Commons Connections  

March 2014

  

Over the past couple of years, Chicago Commons has experienced significant growth and change in our program areas, administration and donor base. As a way to keep up with the progress and engage a new group of savvy, committed professionals,  we are launching the Chicago Commons Emerging Leadership Council (CELC).

 

This active group of young professionals will commit their skills, energy and networks toward impactful volunteerism, awareness building and financial support of our organization. The Council will serve as a catalyst to ignite the next generation of Chicago Commons' supporters and serve as the pipeline of new Governing Board members.

 

We are excited to add this new component to our volunteer structure and begin working with the new CELC members.

 

If you are interested or know someone interested in being a part of the CELC, please contact Sarah Frick at [email protected].

 

Sincerely, 

 

Edgar Ramriez

President and CEO

Chicago Commons

 

 

Commons Around Town

On March 18, Donors Forum hosted their annual Member and Partner Breakfast featuring a keynote speech and panel discussion that included Chicago Commons President and CEO Edgar Ramirez.

 

Robert L. Gallucci, President of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, gave the keynote address about the crisis in and conditions of America's democracy, and the roles that grantmakers and nonprofits can play in strengthening it. 

 

Following the speech, Diana Hess, Senior Vice President of The Spencer Foundation, began the panel discussion that explored how local nonprofits are addressing some of the issues facing America's democracy through strategies of community organizing, engagement and advocating for electoral reform. The other panelists included Ryan Blitstein, President and CEO of CHANGE Illinois; Byron Hobbs, Executive Director of SOUL (Southsiders Organized for Unity and Liberation)

 

Commons Advocacy

This week, Chicago Commons submitted a testimony to the House Appropriations Elementary and  Secondary Education Committee in regards to the FY15 Illinois State Board of Education budget.

 

We are urging the members of this committee to restore funding to the Early Childhood Block Grant (ECBG) and bilingual education. Full testimony here

 

On March 12, Edgar Ramirez testified in front of the Illinois House of Representatives Appropriations Committee on Human Services on behalf of Chicago Commons. We are advocating for continued funding for the Community Care Program (CCP) in FY15. The CCP helps senior citizens, who might otherwise need nursing home care, to remain in their own homes by providing in-home and community-based services. Full testimony here 

 
Commons in the News
Minority Report: Edgar Ramirez
Chicago Sun-Times Minority Report: Edgar Ramirez
The interview highlights Edgar's career and new role at Chicago Commons.

 

Please make sure to check our newsroom regularly for the latest news and happenings on Chicago Commons.

 

 Pour Out Your Heart for Commons 

 
Please save the date for our 2014 wine tasting event at a new venue! 
 
Friday, November 14 

 

Visit our website for ways to support families.
Save the Date
Friday, March 28
8:30 a.m.
 
Thursday, May 15
8:30 a.m.

Shoreacres

Mon., June 23

 

2014 Pour Out Your Heart

Galleria Marchetti

Friday, November 14

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Thank you!

We appreciate your continued support of Chicago Commons. In these challenging times, it is valued more than ever! Click here to find out how you can support Chicago Commons or contact Sarah Frick at (773) 826-3607 or by email to discuss how you can help.