ONE Schenectady
The First Public Reading of the Declaration of ONE Schenectady
Together, we imagine a future where everyone—whoever they are and wherever they come from—has the chance to thrive.
The future of Schenectady is ours to create.
One Schenectady is a declaration of possibility—and a community-driven movement for a future where we come together to:
Deeply rooted in the diverse cultural traditions of “the place beyond the open pines,” ONE Schenectady seeks to cultivate a flourishing future grounded in the many wisdom traditions and diverse community organizations and civic associations that have shaped this place across generations.
This movement begins with a simple belief: the people of Schenectady already hold the creativity, resilience, relationships, and lived experience needed to build a more just, connected, and thriving community. Together, we are creating a culture where every voice matters, every person belongs, and every generation has a role in shaping what comes next.
Our role in the movement
At The Schenectady Foundation, we believe lasting change begins by listening to the people closest to our community's greatest challenges. That conviction was strengthened through our collective responses to Hurricane Irene, Hurricane Helene, COVID-19, and other moments that called our community together—not only to meet urgent needs, but also to ask how we might build systems that make our communities stronger before the next crisis arrives.
Those experiences continue to shape our work. Rather than simply responding to symptoms, we seek to address the root causes that prevent people and neighborhoods from thriving. Rather than working alone, we embrace collaboration and co-creation across residents, nonprofits, businesses, philanthropy, and government. Our role is not to direct this movement, but to serve as a catalyst, convener, capacity-builder, and long-term partner—helping create the conditions where resident leadership can flourish and lasting systems change can emerge.
Join the movement
The future of Schenectady belongs to all of us. Whether you're a resident, student, educator, business owner, nonprofit leader, public servant, artist, or simply someone who loves this community, there is a place for you in ONE Schenectady.
You can take your first step today:
Sign the Declaration
Affirm your commitment to Organizing thriving communities for one and all, Nurturing our collective strengths, and Empowering inspiring change. You'll also receive invitations to future gatherings, opportunities to collaborate, and ways to share your own ideas and leadership.
Stay Connected
Receive stories, resources, events, and opportunities from The Schenectady Foundation and our community partners as we continue building ONE Schenectady together.
