The Department of Play (DoP) is a working group of researchers, students, and community practitioners who share a common passion: designing appropriate technology and methods to empower youth and their communities. In particular, the Department of Play initiative aims to develop an easy-to-use, open-source digital toolkit to foster youth participation, social inclusion and local civic engagement. Among other things, we are implementing a multi-channel neighborhood communication system that combines email, SMS and regular touchtone phones to help young people organize and promote block parties, games, performances and other events in the places where they live.