man’s life — and the life of a child — at risk. This is the direct consequence of allowing a lawless federal agency to operate with impunity, secrecy, and unchecked, deadly force… ICE’s violence is not welcome in New York City. We urge Bronx businesses Kingbridge Associates and Target to close parking lots to ICE effective immediately. We need ICE out of New York now.”
Tonight, Friday October 9th at 5:30pm in Foley Square they are holding an emergency protest. Please spread the word and join them on the streets if you’re able to.
Click here for more information about Hands Off NYC.
Thursday, November 19th: Join us for Katal’s 10-Year Anniversary Event
As you know, 2026 marks the 10-year anniversary of Katal’s launch. Throughout this year, we’ve shared some reflections on a decade of organizing and building power. Together we’ve done some amazing things across the last ten-plus years, among them developing new leaders, strengthening movement infrastructure, and winning big fights that improved the lives of hundreds of thousands of people.
We’re celebrating the 10-year anniversary – a decade of organizing to make change, with an event in lower Manhattan. Join us on Thursday, November 19, 2026, from 6 – 9pm. We’re grateful to the incredible people at Aubin Pictures for hosting our event at their beautiful SoHo headquarters. Tickets include food, drinks, music, and a gift bag. Register for the event here!
If you’re interested in sponsoring the event or buying an ad in our program book, please contact Yonah at yonah@katalcenter.org.
Tabling at the Brownsville Safety Alliance Activation Next Week Tuesday, Oct. 13th – Friday, Oct. 16th
Next week we are tabling at the Brownville Safety Alliances Activation week. We’ll be there Tuesday, October 13th – Friday, October 116th from 12-5pm. The event will be held on Mother Gaston Blvd between Sutter and Pitkin Ave. We’ll be talking to folks about our campaign to shut Rikers and invest in our communities. We hope to see you there.
If you’re interested in joining us or if you have any questions about the event, please contact Lakenya at lakenya@katalcenter.org.
Wednesday, Oct. 21st: Shut Rikers Meetings
Join us on Wednesday, October 21st at 6 pm in downtown Brooklyn for our Shut Rikers Meeting. We’re coming together with neighbors to collectively build community-based power to shut down the jail complex once and for all.
To attend our next Shut Rikers meeting on Wednesday, October 21st from 6:00 – 7:30 pm, register here.
If you have any questions, please contact Melanie at Melanie@katalcenter.org.
October Statewide Criminal Justice Reform Recap
On Thursday, we held our October NY Statewide Criminal Justice Reform Call! We had over 125 people register for the call, and the energy was great. We spent the first portion of the call providing updates from Albany on which bills need the governor’s signature, the upcoming November elections, and preparations for the legislative session. Then we heard from a range of organizers and advocates from New York County Defenders Service, The Freedom Unshackled Coalition, the New York Immigration Coalition, and Hands Off NYC.
Register here to join us this Thursday, November 12th, from noon to 1 p.m.
If you have any questions about the statewide call or would like to be a presenter, please contact Yonah at Yonah@katalcenter.org
Quotes of the Week
“My heart is moved by all I cannot save: so much has been destroyed. I have to cast my lot with those who age after age, perversely, with no extraordinary power, reconstitute the world” — Adrienne Rich
“My actions are my only true belongings.” — Thich Nhat Hanh
“In New York, you’re only as good as your last game.” – David Lee (ex-Knicks player)
For printing and distribution, download the Katal Weekly Update PDF version.
Katal works to develop intergenerational leadership and organizing capacity to build community-based power and win systemic change for equity, health, and justice.
Join us: web, Bluesky, Instagram & Facebook!
Email: info@katalcenter.org
Phone: 646.875.8822