Advocacy

Parent Organization
Description

The local chapter of an international human rights organization. Seeks to end human rights violations worldwide through letter-writing and community education campaigns. AI Group 50 meets the first Monday of every month at 7:15 PM. We meet at Alice Millar Chapel classroom 204 on the Northwestern University campus in Evanston.

Public Notes

Meetings are held the first Monday of every month (except for holidays) at 7:15 p.m. in Parkes Hall, adjacent to the Alice Millar Chapel at Chicago Avenue and Sheridan Road in Evanston.

Organization Name
Address
1515 E 52nd Place
Chicago, IL
60615
Phone Number
(872) 333-5199
Description

Brave Space Alliance is the first Black-led, trans-led LGBTQ+ Center located on the South Side of Chicago, and designed to create and provide affirming and culturally competent services for the entire LGBTQ+ community of Chicago. Due to discrimination and harassment, many LGBTQ+ people struggle to obtain resources. BSA provides educational and access-based programming to provide community members with what is needed to survive and thrive. All programming, services, and resources are intended for BIPOC trans and gender-nonconforming individuals. BSA also supports individuals and organizations in building networks and strategies. Our trainings and workshops are intergenerational and intersectional, for people of all ages interested in anti-oppression and movement building.

Access the BSA Trans Resource List for wellness, housing, community and support, food and nutrition, employment, and health resources in the area.

Organization Name
Address
329 W. 18th Street, Suite 506 , Chicago, IL
60616
Contact Person
Executive Director, Clifton Williams
Phone Number
312-421-8040
Fax
312-421-8466
Description

Educational arts nonprofit organization whose mission is to foster inclusive communities through oral history, writing and art programs that improve student learning, affirm identity and enhance cross-cultural understanding. In-school and after-school programs, community outreach progamming, professional development workshops and traveling exhibits. Formerly the Shanti Foundation.

Address
750 N. Lake Shore Drive, 4th Floor, Chicago IL
60611
Contact Person
Malcolm Rich, Executive Director
Phone Number
312-988-6565
Fax
312-397-1338
Description

Chicago Appleseed Fund for Justice is an impact research, education and advocacy organization that works to achieve fundamental, systemic reform by addressing policies and practices that relate to social justice and government effectiveness issues. Chicago Appleseed is part of a national network of public interest law centers working through and with Appleseed in Washington, D.C.

Address
535-A1 Custer Ave, A1 Evanston, IL
60202
Phone Number
847-475-3692
Description

Chicago Area Peace Action (CAPA) is a coalition of engaged people who share a commitment to peace through justice. We focus on the issues of: Military Spending, Nuclear Arms Abolition, Climate Change, Nuclear Energy and the U.S. in Conflict.

Public Notes

Hosts several forums a year; publishes a quarterly newsletter.
Schedules meetings with elected officials, provides guest speakers for events.
Maintains a resource library on peace and justice issues.

Organization Name
Address
Evanston Vocational School:
2101 Dempster
Evanston, IL 60201

Administrative Offices:
P.O. Box 63
South Holland, IL 60473
60201
Contact Person
Glenn Spoolstra
Phone Number
708-331-3301 x102
Description

Chicagoland Prison Outreach exists to ministers to those who have been incarcerated, and their families by providing chaplaincy services, Vocational training, food assistance, compassionate products such as school supplies, Thanksgiving baskets, and Christmas gifts for the children. The goal of Chicagoland Prison Outreach is to build relationships with those that have been incarcerated to help restore them to society, and assist their families during the transition. We also provide trauma coaching/counseling to support both those that are incarcerated, and their families. This process will help to reduce recidivism.

Website Address
Address
413 West Monroe, 1st Floor Springfield, IL
62701
Contact Person
Kate Buchanan (Chicago area)
Contact Email
Phone Number
217-528-4409
Fax
217-528-6498
Description

State association that builds public support for addressing the needs of children and families and improving the delivery of social services to the abused, neglected, and troubled children, youth and families of Illinois.

Contact Person
Ramona Meher, Past President
Phone Number
847-570-0720
Description

A group of Evanston citizen advocates interested in issues impacting our beaches and lakefront, including wastewater disposal and the proposed Evanston marina. This group is not active following the city's decision to withdraw plans for a lakefront marina; however, persons with questions or concerns may contact Ramona Meher.

Contact Person
Hal Sprague, President
Description

Citizens’ Greener Evanston works to make Evanston a more environmentally just, sustainable, and resilient community. Through community education and advocacy we’re working on climate change, environmental justice, energy efficiency and renewable energy, transportation, natural habitat, local food, and clean water. New members welcome!

Organization Name
Address
728 Noyes Street, Unit 3H, Evanston, IL
60201
Contact Person
David Galloway, AIA
Phone Number
847.492.9509
Fax
312.880.1200
Description

Design Evanston is a not-for-profit design advocacy organization devoted to encouraging and recognizing good design in the City of Evanston. The organization is composed of design professionals and other concerned citizens who live or work in Evanston.

Membership meets generally once a month, often the third Tues or Wed. at City Hall, Rm 3650.

Address
1740 Ridge Ave. STE LL15B
Evanston
60201
Contact Person
Kate Noble
Contact Email
Phone Number
847- 556-8676
Description

Evanston CASE provides community, advocacy, support and education services for Evanston families impacted by disability. Our Parent Connections programs offer supportive spaces for parents/caregivers to share experiences and receive information from others who “get it.” Our Empowering Parent Partners” program matches trained Partner Volunteers to guide and accompany parents/caregivers at their special education school meetings. We also offer professional advocacy consultation services to prepare parents to successfully navigate the special education process.

Address
1560 Sherman Avenue, Suite 535 Evanston, IL
60201
Contact Person
Sara Schastok, CEO/President
Phone Number
847-492-0990
Fax
847-492-0904
Description

The Evanston Community Foundation is a philanthropic organization dedicated to enriching Evanston and the lives of its people, now and in the future. The Foundation builds and manages more than 60 distinct funds, addressing Evanston's changing needs through grantmaking, and provides leadership on important community issues.
Largest single fund is CommunityWorks with its mandate, Every Evanston child ready for kindergarten and every youth ready for work.
The All Our Sons fund supports programs for young males and encourages boys and young men to become full members of the community.
Leadership Evanston trains participants in community leadership skills, in order to develop leadership potential and community engagement in individuals living or working in Evanston.

Address
2024 McCormick Blvd, Evanston
60201
Contact Person
Matt Poole, Recreation Manager
Phone Number
847-448-8256
Description

Built on the grounds of the Ladd Arboretum, 17 acres of park land with a bird sanctuary and bicycle path, the Evanston Ecology Center serves as a focal point for environmental education and volunteerism in the community. Offers a wide range of programs to community members of all ages including School Programs, Community Gardening, and Summer Camps. Operated by the City of Evanston with support from the Evanston Environmental Association.
Hours: Mon - Fri, 8:30am - 5:00pm year round
Open weekends for programs and rentals.

Contact Person
Steve Perkins
Contact Email
Phone Number
773-269-4055
Parent Organization
Description

Challenges Evanston’s religious congregations to be active stewards of the environment; provides resource support, workshops and opportunities for joint projects. Usually meets the fourth Tuesday, September–June, 7–9 PM, Evanston Friends Meeting House, 1010 Greenleaf.

Public Notes

Faith in Place encourages people of all faiths to integrate teachings with economic and ecological practices and work together for an economically just and ecologically sustainable shared future.
Encourages people of all faiths to integrate teachings with economic and ecological practices and work together for an economically just and ecologically sustainable shared future.

Organization Name
Address
2113 Greenleaf St.
Unit #6
Evanston, IL
60202
Phone Number
(224) 408-0579
Description

Somos una organización de promoción de la equidad e inclusión para la comunidad inmigrante, indocumentada, familias de estatus mixto y la comunidad latinx en Evanston.

We are an organization promoting equity and inclusion for the immigrant, undocumented community, mixed status families and Latinx community in Evanston.

Recursos /Resources

Address
2010 Dewey Avenue, Suite 302A, Evanston, IL
60201
Contact Person
Dr. Michael C. R. Nabors, President
Contact Email
Phone Number
847-864-0038
Fax
847-663-5318
Parent Organization
Description

The Evanston/North Shore Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People was founded in 1915. Its primary focus is the protection and enhancement of the civil rights of African Americans and other minorities.

See website for meeting information.

Address
Family Focus, 2010 Dewey 3rd Floor, Evanston, IL
60201
Contact Person
Marie Toussaint, President of the Haitian Congress to Fortify Haiti
Phone Number
847-530-0851
Description

The mission of the group is to strengthen and organize members and friends of the Haitian community to make positive contributions towards the creation of a stable, peaceful and prosperous Haiti. Conducts Haiti relief efforts.  Haitian Congress PAC works towards a fully integrated partnership between Haitians within Haiti and those who are citizens of other countries. This partnership is a vital link to the sustainable development of Haiti.

Address
216 W. Jackson Blvd., Suite 700 Chicago IL
60606
Contact Email
Phone Number
312-357-4666
Fax
312-855-3291
Categories
Description

Assistance with U.S. citizenship, family member immigration, refugee and resettlement services.
Citizenship Preparation Programs.
North Suburban Office: 5150 W Golf Rd, Skokie, IL 60077, 847-568-5200
.

Website Address
Address
55 E Jackson Blvd #2075, Chicago, IL
60604
Contact Person
Lawrence Benito, Chief Executive Officer
Contact Email
Phone Number
312- 332-7360
Description

Educates and organizes immigrant and refugee communities to assert their rights; promotes citizenship and civic participation; monitors, analyzes, and advocates on immigrant-related issues; and, informs the general public about the contributions of immigrants and refugees.
Immigrant Family Resource Program Contact List.

Website Address
Address
1 West Old State Capitol Plaza, Suite 501, Springfield, IL 62701
62701
Contact Person
Ann Ford, Executive Director
Contact Email
Phone Number
(800) 587-1227 or (217) 525-1308. Both numbers are TTY compatible.
Fax
(217) 525-1312
Description

The Illinois Network of Centers for Independent Living is the statewide association representing the 22 Centers for Independent Living (CILs) in Illinois. INCIL is an authoritative source of information about the accomplishments and needs of Illinois CILs and about issues, services and legislation most critical to promote independent living for all persons with disabilities.

Organization Name
Address
807 Davis Street, Evanston, IL
60201
Phone Number
908-400-4345
Description

A local, grassroots organization dedicated to resisting the Trump agenda’s attempt to replace our democracy with authoritarian plutocracy. We work toward a fairer, more inclusive, and more diverse community and are committed to non-violence in all our actions. We meet at the Lorraine G. Morton Civic Center (2100 Ridge Ave.) roughly every 4-6 weeks.

Address
2906 Central St, PO Box 206, Evanston IL
60201
Phone Number
312-409-4845
Description

A predominantly Jewish organization advocating for a just peace between Israelis and Palestinians. Organizes monthly vigils around the Chicago area, provides speakers on Israeli-Palestinian issues.
Facebook Page

Description

The mission of Joining Forces for Affordable Housing is to advocate for affordable housing solutions by partnering with organizations that support people in need in North Suburban Cook County.
- We engage human services agencies and other organizations that serve people in need to mobilize their constituents to take action.
- We build on research and advocacy efforts that already exist—helping to expand their reach and their impact through our membership.
- We provide opportunities for individuals and organizations to learn about affordable housing and participate in advocacy at multiple levels.
- We seek to build awareness and support for affordable housing to pave the way for change.

Organization Name
Address
A JUST HARVEST, 7649 N. Paulina St., Chicago, IL. 60626, Northside P.O.W.E.R., 7659 N. Paulina St., Chicago, IL
60626
Contact Person
Christine Wellman, Office Manager, 773- 262-2297, christine@ajustharvest.org
Phone Number
773- 262-2297
Fax
773- 262-7872
Description

A Just Harvest's Community Kitchen serves dinner from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. on the weekends and national holidays. The Producemobile stops on the third Monday of every month(except January)from 9:00 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Northside P.O.W.E.R. works on issues that address the causes of hunger and poverty and recruits and trains community leaders.
Genesis Project seeks to create meaningful employment and economic opportunities for the community.

Public Notes

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 608033, Chicago, IL 60626

Organization Name
Website Address
Address
518 Davis, Suite 211, Evanston, IL
60201
Contact Person
Betsy Clarke
Contact Email
Phone Number
847-864-1567
Description

The Juvenile Justice Initiative (JJI) is a non-profit, statewide coalition of state and local organizations, advocacy groups, legal educators, practitioners, community service providers, and child advocates supported by private donations from foundations and individuals/entities.

JJI’s mission is to transform the juvenile justice system in Illinois by reducing reliance on confinement, enhancing fairness for all youth, and developing an adequate range of community-based resources.

Address
65 E. Wacker Place, Suite 2000
Chicago, IL
60601-7296
Contact Person
Brian J. Richardson, Regional Director
Phone Number
312-663-4413
Fax
312-663-4307
Parent Organization
Description

Lambda Legal is a national organization committed to achieving full recognition of the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people and those with HIV through impact litigation, education and public policy work.
The Midwest Regional Office accepts Help Desk calls at any time during business hours (M-F 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.).Lambda Legal's Help Desk staff respond directly to those who are seeking legal information and assistance with discrimination related to sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and HIV status.

Website Address
Address
2120 Lincoln St., Evanston, IL
60201-2282
Contact Person
Dr. Josefina Alvarez, Board President
Phone Number
847-328-6198
Fax
847-869-4701
Description

MHANS promotes mental wellness through education and advocacy. MHANS is an affiliate of Mental Health America (MHA), the nation's leading community-based nonprofit dedicated to addressing the needs of those living with mental illness and to promoting the overall mental health of all Americans. We raise awareness of mental health to reduce stigma, educate our community about mental wellness and in collaboration with others, advocate for mental health.

Organization Name
Address
P.O. Box 6471, Evanston, IL
60204-6471
Contact Person
Cathy Key-Payne and Wendy Weaver, Co-Founders
Description

Non-profit community group's mission is to improve the quality of life for African American males in the Evanston Community by strengthening family structure, improving the social economic, spiritual and educational conditions that affect the African American male. The outcome would be an end of the killing, violence and incarceration among young African American males in the Evanston Community.
Mentoring Programs and Healing Hearts, a bereavement support group.

Address
2534 Essex Drive Northbrook, IL
60062
Contact Email
Phone Number
(312) 933-0655
Description

Dedicated to furthering feminist causes for local women including issues of employment, sexual harassment, pay equity, reproductive choice, sexual violence, and educational issues. Community outreach, political activities and volunteering. Monthly meetings.

Public Notes

NW Suburban NOW and Evanston/North Shore NOW have recently merged.

Organization Name
Description

Neighbors for Peace is an independent organization consisting of individuals dedicated to promoting peace around the world. Sponsors films, speakers and discussions on peace and international relations. Weekly meetings on Thursdays, 7:30 p.m.

Website Address
Description

The North Shore Coalition for Peace and Justice (NSCPJ) is an alliance of organizations and individuals from Chicago and near north suburbs, united in support of an end to war and in the use of nonviolent methods of social change.

Website Address
Address
3411 W Diversey Avenue, #13, Chicago IL
60647
Contact Email
Phone Number
773-342-7650
Fax
Call first.
Description

Nuclear Energy Information Service is a non-profit organization committed to ending nuclear power through educating and organizing the public and advocating sustainable and ecologically sound energy alternatives.

Address
747 Custer Street, Evanston, IL
60202
Phone Number
224-392-9467
Description

Promotes unity among the Latino community with a vision to integrate it with the cultural diversity of Evanston. Works to increase the participation of the Spanish speaking community in local government and school districts, and to serve as a liaison when language is a barrier in public institutions.

Organization Name
Address
P.O. Box 6335 Evanston, IL
60204
Contact Person
Rhonda Present
Contact Email
Phone Number
847-864-4838
Description

Organization supporting and advocating for Illinois working parents and grandparents.

Organization Name
Contact Person
Dr. Audrey French
Phone Number
847-869-8814
Description

Purpose is to create safe, respectful cities by supporting the efforts of community members to promote respect and prevent violence. The goal is for Evanston to become a completely peaceable city by 2020.
With community partner organizations organizes the annual "Peaceable Cities Walk and Talk" held each September. This free walk through some of Evanston's neighborhoods is characterized by some participants as "speed dating for the whole city" as participants are invited every ten minutes to change who they are walking and talking with, giving everyone an opportunity to know new people and new stories of other Evanston residents. Also working on the creation of a Peaceable City Index, a set of indicators collected annually that will help all in Evanston know if the city is moving toward its goal of becoming violence-free.

Address
1003 Dobson, Evanston, IL

60202-3816
Contact Person
Emily Guthrie, President
Phone Number
847-867-4826
Description

A nonprofit 501c3 citizen advocacy group dedicated to preserving the architectural and visual character of Evanston by raising public awareness and appreciation. Maintains a separate, but complimentary relationship with the Evanston Preservation Commission.

Board meets regularly.

Organization Name
Address
SHAREcircle Angola University Project
726 Monroe Street, Evanston, IL
60202-2613
Contact Person
Guerra Freitas
Phone Number
847.491.0800, Ext. 106
Description

SHARE partners with Angolans to promote sustainable social and economic development in Angola through education, healthcare support, and employment services.

Angola Mailing Address
SHAREcircle
c/o Pastor Antunes Feliciano
Rua Artur Paiva
Caixa Postal #96
Kuito, Bié, Angola

Website Address
Address
5537 N. Broadway St. Chicago, IL
60640
Contact Email
Phone Number
773-989-9400
Fax
773-989-9494
Description

TPAN provides healthcare and empowers people affected by HIV and health disparities. Our programs and services include peer-led programming, youth services, mental health and group therapy and counseling, education, patient/client advocacy, and services for older adults. We provide care to a broad community of people affected by HIV and health challenges, including LGBTQ individuals, people of color, and vulnerable individuals from across the Chicago metropolitan area.

Hours of operation:
Monday – Thursday: 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
Friday: 9:00 am – 3:30 pm

Website Address
Address
203 N LaSalle, Suite 2100
Chicago, IL
60601
Contact Email
Phone Number
(312) 558-1472
Description

We provide free, life and gender-affirming legal services to everyone on the gender spectrum regardless of financial status. We especially prioritize folks who are low-income and street-based transgender and gender-nonconforming people targeted by the criminal legal system.

We create and distribute information, resources, and training curriculum for trans and gender non-conforming community members. We also provide workshops for organizations and groups looking to learn more about allyship for the trans, sex worker, and incarcerated communities.

We work when it’s best for our clients and best for our staff.

Official hours:

M/T/W/TH/F: 9:30am-5:30pm

S/Sat: Closed

Organization Name
Website Address
Address
1702 Chicago Ave., Evanston, IL
60201
Contact Person
Venue Manager
Contact Email
Phone Number
847-475-3800
Fax
847-491-9750
Description

The Woman's Club of Evanston, founded in 1889, is a nonprofit organization of over 400 women from the North Shore and Chicago dedicated to community service, philanthropic work and friendship. Annual events are: Holiday Bazaar (November), Annual Benefit Dinner and Revue Show (March), Dreams Delivered (April), and Spring Benefit (May). Supports many local social service agencies with donations and volunteer service. Clubhouse, 1702 Chicago Ave., at the corner of Church Street and Chicago Avenue, is available for rentals.

Public Notes

For general inquiries about The Woman’s Club of Evanston, as well as private event usage such as weddings:

Venue Manager
847-475-3800
manager@wcofe.org

For information about membership in The Woman’s Club of Evanston:

WCE Assistant Membership Chair
membership@wcofe.org

Website Address
Address
1730 Chicago Ave., Evanston, IL
60201
Contact Person
Rita Kaye Wert
Phone Number
800-755-1321
Fax
866- 503-WCTU (9288) (Toll-Fre
Description

Organization devoted to total abstinence from alcohol. Publishes factual, current information about alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs for pre-school children through adults.

Offers annual essay contest for children grades 4-12.

Public Notes

For information about the history of the WCTU, Frances Willard, or historical temperance issues, please contact the Frances Willard Memorial Library and Archives in Evanston, Illinois.

You may leave a message at 847-864-1397, or send your inquiry by email to archives@franceswillardhouse.org. Please put "Reference Inquiry" in the subject line of your email message. You may send an inquiry by postal mail to:
Frances Willard Memorial Library and Archives
1730 Chicago Ave.
Evanston, Illinois 60201.

The Frances Willard House in Evanston, Illinois, is open for guided tours on the first and third Sundays of each month from 1 pm to 4 pm (except holidays). Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under; there is no charge for members of the WCTU or Frances Willard Historical Association . The Willard House Museum is also open for special tours by appointment. If you would like information about the Willard House, or to arrange a tour or become a docent, please call calling 847.328.7500, email tours@franceswillardhouse.org, or visit the website at www.franceswillardhouse.org.

Organization Name
Address
Annenberg Hall, 2120 Campus Drive, Evanston, IL
60208
Contact Person
Dr. Jian Cao, Principal
Phone Number
(847) 251- 4368
Parent Organization
Description

Sunday Chinese School that offers classes in Chinese, and Chinese culture, arts and crafts, dance Kungfu, and TaiChi, for children age five and up, and for adults. Also offers enrichment classes in Math, SAT/ACT preparation.

Public Notes

Summer session 2008

There are many Xilin Chinese Schools in the Chicago area but so far as I can tell none at NU (PLW 6/10/2015)

Today a reader, tomorrow a leader.

Translate »