The invitation was extended to all: Come sit with neighbors to learn about the transformative work of United Power for Action and Justice. Come share a bit about where you yearn to see change in our city and our country.
On June 17, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church graciously hosted 50 or so folks who came to connect. Oak Parker Nick Brunick described United Power as a nonpartisan community organization made up of 38 religious congregations, nonprofit groups, hospitals, health centers, and civic groups. It works to turn problems into actionable issues, to identify practical solutions that can deliver concrete progress on these issues, and then relentlessly organizes people and money to bring these solutions to reality.
United Power brings people together across worldly boundaries of race, class, faith, geography, and ideology. It has worked successfully over the years on a diverse array of issues, such as housing, health care, public safety, homelessness, reclaiming and rebuilding neighborhoods and gun violence.
United Power’s Reclaiming Chicago initiative, for example, has built new and rehabbed energy-efficient homes in Back of the Yards, Roseland, Chicago Lawn, and Lawndale with the ultimate goal of building 2,000 homes in disinvested communities.
We broke into small listening groups and took turns responding to two prompts: “Why are you here? Tell a story that explains why you get involved in public issues?” and “What gives you hope? Or what keeps you up at night? Tell a story that explains why you care about a particular issue that you would like to help address.” We heard stories about affordable housing, education, protecting and welcoming our immigrant neighbors, protecting and expanding our democracy, access to health care, and rising property taxes.
Oak Parker Celine Woznica provided a powerful illustration of citizens harnessing their hope – the remarkable evolution and impact of interfaith Migrant Ministries (now housed at St. Bernardine’s in Forest Park), fueled and organized by folks deeply committed to caring for migrant families.
We closed with words by the late Joanna Macy, co-author of the book Active Hope: How to Face the Mess We’re in without Going Crazy. This passage from her poem “Grace and the Great Turning” beautifully invites each of us into the work.
… Our true power comes as a gift, like grace, because in truth it is sustained by others. If we practice drawing on the wisdom and beauty and strengths of our fellow humans and our fellow species we can go into any situation and trust that the courage and intelligence required will be supplied.
United Power for Action and Justice is an independent, self-funding organization of churches, synagogues, mosques, civic, neighborhood, and health institutions from across Cook County. People are involved in the work of United Power through one of these organizations. To learn more about how you can get involved, contact one of United Power’s existing members in Oak Park or explore how your organization can become involved. Amy Totsch is the lead organizer (Amy.totsch@gmail.com).
Tara Meyer Dull is an Oak Park resident and member of United Power for Action and Justice.