Since 1947

Fighting for Progress

The New York City Chapter of Americans for Democratic Action reflects the liberal labor agenda in New York City through its involvement in issues that affect quality of life for all New Yorkers

Hundreds gathered near City Hall calling on the mayor to protect healthcare for city retirees

standing up for healthcare

Mayor Eric Adams – as expected – signed a Contract with AETNA, a private, for-profit health insurance behemoth, to deliver health care to NYC’s 250,000 municipal retirees and their dependents on March 30, 2023. Effective September 1, 2023 retirees will be held captive by a company currently charged with fraud and overbilling the federal government billions of dollars and now empowered to delay and/or deny health care for ailments which cause seniors life-threatening illness or, perhaps, hasten death.

This is a monumental threat to the quality, comprehensive health care we were promised when we signed on – decades ago – to work as employees for New York City accepting significantly smaller salaries in return…

NYC Americans for Democratic action

More About Us

Who We Are

NYC ADA is the New York City chapter of Americans for Democratic Action, a national, independent liberal political organization that is dedicated to promoting individual liberty and economic justice through advocacy and action.

Our Mission

ADA has been and will continue to be a forthright liberal voice of this nation. We work to advocate progressive stances on civil rights and liberties, social and economic justice, sensible foreign policy, and sustainable environmental policy.

Our History

ADA was created in 1947 by founders who included Eleanor Roosevelt, Hubert H. Humphrey, labor leaders Walter Reuther and David Dubinsky, economist John Kenneth Galbraith, historian Arthur Schlesinger, Jr., and theologian Reinhold Niebuhr.​

students for democratic action – Then and now

The 60th Anniversary Convention of Students for Democratic Action set the scene for a reassessment of the campus SDA experience as well as an analysis of liberalism today and its impact on current problems.

Hot Issues

Securing healthcare

Comprehensive and affordable healthcare remains under threat in NYC and beyond. Read More

Affordable housing

Affordable housing for all Americans is a necessity. In New York City, where we have limited space and skyrocketing rents, affordable housing is a crucial issue. Read More

Education

ADA believes that education is one of the cornerstones of a good government, an enlightened populace, and a healthy nation. We believe specifically that providing a quality public education available to all citizens is an obligation of government. Education is a right and not a privilege. Read More

Read our newsletter

Hot off the press with news and views about the critical issues affecting our city and country. This issue highlights the continuing effort to bring free universal access to quality healthcare in New York State, discusses the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic that has swept the globe, and the urgent need to protect our nation’s postal service.

Languishing in the New York State Legislature (since 1992) is a bill – The New York Health Act (Medicare for All in New York State) – which has the potential to transform the lives of all NY State residents as well as as serve as a model…

Stay up to date

NYC ADA Latest news

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Bernie Sanders speaks In Queens

Joined by Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, 2020 Democratic presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders addressed a crowd of over 25,000 in Queensbridge Park in Long Island City on October 19, 2019.
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In Memoriam: Marvin Rich

NYC ADA President Passes Away Marvin Rich, a champion for civil rights and equality, was born in St. Louis, Missouri on December 22, 1929 and died in New York City…

Support ADA

Be part of an organization with a rich history and dynamic future that continues to lead public policy to fight for liberal ideals and ensure liberal candidates become the leaders of tomorrow. Your contribution will help NYCADA continue to fight for social and economic justice:

  • Universal Health Care
  • A Fair Minimum Wage
  • Workers’ Rights
  • Sensible Gun Control
  • Economic Opportunity For All
  • Protection of our Civil Rights and Civil Liberties
  • Preserving Social Security and Medicare
  • Campaign Finance Reform
  • Election Reform


Make a one-time gift or become an ADA member.