The first Civic Service Fair at Oak Park-River Forest High School was a well organized event with about 20 different organizations participating. There were tables set up in the south cafeteria where students could travel from table to table getting information from various organizations. Students were supposed to visit at least 5 tables and write up what they learned. Students then rotated into the Little Theater for a panel presentation by 6-9 people. Elected officials who spoke were Sen. Don Harmon, Rep. Camille Lily, Trustee Ravi Parakaat, and U.S. Congressman Danny Davis. There were three panel sessions, and the elected officials were at some but not all of them. Hepzibah, Opportunity Knocks, and our League were also on the panels. We were given 3-4 minutes to talk about our journey with service. 

Take aways? Our LWV OPRF definitely needs to develop more volunteer opportunities for young people. We were hard pressed to offer any at this time. We will be receiving the list of all the organizations that were present. We could benefit from networking with them and perhaps invite them to talk about their programs at a Second Tuesday or Drinks and Dialogue.

There will be another fair in January for the second semester classes. Well worth being there! Thanks to Marsha Borders and Peggy Kell for representing the League at this event.

As more and more local newspapers close throughout the country, the League’s Observer Corps often find themselves playing a key role in community education and engagement. The League’s Observer Corps helps ensure that citizens are aware of the decisions that impact their lives, thereby promoting government transparency and accountability. League members can contribute to the civic health of their communities by joining or starting an Observer Corps! Sign up for the Saturday, September 9, 10:00-11:00am virtual training session here.

Mark your calendar now for Tuesday, September 19 at 6:30pm for our big Fall Kick-off event in the Veterans Room at Oak Park Main Library: Make Every Vote Count: Ideas for Electoral Innovation.

Our speakers will be Andrew Szilva, Fair Vote Illinois, who will discuss Ranked Choice Voting, and Sylvie Doppelt, Institute for Political Innovation, who will explain Final Five Voting. The presentation will include a demonstration of the suggested changes to our voting system, followed by questions and answers. Free and open to the public. Invite your friends!

On September 9, from Noon-5:00pm, Barrie Fest at Barrie Park, 1011 S. Lombard, Oak Park, will feature free activities for kids, business and organizational booths, and bicycle repair from Wheel & Sprocket. The League will have an informational table at this event. If you would be interested in covering a shift, please contact Beverly Graham.

Oak Parkers are invited to safely dispose of sensitive documents and foam products having the No. 6 symbol at a free paper shredding and foam recycling event scheduled from 9:ooam to Noon, Saturday, September 23, at the Public Works Center, 201 South Blvd. For more information on this event, go here.

Remember, to be included in our directory, you must renew your membership by September 10. Go to our website and pay online or download the mail-in form if you want to pay with a check.

Is fixing Democracy partisan?? Read an opinion piece in the Washington Post by Danielle Allen and see what you think.

The Illinois Legislature passed SB2123 and it went into effect on August 4, 2023 as Public Act 103-0467. Read what this means for voters here.

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