From June 15 through June 18, the Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College hosted the 16th Annual North American Basic Income Guarantee (NABIG) Congress, led by Associate Professor Michael Lewis in collaboration with the U.S. Basic Income Network, Basic Income Canada, Basic Income NYC and the Economic Security Project. The four-day conference featured a special kickoff panel and reception on Thursday evening, June 15, at Hunter’s Roosevelt House Public Policy Institute, followed by three dynamic days of presentations, panels and plenary sessions at the Silberman East Harlem campus.
Nearly 150 participants came together, representing several countries and a wide array of disciplines, to discuss developments and opportunities in the universal basic income (UBI) movement. Social workers were brought into dialogue with Silicon Valley tech entrepreneurs; philosophers with community organizers and economists; activist-artists and musicians with historians of social change; and more. They exchanged insights and ideas that reflected their diverse backgrounds while intersecting in their common commitment to social and economic policy.
As the first American school of social work to host a NABIG Congress, the Silberman School of Social Work is grateful to Professor Lewis, whose vision and efforts made this year’s congress such a success, as well as to Associate Dean Gary Mallon for his careful oversight; Patricia Gray, Jacob Gutter and Matthew Goldman for their contributions; and all members of the Silberman community who provided support during the conference. Silberman warmly congratulates Professor Lewis and our co-organizers for this outstanding achievement.