Civic Engagement

In an effort to “be the change she would like to see”, Valerie ran for Alderman of Chicago’s 24th Ward, where she created a comprehensive platform outlining the key issues identified by the voters and to highlight the need for holistic community development and capacity building.  She held a series of town hall meetings highlighting such issues as education, job creation and economic development, affordable housing, healthcare, technology and leadership development.  In so doing, she conducted public opinion polls, talked with local residents and consulted with experts from local non-profit organizations and other stakeholders who would be directly impacted by policy decisions.  While Valerie didn’t win the race, she framed the issues, and some of her ideas are being implemented by the current Alderman.  She is applying lessons learned to her consulting practice. You can see footage from her election kick-off at the bottom of the page.

Valerie is the convener of the Lawndale Alliance, a group of concerned residents who have come together to provide advocacy around mortgage foreclosure, school improvement, economic development, TIF reform, citizen participation in redistricting, and the potential impact of the Olympics on the surrounding community.  Valerie moderate’s for the group’s blog, which contains archived files from the group’s public meetings, PowerPoint presentations, publications and public testimony before the State Legislature and City Council.  You may visit http://lawndalealliance.blogspot.com for further information.

Valerie is also the moderator for Policy on the Ground http://policyontheground.blogspot.com , a blog that she uses to share e-mails, articles and other resources that help community-based organizations and local residents better understand how government policies impact our everyday lives and the work that we do in the community.  The major focus is policies  relating to nonprofits, education, redistricting, affordable housing and  mortgage foreclosure.

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