CUP: Recent pages

Sewer In A Suitcase

Brian Watterson — Tue, 15 May 2012 18:34:28 -0400

Projects/Workshops/SewerInASuitcase

WHAT IT IS. New York City uses over one billion gallons of water every day. What happens to it after we’ve used it? CUP’s Sewer in a Suitcase demystifies the hidden workings of New York City’s water infrastructure by following the journey water takes beyond the drain.

New York relies on something called a combined sewer system. Stormwater from streets and rooftops is collected into the same network of pipes as dirty water from toilets, sinks, and showers. When it rains a lot, the combined sewage and stormwater overflow directly into local waterways.

CUP’s Sewer in a Suitcase is a working model of the city’s sewer system that lets you explore the mechanics of these dirty events and what they mean for our health and environment—all from your own classroom!

WHERE IT WORKS. The Sewer in a Suitcase workshop is fun, engaging, and educational for children and adults alike, and is perfect for use in community workshops; environmental studies or science classrooms; or civics, social studies, and service learning classes. The workshop demonstrates our combined sewer system in action, and introduces concepts like urban watersheds, water infrastructure, and the health impacts of water pollution. Workshops can range from 40 minutes to 1.5 hours.

HOW TO GET ONE. We can arrange workshops anywhere in the five boroughs with 2-3 weeks of notice.

Hire CUP to conduct a Sewer in a Suitcase workshop for $100
Rent a Sewer in a Suitcase for a day to run your own workshop for $50
Rent a Sewer in a Suitcase for a day, with a training session from CUP staff for $150

A credit of $50 can be applied to the purchase price of a toolkit within one month of your workshop. A Sewer in a Suitcase and instructional educator’s guide can be purchased for $300.

Contact sam(at)welcometocup.org to find out more.

People

Christine Gaspar — Mon, 14 May 2012 10:40:22 -0400

CUP’s core staff supports the organization from day to day, but CUP projects are designed and implemented by teams of artists, designers, educators, activists, and researchers.

Fast Tracked

Valeria Mogilevich — Wed, 09 May 2012 15:35:39 -0400

Projects/UrbanInvestigations/FastTracked

New York is in the process of getting its first new subway stop in 22 years. Who decides where new subway stops go? And which comes first—the subway or the people? CUP worked with students in the College Now program at New Design High School to investigate who decides where new subway lines are placed.

To find out how transportation decisions get made, the crew interviewed city planners, the MTA, transportation policy experts, and lobbyists. They jammed at the Javits Center, followed the financing, and scoped construction sites to find out who really decides where new transportation goes.

Together the crew created a newspaper to give you the inside track on the connection between what’s below ground and what’s above. To share what they learned they created the Fast-Tracked newspaper. They presented their project under the High Line, just a few blocks from the site of the new station, to a packed crowd. They also paraded down the 7 Line’s new route with posters and flyers of the decision-makers involved in the subway extension. You can watch a video of their parade here. The newspaper is a great resource for urban planning classes, transportation enthusiasts, and anyone interested in how land use decisions get made in New York City.

What Is Affordable Housing

Brian Watterson — Mon, 07 May 2012 18:42:51 -0400

Projects/Workshops/WhatIsAffordableHousing

WHAT IT IS. “Affordable Housing.” The phrase seems plain enough, but it doesn’t always mean what people think it does! It actually has a technical government definition that can determine what gets built and who lives there. Use these tools to answer the all-important question: “Affordable to whom?”

This set of activities breaks down affordable housing policy into easy-to-understand visuals. Look at income demographics, rents, and proposed developments in your neighborhood. Learn about affordable housing programs and who’s eligible for them.

Watch the video to see how it works!

WHERE IT WORKS. The toolkit works in organizing settings, staff trainings, college classrooms, Community Board meetings, and lots of other places. CUP can train you, your staff, or your members to run a workshop, or we can run a workshop for you. Workshops can be customized to focus on any NYC neighborhood, specific affordability programs, or proposed developments in your community. Workshops can range from 30 minutes to 1.5 hours.

HOW TO GET ONE. We can arrange workshops anywhere in the five boroughs with 3-4 weeks of notice.

Workshops range in price from $125 to $300 depending on the level of customization.

Contact mark(at)welcometocup.org to find out more.

The Water Underground

Mark Torrey — Mon, 07 May 2012 17:24:38 -0400

Projects/UrbanInvestigations/TheWaterUnderground

Below the surface of New York City lurks an immense grid of pipes designed to carry water in various states of grossness. They bring us water for drinking, washing our clothes, and putting out fires. This same water carries away our dirt, our soapy water, and our poo – the poo of eight million New Yorkers. Where does the water go?

A group of NYC high school students from City-as-School explored the Water Underground – the millions of gallons flowing beneath New York City and the people who make it their business. They conducted site interviews, reviewed government documents, and videotaped interviews with government workers, environmental activists, water scientists, and more.

The students worked with CUP to produce a video called The Water Underground, which has screened in classrooms, environmental organizations, juvenile detention centers, and film festivals across the country. The crew also developed the Sewer in a Suitcase, a working model of New York City’s sewer system, which has demonstrated combined sewer overflow to hundreds of New Yorkers, from pre-schoolers to Community Boards.

Join us for some deep thinking with your own copy of The Water Undergound today.

To get a Sewer in a Suitcase workshop for your science class, environmental organization, or community group, click here.

You can also watch the video here:

Barriers To Reentry

Valeria Mogilevich — Fri, 04 May 2012 11:03:39 -0400

Projects/MakingPolicyPublic/BarriersToReentry

Barriers to Reentry takes a look at formerly incarcerated people and the difficulties they face when trying to reenter the workforce. It also highlights state laws intended to protect them from employment discrimination. It’s illegal to deny someone a job based solely on a criminal record! This pamphlet was produced through a collaboration between CUP, the Fortune Society, and Sara McKay.

Field Guide To Federalism

Valeria Mogilevich — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 13:36:25 -0400

Projects/CityStudies/FieldGuideToFederalism

What’s the role of the government? These days, we constantly hear arguments about how big or small the government should be. And with the concept of federalism popping up a lot in the US History Regents exam, Academy of Urban Planning teacher Jorge Sandoval asked CUP to create a curriculum that would make it less abstract.

Mr. Sandoval, his 9th grade students, CUP, and CUP teaching artist Stephen Fiehn set out to experience what federalism looks like first-hand. The group started small by looking for signs of the government in their wallets. Then, they took to the streets looking for evidence of city, state, and federal government involvement in Bushwick. And finally, they interviewed a bodeguero, a liquor store owner, a bank manager, and an Army recruiter to understand the role of the government in local businesses and institutions.

To share their findings, they created a booklet called “Field Guide to Federalism”: it’s both a primer for US History students preparing to take their exams and a handy guide for anyone interested in doing this kind of investigation in their own school or neighborhood. In February of 2012, the students presented their work and led federalism-related design activities for more than 60 other students studying for the Regents exam. The booklet will continue to be used in US History classrooms at the Academy of Urban Planning.

“I’m so glad CUP did a project with our class. I would have never thought of taking my students out to the community to learn about federalism until this project. I’m going to do this project again with my class next year.” - Jorge Sandoval, US History Teacher

“CUP made abstract concepts about our society very digestible and much more relevant for our students.” – Bianca Briggs, Co-Teacher

“I learned that the government is all around us in our neighborhood. I never realized this until we went out ourselves and did our own little trips.” – Najee Santos

“My thoughts about the government changed because I thought they didn’t care about us, but now I know that there are rules that protect us people.” – Blanca Cruz

I Heart East New York

Valeria Mogilevich — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 17:42:47 -0400

Projects/UrbanInvestigations/IHeartEastNewYork

In 2009, The Brooklyn College Community Partnership (BCCP) asked CUP to team up with their students to investigate neighborhood change. CUP, teaching artist Hatuey Ramos-Fermín, and the students, many of them East New Yorkers, noticed some odd new buildings popping up in a desolate landfill on the border of East New York. What were these strange rows of houses and where did they come from?

The huge development was being built on what was dubbed “the murder capital” in the 1990’s, and creating a new neighborhood from scratch. To find out what was going on, the crew interviewed a pastor, a development manager, a community board member, and a neighborhood homeowners’ group. They visited the modular building manufacturer and the development site. Through their investigation, they uncovered the story of the Nehemiah Spring Creek Houses: a visionary development model for low- and middle-income communities through congregation-based community organizing. They created a storybook record (with a dozen original songs) to teach other what they learned.

On July 23, 2009, students presented their book to an audience of artists, architects, and advocates at the Sculpture Center in New York City. Students also presented their project to thousands of listeners on an East Village Radio Show during the “Performa 2009” festival.

Thoughts from the team:

“I used to be shy about asking questions. But if you take the time to think about it, it’s a skill that everyone has. It’s really just curiosity.” Isaiah Peeples, student, the BCCP

“I just joined for the credits, but after a while, I started to see it was more of an educational experience.” – Gavin Noble, student, the BCCP

Listen to a sample track below, or get the whole the storybook record here.

Breakdown

Valeria Mogilevich — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 11:22:39 -0400

Projects/UrbanInvestigations/Breakdown

Money. We use it every day. But how much does it really cost? And does everyone pay the same price? $ Breakdown was produced by students in the College Now program at Brooklyn College in collaboration with CUP.

In 2010, the crew set out to investigate the cost of money. From interviewing folks at banks, check cashing places, pawn shops, and credit unions, they learned what’s scary and what’s confusing about money; who’s borrowing it; who’s paying the most for it; and why.

Together the crew created a website with a series of short animations and videos that serve as introductions to some of the differences between mainstream banks and “fringe” banking institutions. The videos debuted in 2011 in a former bank vault on Wall Street. Watch them here.

The videos help make these complex concepts more accessible and make a great financial literacy tutorial. If you’re interested in using the videos in your classroom or organization email us at info (at) welcometocup.org

Bodega Down Bronx

Valeria Mogilevich — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 23:22:33 -0400

Projects/UrbanInvestigations/BodegaDownBronx

In the Bronx, bodegas are a way of life. You can get everything from snacks to supper. But who chooses what they sell? Why is their stuff so cheap? And where do all those chips come from?   In 2008, students from New Settlement’s Bronx Helpers, CUP, and CUP teaching artist Jonathan Bogarín investigated bodegas in the Bronx.

Through interviews with bodegueros, food distributors, government officials, health professionals, and alternative Bronx food establishments, the group learned about how bodegas operate, what role they play in urban communities, and how they fit into the larger question of food access in low-income communities.

We debuted the video at The Point Community Development Corporation to pass along what we learned on the potato chip trail. It has since been screened at such venues as MoMA, CUNY Law School, Weeksville Heritage Center, El Puente, the Department of Juvenile Justice, NYC food justice organizations, and in classrooms ranging from Economics to Health.

Get your own copy of the video here!

You can also watch the video here:

Vendor Power Featured In Designing For Social Change

Christine Gaspar — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 13:51:28 -0400

NewsAndEvents/VendorPowerFeaturedInDesigningForSocialChange

Home

Mark Torrey — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 10:54:28 -0400

The Center for Urban Pedagogy (CUP) is a nonprofit organization that uses the power of design and art to improve civic engagement.

CUP collaborates with designers, educators, advocates, students, and communities to make educational tools that demystify complex policy and planning issues.

We believe that increasing understanding of how these systems work is the first step to better, more equitable, and more diverse community participation.

About

Sam Holleran — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 11:58:49 -0400

The Center for Urban Pedagogy (CUP) is a nonprofit organization that uses design and art to improve civic engagement. CUP projects demystify the urban policy and planning issues that impact our communities, so that more individuals can better participate in shaping them.

We believe that increasing understanding of how these systems work is the first step to better and more diverse community participation.

CUP projects are collaborations of art and design professionals, community-based advocates and policymakers, and our staff. Together we take on complex issues—from the juvenile justice system to zoning law to food access—and break them down into simple, accessible, visual explanations.

The tools we create are used by organizers and educators all over New York City and beyond to help their constituents better advocate for their own community needs.

Making Policy Public Call For Advocacy Partners Is Now Open

Sam Holleran — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 16:39:54 -0400

NewsAndEvents/MakingPolicyPublicCallForAdvocacyPartnersIsNowOpen

Cupmpp Call For Advocates Pr Pdf

Sam Holleran — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 15:06:02 -0400

Cup Is Seeking A Summer Intern

Sam Holleran — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 12:24:34 -0400

NewsAndEvents/CUPIsSeekingASummerIntern

Call For A Teaching Artist Assistant

Sam Holleran — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 16:17:30 -0400

NewsAndEvents/CallForATeachingArtistAssistant

Dont Forget To Vote

Sam Holleran — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 14:09:55 -0400

NewsAndEvents/DontForgetToVote

City Studies

Valeria Mogilevich — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 14:25:15 -0400

Projects/CityStudies

Are You Ready For A Ruckus Debut Presentation

Sam Holleran — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 14:23:38 -0400

NewsAndEvents/AreYouReadyForARuckusDebutPresentation

“Are You Ready for a Ruckus” was made possible by the CUNY College Now program. Additional support was provided by public funds from the National Endowment for the Arts and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council; the Bay and Paul Foundations; and the Henry Luce Foundation. Presentation venue generously provided by the Red Cross in Greater New York.

Immigrants Beware

Christine Gaspar — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 16:41:33 -0400

Projects/MakingPolicyPublic/ImmigrantsBeware

Immigrants Beware! explores the immigration consequences of criminal convictions for non-citizens. Did you know even minor offenses can lead to detention and deportation?

Until 1996, every immigrant facing detention and deportation had the basic right to be heard in court. Immigration judges could base decisions on factors like length of residence, family and community ties, and work history.

In 1996, the rules changed to limit judges’ discretion in deciding outcomes of deportation cases. Today, many immigrants face mandatory detention and deportation.

This publication breaks down the immigration system and gives non-citizens knowledge and resources to fight the deportation process. Immigrants Beware! was produced in partnership with Families for Freedom and designers Lana Cavar and Tamara Maletic. It’s being used to help families and individuals understand their way through the system.

Families for Freedom is distributing the MPP to individuals in their “know your rights” trainings, as well as churches, other immigrants’ rights advocacy groups, and community organizations throughout New York City and beyond. According to fromer Families for Freedom staff member Ravi Ragbir, “I just gave our Making Policy Public to State Senator Rivera, I told him ‘This is the quickest and easiest way for you to understand the system.’”

Federalism Final Presentation

Sam Holleran — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 12:43:15 -0500

NewsAndEvents/FederalismFinalPresentation

We Are Public Housing

Christine Gaspar — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 17:55:24 -0500

Projects/MakingPolicyPublic/WeArePublicHousing

Over 400,000 people live in public housing in New York City.

Resources

Christine Gaspar — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 17:17:00 -0500

The Baum Forum organizes annual conferences about food and farming issues and invited CUP to its 2008 conference on Schools, Food, and Community.

The Brennan Center for Justice is a non-partisan public policy and law  institute that focuses on the fundamental issues of democracy and justice.

Bway.net is an independent ISP founded with the goal of providing the highest quality Internet service for the residents of New York City.

The Center for Court Innovation is a nonprofit think tank that helps courts and criminal justice agencies aid victims, reduce crime, and improve public trust in justice.

The Center for Financial Services Innovation is the nation’s leading authority on financial services for underbanked consumers.

The Center for Media Justice provides training, resources, and support to grassroots community organizing groups to develop creative, effective, and participatory communications and media activism strategies that support the fight for racial justice, economic equity, and human rights.

Citizen’s Guide to the Airwaves is a report by the New America Foundation that aims to educate the public about the tremendous value, government mismanagement, and impending giveaway of the nation’s airwaves.

Community Voices Heard is a member organization of low-income people with experience on welfare, building power in New York City and State to improve the lives of our families and communities.

Credit Where Credit is Due provides financial counseling programs in response to the growing financial disenfranchisement of Upper Manhattan.

Families for Freedom is a New York based multi-ethnic defense network by and for immigrants facing deportation. It is a source of education and action for directly affected families, and an organizing support center for directly affected communities.

The Greenpoint Manufacturing & Design Center is a nonprofit developer of industrial space.

HUD – The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development defines the numbers that determine affordability throughout the country.

Instituto de Educacion Popular del Sur de California organizes and educates immigrants concerned with solving problems in their own communities.

Jetro Cash and Carry is a wholesale supplier for food businesses and nonprofits, servicing many of New York’s bodegas.

Labor Notes is a media and organizing project that has been the voice of union activists who want to put the movement back in the labor movement.

Brad Lander is a member of the New York City Council representing the 39th Council District in Brooklyn. He is working on a proposal to map out city-owned facilities and related health issues online.

The Longshore Workers’ Coalition is a movement of International Longshoremen’s Association members and retirees organizing to build a stronger and more democratic longshore union.

The Lower East Side Ecology Center works toward a more sustainable New York City by providing community-based recycling and composting programs, developing local stewardship of green space, and increasing community awareness, involvement and youth development through environmental education programs.

MAG-Net is a local-to-local network of grassroots organizations working together to advance a shared agenda for media justice.

Media Literacy Project is a nationally recognized leader in media literacy resources and education.

Workshops

Mark Torrey — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 18:56:12 -0500

Projects/Workshops

CUP creates tactile, interactive workshop tools that help people of all ages explore complicated policy and planning issues that impact their communities. You can buy or rent the workshop tools, or hire CUP to provide a training for your staff or a workshop for your constituents.