Saturday, March 7th, in Washington, D.C., a group of committed thinkers, organizers, and doers gathered at the historic (and employee owned) Tabard Inn for a special night. The evening was a vibrant blend of meaningful conversation, good company, and shared purpose, made all the more memorable by the unique charm of the venue.
For those who joined, the night offered something truly special: the chance to put names to faces, deepen existing relationships, and spark new ones through the kind of cross-cutting exchanges that remind us why this work matters. Hearing the discussions unfold in real-time, it became clear that the next system we envision—one rooted in solidarity, justice, and possibility—felt not only palpable but achievable with so many of you gathered in one beautiful room.
We also extend our gratitude to everyone who wanted to join but couldn't make it. Your presence was missed, and we hope to connect with you at a future gathering.
For those who'd like to relive the evening, we've shared a collection of photos from the night. If you have any shots to add, please send them our way by contacting contact@nextsystem.org!
In addition to the reception, we're excited to share videos from a powerful panel held during the Eastern Sociological Society Conference: "Teaching and Learning In, About, and Beyond Crisis: Pedagogies of Organizing and Solidarity." The session featured George Mason University's Ben Manski alongside close collaborators John Krinsky (CUNY), Hillary Caldwell (City College of NY), Nara Roberta Silva (Brooklyn Institute for Social Research), and Hillary Lazar (University of Pittsburgh). Their conversation offered profound insights into how education can serve as a tool for organizing and resilience in turbulent times.
As we move forward into what promises to be an important year, we look forward to staying in touch, learning together, and deepening our co-creation with all of you.
March 18, 2026