

Designing for Community
Design is a response to social change.
- George Nelson
You've been listening. You've been observing. You've been watching. And you know—something has to change. So you ask yourself, "What can I do?"
The truth is, activism takes many forms—big and small—and every effort makes a difference.
Join us for a hands-on workshop where we’ll share practical tools to help you start or strengthen your journey as a force for positive change. Whether you're picking up litter on your block, starting a community garden, getting to know your neighbors, joining a committee, or advocating for a cause, the most important step is simply getting started.
Let’s explore how you can take action—your way.
ABOUT DESIGNER(S)
Verónica M. Ayala-Flores firmly believes in everyone's ability to participate in a greater conversation; one that affects the way we live, and the pursuit to improve it. For over a decade, in both volunteer and professional capacities, she has been facilitating collaborations, organizing, developing strategies, leading creative initiatives, and building the skills of leaders to advance social transformation.
Erike De Veyra, designer, project manager, and founder/head coach of Design Gym, demystifying design to designers of all ages and levels through tools, activities, workshops, experiences, and providing expertise to increase access and representation in the design industry. Erike uses (her twenty years) of training and experience in architecture to design and develop initiatives, public programs, and experiences for clients and the design curious.
Design a Doodad is a Design Gym (@designgym.co ) series of hands-on workshops for all ages that are design-curious, enthusiasts, converted + professionals to learn about design foundation principles in the disciplines of architecture, fashion, graphic + textile design to name a few. Design Gym makes design accessible through tools, activities, projects + experiences because everyone can be a designer. Flex your creativity with us!
Age Requirement: All ages, any youth 14 and under should be accompanied by a grown up
Design Level: [take the quiz!] Ranging from curious, enthusiast, converted + professional
Design Discipline/Interest: all design, community design, design strategies, urban design
LOCATION DESCRIPTION
Accessibility:
There is a zero-step entrance into the building with steps and chair lift to bring you to our floor.
Upon reaching our floor it ramps down to our studio.
The building was an existing building, in our space there is small 1.5- to 3-inch lip between the two areas of our space that has been highlighted with purple light to see the change in levels.
One accessible bathroom are available on our floor.
Please reach out with other specific accessibility questions or requests and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.
Available on-site:
Two bathrooms on our level, with one (1) accessible bathroom.
There is a communal kitchen with a sink, microwave, and a refrigerator.
Water fountain and refilling station.
Travel details:
Silk Screen Studios is located in the Norris Square neighborhood in North Philadelphia/Olde Kensington area of Philadelphia.
Walking: Cross-streets of Hancock and Berks.
Biking:
Bring your bike into the building, or use the bike room is in the loading dock area along Hancock Street
Indego Bike Stations available at 2nd & Norris Sts (2 blocks away), Front & Berks Sts/Berks MFL (3 blocks away)
Accessible via SEPTA:
Berks stop on the Market-Frankford Line (3 blocks away)
Bus Route: 3 on Berks Street, 57 on N. American Street (2 blocks away)
Driving: Street parking is available immediately on the block of the building, and two-hour parking north of Berks Street.
Health Precautions:
Masks are optional, but are encouraged for any attendees who choose to wear one. We respect our guests choices on this matter.
If you are not feeling well, please consider wearing a mask or joining us at the next workshop.