Getting Involved (Chicago, Champaign, Bridgeport: crime, neighborhood, live in)

[jpramire]

Hi all,

I have been reading various threads on this board for awhile now. I find many of them to be very informative and interesting.

I would like to ask the members if they could provide me with some insight. I'd like to become more involved with the city in something of a political/activist role. Does anybody have any ideas on where to start? To give you an idea about what I am thinking - one thought I have had is to go to my local alderman's office and ask how I can help out in the community. Is this a good idea? Should I find a local politician whose views I agree with and ask to help out in his or her campaign?

I do have some relatively strong political aspirations; but, mostly, I think it'd be nice to try and become more involved in the inner-workings of the city. Having a solid education and a good background, I think I could be of some assistance to our city.

For your reference. I am a young working professional and I live in Bridgeport. I have lived in Chicago nearly all my life - except for a short spurt in Champaign. All and all, I just want to begin to have an impact on my community; and, eventually in some of the lower class/less fortunate areas in Chicago.

Thanks,
JR

[oakparkdude]

You could go to meetup.com and see what political groups are meeting close to you.

[Mister Mappy]

Hmm, Bridgeport. You're probably in the 11th Ward, which is Balcer's ward. He's one of Daley's closest stoo....er allies. Maybe you could call the 11th Ward office, and see what you can do, or what they might need. If they mention Daley's reelection campaign, run!

[Attrill]

There are a few ways to approach it depending on what sort of work you are trying to do. Your Alderman could be a good place to start, especially if you're interested in collecting signatures for ballot petitions or just getting a list of non-profit organizations in the area. CAPS meetings are a good way to get involved, and a good way to meet people in the area who are involved in the neighborhood. Just be prepared to meet some crazies as well as some really great people. I've found that working with neighborhood organizations is the best way to get a true idea of what local politicians are doing and stand for.

[Lookout Kid]

You need to figure out where you stand on some important issues before you get involved in politics. Chicago politics is a minefield of bad ideas and unethical behavior, so it's best to have your bearings in place before waltzing in... You might be better off getting involved in citizens groups. Does you neighborhood have a block club? If you're concerned about crime you could get involved in CAPS. Are there specific issues you feel strongly about? If so, there may be a group that works on these issues.

I have some serious issues with many of the groups that are supposedly "helping the less fortunate" in Chicago--largely because Uptown has jaded me (there is a HUGE concentration of social service agencies in Uptown, and many of them are run poorly). So the key is to find effective agencies or groups that have good track records.

[Avengerfire]

Get out at start and meet your neighbors. Ask them about what they would like to be improved.
Drive and walk around all parts of your neighborhood and ward. Look for things that you yourself can see that need improvement.

Do this BEFORE you even consider meeting the Alderman.