Grassroots Power Hour Deepens Organizing Efforts
Recent federal policy decisions around immigration and criminal justice have had a marked impact on the daily lives of many Chicagoans, and particularly those in the Marquette Park area. Recognizing the growing importance of accessible community organizing spaces, IMAN established weekly Grassroots Power Hour sessions to serve the needs of local individuals and families navigating our quickly shifting political landscape. Over 300 community members have been engaged thus far through the Grassroots Power Hour initiative, invigorating our base of local leaders.
Grassroots Power Hour is vital space for residents from across the city to come together for education and relationship-building. Through genuine relationships, IMAN has been able to collectively build power that has fueled our organizing work over the last 20 years, allowing us to push for the types of policies and neighborhood transformation that our communities so desperately need. Grassroots Power Hour has also opened up space for healing through artistic expression and self-care, access to legal counsel, and training around organizing concepts.
Throughout the year, IMAN organizers dug deep into issues of food justice, immigration and national security, utilizing IMAN’s organizing model to equip our communities with the tools and education necessary to navigate the shifting landscape. Legal professionals operating in various spheres presented on topics ranging from students’ rights to safe police interactions, creating a practical, community-driven environment. Grassroots Power Hour will resume in 2018, and for more information please contact Organizer Sara Hamdan at sara@imancentral.org