NYC COVID-19 Community Response 5-Year Reunion

Honoring Our Collective Care, Five Years Later

Five years ago, when the pandemic brought NYC to a standstill, it was our communities, neighbors, volunteers, mutual aid networks, and grassroots leaders who stepped up. Together, we delivered food, shared PPE, cared for each other, and created new systems of support when the old ones fell short.

Now, we’re coming back together and you’re invited! Join us for the NYC COVID-19 Community Response 5-Year Reunion, a gathering to reflect, reconnect, and recognize the incredible power of collective action. Through storytelling, networking, and community-led dialogue, we’ll honor the mutual aid efforts that helped sustain New Yorkers and explore what comes next.

This in-person event will include a panel conversation featuring community organizers and leaders, 2-minute RapidTalks by attendees, and plenty of time for connection, reflection, and good food.

A catered reception will be served throughout the evening, with delicious options for all.

What to Expect

• Welcome reception with light food and a name tag activity to help you meet new faces and old friends
• Grief Acknowledgment, recognizing the lives lost and the grief carried by our communities
• Panel Discussion on lessons learned and the future of community-based responses
• Rapid Talks featuring brief but mighty stories and ideas from attendees (Apply to Speak Below)
• Opportunities to network, share resources, and imagine what’s possible moving forward

Whether you were part of a mutual aid group, a nonprofit, or just helped your neighbors out, you’re part of this story. Come celebrate with us.

Host Committee

RapidTalks: Spotlighting Community Resilience

The RapidTalks at the Reunion are an opportunity for attendees to give quick, yet mighty, 2-minute speeches designed to spotlight lessons learned, highlight ongoing community work, or introduce new initiatives focused on mutual aid, public health, food justice, housing, volunteerism, and other areas critical to collective resilience.

Presenters are encouraged to use storytelling to bring their message to life. The goal is to spark dialogue, inspire collaboration, and honor the many forms of leadership and care that emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Interested in sharing your story or idea? Fill out this brief form by April 16 to be considered for a RapidTalks slot. 

Reunion Program

*Subject to Change

Event Venue

The event activities will take place at the The Salvation Army Executive Headquarters, Mumford Hall, located at 120 W 14th St, New York, NY 10011.