What we’re about
Bring people together and explore NYC.
RSVPs may be limited for some events. [There will be a nominal charge (nonrefundable) for each event, primarily in order to discourage no-shows, and to defray the cost Meetup.com's fees.] I look forward to meeting you!
Connect, Grow, Pay It Forward.
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About "Conversations New York"
Imagine…
Hundreds of New Yorkers coming together in small groups of neighbors
and fellow citizens to discuss topics of intensive interest…
Hosted at no cost and at convenient locations and times…
Aided by simple guiding principles…
Inspired by the city’s grand tradition of robust conversation…
Our vision is to inspire, organize, publicize, facilitate and celebrate a renaissance of healthy dialogue in New York City.
Our Mission:
1. Encourage and support interesting and important conversations among New Yorkers at the grass-roots level,
2. Establish simple, affordable, and sustainable infrastructure to foster such conversations throughout the city year-round.
3. Add to the worldwide image of New York as a metropolis where culture and intellect thrive among the people.
4. Maintain conversations with a human face by discussing topics in-person.
Note: For access to all CNY-sponsored events, go to www.conversationsnewyork.com (http://www.conversationsnewyork.com/) and subscribe to our blog,
"Like" us on Facebook www.facebook.com/conversationsnewyor... (http://www.facebook.com/conversationsnewyork).
Please review our policies, values, expectations, roles/responsibilities here: https://www.meetup.com/Manhattan-Lectures-C... (https://www.meetup.com/Manhattan-Lectures-Conversations/messages/boards/thread/49055714)
Join our network:
"NYC Socrates Cafe" (https://www.meetup.com/NYCSocratesCafe)
"NYC Myers Briggs Personality Typing Meetup" (https://www.meetup.com/MBTIxMeetup)
"TED Talk Inspired Meetups" (https://www.meetup.com/TED-Inspired-Meetup)
"Conversations New York" (https://www.meetup.com/Conversations-New-York)
"Applied Psychology NYC" (https://www.meetup.com/psychology-NYC)
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- FTI: How Fair Is Our Justice System—And How Can We Make It Better?Link visible for attendees
The justice system is meant to be the great equalizer, protecting our rights and upholding the law. But is it truly just for all Americans today? In this thoughtful and personal conversation, we’ll explore the core questions surrounding our courts:
- How are judges and justices appointed, and how does that influence their decisions?
- What role, if any, does undisclosed (“dark”) money play in shaping judicial rulings?
- Why is public trust in the courts declining—and how can we rebuild it?
- What are some personal stories that reveal both the strengths and shortcomings of our current legal system?
- If our system isn’t perfect (and no system is), what reforms could make it fairer and more accountable—such as community courts or citizen juries?
Our goal is not to tear down the justice system but to improve it thoughtfully—protecting its essential role in society while correcting the ways it falls short of fairness. We’ll also discuss innovative ideas like local community courts and explore how ordinary citizens can help create a more just and trustworthy legal system.
Whether you’re a skeptic or a supporter of the courts, conservative or liberal, your voice matters in this conversation about how we define justice in America today—and tomorrow.Format: Lecture and discussion
Note: social time for our community 15 minutes before the presentation.
To get familiar with our past events, feel free to check out our YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmixGB9GdrptyEWovEj80zgAfter registering via zoom, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
We publish our event recordings on our Youtube channel to offer our help to anyone who would like to but can’t attend the meeting, so we need to give this clause. If you don’t want to be recorded, just remain on mute and keep your video off.
Here’s our legal notice: For valuable consideration received, by joining this event I hereby grant Free Thinker Institute and its legal representatives and assigns, the irrevocable and unrestricted right to use and publish any and all Zoom recordings for trade, advertising and any other commercial purpose, and to alter the same without any restriction. I hereby release Free Thinker Institute and its legal representatives and assigns from all claims and liability related to said video recordings.
- FTI: Universal Basic Income: Would it be a Smart Safety Net or Costly Mistake?Link visible for attendees
Universal Basic Income (UBI) proposes giving every citizen a guaranteed minimum income—no strings attached. Some argue it could end poverty and prepare us for an automated future. Others warn it could discourage work and bankrupt governments.
In this session, we’ll explore:- What real-world experiments in UBI (like in Finland or Alaska) have shown.
- Whether UBI could replace—or complement—existing welfare programs.
- The economic, ethical, and political arguments on both sides.
Whether you see UBI as a bold solution or a dangerous gamble, join us for a balanced discussion where conservatives, liberals, libertarians, and independents alike can explore the facts and debate what’s best for society.
Format: Lecture and discussion
Note: social time for our community 15 minutes before the presentation.
To get familiar with our past events, feel free to check out our YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmixGB9GdrptyEWovEj80zgAfter registering via zoom, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
We publish our event recordings on our Youtube channel to offer our help to anyone who would like to but can’t attend the meeting, so we need to give this clause. If you don’t want to be recorded, just remain on mute and keep your video off.
Here’s our legal notice: For valuable consideration received, by joining this event I hereby grant Free Thinker Institute and its legal representatives and assigns, the irrevocable and unrestricted right to use and publish any and all Zoom recordings for trade, advertising and any other commercial purpose, and to alter the same without any restriction. I hereby release Free Thinker Institute and its legal representatives and assigns from all claims and liability related to said video recordings.
