Actions and successes since the Delegate Assembly last June
On June 16th, 350 leaders gathered to celebrate our victories and address public business with Chairman Dan Cronin. At that action we received a public commitment to identify county funds and help leverage private funds to support expanding and improving after school programs in low-income communities in DuPage. Chairman Cronin also committed to work with county board members and county staff to support a less restrictive zoning measure for places of assembly (including congregations).
On December 20, 2011, a team of about 20 leaders from 10 different institutions met at the DuPage Forest Preserve board meeting.
On June 16th, 350 leaders gathered to celebrate our victories and address public business with Chairman Dan Cronin. At that action we received a public commitment to identify county funds and help leverage private funds to support expanding and improving after school programs in low-income communities in DuPage. Chairman Cronin also committed to work with county board members and county staff to support a less restrictive zoning measure for places of assembly (including congregations).
On December 20, 2011, a team of about 20 leaders from 10 different institutions met at the DuPage Forest Preserve board meeting.
Governor Quinn signed a bill allowing county boards to require all appointed commissions to submit financial, contract and personnel information. This is a very good step in holding appointed commissions (i.e. water commissions, housing authorities) accountable. At the bill-signing ceremony, DuPage United was recognized for playing a critical role in government reform in DuPage County.
DuPage United was awarded the Interfaith Unity Award by the Islamic Society of North America for their work in interfaith and justice.
13 pastors and lay leaders from DuPage United and Fox River Valley completed 5-days (35 hours) of IAF Leadership Training.
Successfully worked to decrease restrictions and remove the ban prohibiting places of assembly and worship from building OR expanding in residential unincorporated DuPage County
Brought concerns to the College of DuPage Board of Trustees regarding the significant enrollment drop and sharp decrease in hours offered for tuition-free English as a Second Language (ESL), and met with the Dean of Continuing Education over unspent funds received from the state and federal governments for ESL and other Adult Ed classes. DuPage United discovered that over $1 million of these outside funds were being used for other purposes at COD while the administration claimed that ESL was costing $1 million in local tax subsidies. The Dean presented this correct information to the Trustees on Sept. 16. In addition, there are more classes on campus for spring, including some popular intense classes that had been discontinued. Free books are being offered for ESL, and DuPage United has established a good working relationship with the department.
DuPage United was awarded the Interfaith Unity Award by the Islamic Society of North America for their work in interfaith and justice.
13 pastors and lay leaders from DuPage United and Fox River Valley completed 5-days (35 hours) of IAF Leadership Training.
Successfully worked to decrease restrictions and remove the ban prohibiting places of assembly and worship from building OR expanding in residential unincorporated DuPage County
Brought concerns to the College of DuPage Board of Trustees regarding the significant enrollment drop and sharp decrease in hours offered for tuition-free English as a Second Language (ESL), and met with the Dean of Continuing Education over unspent funds received from the state and federal governments for ESL and other Adult Ed classes. DuPage United discovered that over $1 million of these outside funds were being used for other purposes at COD while the administration claimed that ESL was costing $1 million in local tax subsidies. The Dean presented this correct information to the Trustees on Sept. 16. In addition, there are more classes on campus for spring, including some popular intense classes that had been discontinued. Free books are being offered for ESL, and DuPage United has established a good working relationship with the department.
DuPage United was awarded $50,000 grant from Catholic Campaign for Human Development.
A team of leaders from DuPage United, Lake County United, United Power for Action and Justice met with Minority Leaders of the IL House and Senate (Rep. Cross and Sen. Radogna) to discuss a working relationship on our important issues.
A team of leaders met with Rep. Senger and Rep. Pihos to discuss the statewide health insurance exchange, which will determine the process by which about 1.4 million individuals and small businesses in IL will shop for and obtain health insurance.
Leaders from DuPage United, Lake County United, United Power for Action and Justice met to plan regional retreat on August 14th.
Leaders in the Fox River Valley are in the final stages of raising enough money to hire a second organizer, allowing an expansion of DuPage United to include Aurora, Elgin, Batavia, St. Charles and Geneva.
Action teams have met to continue research and establish strategies:
* English as a Second Language / Jobs and Job Training
* Government Reform
* Youth (after school programs)
* Affordable Housing for Seniors (including religious dietary needs)
A team of leaders from DuPage United, Lake County United, United Power for Action and Justice met with Minority Leaders of the IL House and Senate (Rep. Cross and Sen. Radogna) to discuss a working relationship on our important issues.
A team of leaders met with Rep. Senger and Rep. Pihos to discuss the statewide health insurance exchange, which will determine the process by which about 1.4 million individuals and small businesses in IL will shop for and obtain health insurance.
Leaders from DuPage United, Lake County United, United Power for Action and Justice met to plan regional retreat on August 14th.
Leaders in the Fox River Valley are in the final stages of raising enough money to hire a second organizer, allowing an expansion of DuPage United to include Aurora, Elgin, Batavia, St. Charles and Geneva.
Action teams have met to continue research and establish strategies:
* English as a Second Language / Jobs and Job Training
* Government Reform
* Youth (after school programs)
* Affordable Housing for Seniors (including religious dietary needs)