IC-SS Weekly News: June 19, 2023
June 27: Donate Items, Socialize with Us!
Want to help asylum seekers and community members in our area? Join with friends and neighbors at Invisible Chicago-South Side’s Donation Social.
On Tuesday, June 27, 6:00-8:00 pm, we’re holding a social gathering in a Hyde Park home. (And, if the weather’s nice, we can eat, drink, and visit in the yard.) RSVP here.
We’ll serve a light meal with wine and beer and invite folks to bring beverages and treats if they wish.
Together, we’ll reconnect and gather much-needed items for asylum seekers sleeping at Chicago police stations and community members in need. RSVP here to get the address for our fun event.
We are asking people to bring any of the following items:
- New/packaged underwear (men’s especially needed)
- New socks
- New or gently used/clean duffle bags, backpacks, or small, carry-on suitcases.
RSVP here, and we’ll respond with the location of our Donation Social. Thank you, and see you soon!
SPECIAL NOTE: All are welcome at our event, whether or not you bring an item to donate. We know that many people are already volunteering their time and donating items or funds. And we welcome people who simply want to come and learn more. Please join us!
Chicago’s Asylum Seekers, Migrants
Last week at the Hideout, the citywide Indivisible Chicago Alliance hosted a conversation about how Chicago is managing shelter and other services for recent arrivals, including people seeking asylum. Watch the recording.
Guests were Madison Savedra of Block Club Chicago, and Juan-Antonio Montesinos, a leader of the Chicago Volunteer Police Station Response Team. See them on Indivisible Chicago’s Blue Thursday recording.
Freedom Over Fascism: Be a Messenger
Are you on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn? On the national level and in the states, we need to push back against the MAGA movement, which threatens our rights and freedoms. DemCast helps you use your social media to push back on right-wing messaging.
Be a digital messenger! Go to DemCast’s social media toolkit page to download images and GIFs (like the one below) and get suggested wording for your posts and tweets.
Find the GIF above in DemCast’s Freedom Over Fascism toolkit. And see all the toolkits here.
2nd District Council Updates
The 2nd police district covers much of Bronzeville, Kenwood, Hyde Park, and Washington Park. Last week, the 2nd District Council held its second public meeting.
District Councilors Julia Kline, Alexander Perez, and Ephraim Lee invite you to stay in touch and attend their monthly meetings (July date and location TBA).
District Councilors Julia Kline, Alexander Perez, Ephraim Lee + email list sign-up
To follow and communicate with the 2nd District Council:
- Read the most recent 2nd District Council newsletter.
- Watch the recording of the June meeting.
- Get on the 2nd District Council email list.
- Visit the 2nd District Council website.
- See the 2nd District council webpage at the City of Chicago website.
Need to check which district you live in? Find your police district (and ward) on this WBEZ interactive map. Or use this form on the CPD website.
Get info on Chicago’s 22 District Councils on this City webpage – understand the purpose of the District Councils and find information about each District Council.
Organizations and Opportunities
Indivisible Chicago-South Side shares information and actions from other organizations on issues important in our country, state, city, and communities.
South Shore CBA Summit – June 24
From Not Me We: In February, 88% of South Shore voters supported the referendum for a CBA ordinance. [CBA = Community Benefits Agreement. See details at South Side Weekly and Obama CBA Coalition website.] Mayor Johnson supports the ordinance, and 5th Ward Alderman Desmon Yancy has committed to moving the bill forward.
On Saturday, June 24, join Not Me We and the CBA Coalition at the CBA Summit to hear about the impact of displacement on our neighbors in South Shore, read and discuss the full text of the CBA housing ordinance before it is submitted to City Council, and learn how you can join the fight against displacement.
WHEN: Saturday June 24, 12:00-3:00 pm
WHERE: South Shore United Methodist Church, 7350 S. Jeffery Blvd
NOTE: Ald. Yancy has confirmed he will attend. Food & childcare will be provided.
INFO: See Facebook event. Questions? Call 312-880-7265.
TIRC Meeting – Wed. June 21st
To this day, people are incarcerated because they were tortured by police into making false confessions. Illinois’s Torture Inquiry and Relief Commission – TIRC – investigates claims that torture was used to obtain confessions leading to criminal convictions and, where warranted, provides claimants a means of relief.
From CAARPR: Calling all supporters to watch the TIRC meeting this Wednesday, June 21, 2:00 pm. Once the TIRC rules that they have a credible claim of torture, survivors can retry their case in court with a big shot at freedom. They need their community to pay attention to these meetings as they fight for justice.
How to attend: Find information on how to attend the TIRC Commission meeting this Wednesday – in person or online – on this TIRC event page.
Sign the Petition for Anthony Gay
From CAARPR: SIGN THE PETITION. Urge Congressman Jonathan Jackson & Senator Cory Booker to demand executive clemency from President Biden for activist and political prisoner Anthony Gay.
Subjected to 22 years of solitary confinement, Anthony resolved to save others from a similar fate. His tireless advocacy led to legislation limiting the use of solitary, but police quickly retaliated against him.
Tried on spurious charges, he now faces a 7-year prison sentence.
It’s time for Congress and President Biden to put an end to this cruel injustice. Add your voice to our call to free Anthony Gay.
Help Asylum Seekers & Local People in Need
How to help People in South Side Police Districts 2 & 3:
- Volunteer to drive meals! Pick up prepared meals (breakfast or dinner) in Lawndale and drive the meals to District 2 or 3 police stations. Get info and sign up.
- Volunteer to donate and deliver a lunch or hearty snack. Get info and sign up.
- Contact Julia Kline (text 773-398-2280) to arrange a donation of most-needed items*.
- Come to Indivisible Chicago-South Side’s Donation Social on June 27! See feature at beginning of this newsletter.
*Note: Depending on need, some items will be donated to community residents staying at local shelters as well as to new arrivals staying at police stations.
How to help People at Police Stations across Chicago:
- Donate funds to the Chicago Police Station Response Team webpage on the Open Collective website.
- Buy needed items on the Amazon wishlist administered by Instituto del Progeso Latino and shared by the City of Chicago.
- And check out this list of ways to help, compiled by South Side Weekly.
Newsletter Notes
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