IC-SS Weekly News: June 26, 2023
Donation Social – See You Tomorrow
Have you signed up? There’s still time. Join us TOMORROW with friends and neighbors at Invisible Chicago-South Side’s Donation Social, Tuesday, June 27, 6:00-8:00 pm in Hyde Park.
We’ll gather to socialize, collect key items needed by asylum seekers or community residents, and share resources for further action. RSVP here to get the address.
We’ll serve pizza with wine, beer, and soft drinks, and we invite folks to bring beverages and treats if they wish.
If you’re able*, we ask if you can 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 tomorrow at 6:00.
*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. We welcome people who simply want to come and learn more. Please join us!
In Chicago, Act for Democracy in Ohio
Never forget: the front line in the attack on democracy are the statehouses and states…. The worst damage being done to America’s democracy is happening below the radar, back in states.
~David Pepper, here + here
Defend Democracy in Ohio
You care about democracy. This July, here’s a new way to defend it.
“It seems that Ohio Republicans are trying to pull a fast one, literally, to sneak into law an anti-abortion/anti-democracy measure in the dead of August when nobody is looking,” writes Mike Lenehan with the Indivisible Chicago Alliance. (Read about Ohio’s Issue1 here and here.)
ACT
1. 
Phonebank with Indivisible Chicago Alliance (ICA). From your home, use your laptop and phone to urge Ohio voters to vote NO on Issue 1. You’ll jump on Zoom to get clear training and ongoing support from friendly ICA leaders. Info/Sign-up
Sign up for one or all the July phonebanks (5:00-7:00 pm on Wed July 5, Tues July 11, Tues July 18). Get info & sign up
2. 
Write letters to Ohio voters with Indivisible Chicago-South Side. Join our Vote Forward leader Steve Kagan Wednesday, July 19 and Wednesday, July 26, 6:00-8:00 pm at the Nile Restaurant outdoor patio (indoors if weather is bad). Sign up here.
We’ll provide a few appetizers for the table and encourage everyone to support the Nile by purchasing their own meals and soft drinks. The Nile is BYOB, so feel free to bring your favorite wine or beer. Sign up!
A few of our Nile letter writers last summer – join us again!
IC-SS at Chicago Pride
Members of Indivisible Chicago-South Side marched with the Indivisible Chicago Alliance and Equality Illinois contingent at Sunday’s Chicago Pride Parade, demanding LGBTQ+ rights and immigrant rights.
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 – Protect South Shore Residents
In South Shore, both renters and condo owners are increasingly concerned about whether they can afford to stay in their homes. “South Shore has experienced the largest share of homes for sale bought by investors than any other neighborhood in the city, raising concerns over housing affordability,” writes Manny Ramos of the Illinois Answers Project.
A full house at 6/24 South Shore CBA Summit, organized by Not Me We (All photos: Betsy Rubin)
And many people who rent in South Shore find their landlords do not maintain their properties in safe, clean, or comfortable conditions. (See, for example, this story in Block Club Chicago.)
South Shore residents would like to see their neighborhood benefit from the presence of the Obama Center, not be disadvantaged by it. An overwhelming majority strongly support a Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) to prevent displacement resulting from the development of the center.
This past Saturday, the advocacy organization Not Me We and the Obama CBA Coalition held a CBA Summit for South Shore. They shared the community demands for a CBA. Read a summary of the proposed CBA for South Shore and find a more detailed document here.
Alders Desmon Yancy (5th ward) and Jeanette Taylor (20th ward) both attended the summit and voiced strong support for a South Shore CBA ordinance. Ald. Yancy’s ward includes South Shore. The other alder whose ward includes South Shore is Ald. Greg Mitchell (7th ward); Ald. Greg Mitchell didn’t speak at the summit.
ACT:
- Learn more about the South Shore CBA here.
- Contact your alder and tell them you count on them to support the South Shore CBA to prevent displacement of South Shore residents from their homes.
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.
- Come to Indivisible Chicago-South Side’s Donation Social on June 27 (tomorrow)! See feature at beginning of this newsletter.
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.
