Public Allies Chicago

For the 2nd year, we have partnered with ConTextos Chicago to work with Allies and staff to conduct author Circles. During this time, Dimitri and Kali facilitated 8 author circles in which the circles focused on relationship building, creative writing, reflecting on our leadership journeys, exploring different themes, and providing moments to share our writings with the group.

The culmination of our work—a powerful publication—was proudly unveiled at our Celebration of Service.

A BIG thank you to Dimitri for capturing the essence of our journey, and to Debanie and Rico for their meaningful recitation from the book.

View our collective work here: https://issuu.com/chiproject/docs/public_allies_summer_2024_w_foreword

We have been so excited to share this magical night with you all! Last week, we were able to gather and celebrate the accomplishments of our allies!

We are so grateful for our partners, funders, supporters, alumni, family, friends, and staff for making this moment happen.

Celebration of Service allows us to shine the light on our hard-working allies, who were dedicated to deepening their commitment to becoming social change agents and even stronger leaders. We are immensely proud of their journey with us over the past 10 months! We also enjoyed highlighting our Ally of the Year, Justice Plummer and Partner of the Year Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago.

A special thank you to the Arts + Public Life Green Line Preforming Arts Center for hosting us, our National Public Allies team, our Board Members and Dimitri Hepburn for co-capturing these moments for us.

Congratulations to our 2024 Ally Class!

Welcome to the Team! We are so excited to share that our team has grown by 1! Introducing Ashley Henry, our new Senior Program Manager of Compliance and Special Events.

A life long athlete and education leader, Ashley returns to Chicago after years in athletics and higher education. She is an experienced professional with a vibrant personality and adaptable skills.

Take a look to see what she is looking forward to as being a part of the team and welcoming her first ally class!

The long-awaited day has finally arrived! Today, we are thrilled to celebrate our 2023-2024 Ally Class as we welcome them into the newest alumni cohort.

Our Allies have put in tremendous work throughout their 10 Month Apprenticeship. Together, we spent the end of the year retreat reflecting on their service, growth and celebrating their next steps. We also explored team dynamics and had a little fun with some healthy competition added to the mix! A big congratulations to the winning team of our obstacle course. They carry the bragging rights and have continued the tradition of signing our Obama Cup.

A special thank you to Elle Davis for facilitating a great session on personal and professional growth and to Kimberly Mhoon for bringing movement and play to our day.

Throwback Thursday! Take a look at our 2024 Matching Fair! We hosted more than 30 Finalists and Partners for the 2024-2025 program year.

One of the first steps in connecting our Finalists' assets and passions to our Partners' missions and goals happened this day. We are excited to guide both groups as we continue to take steps towards finalizing our incoming ally class.

We are so excited to partner with these amazing organizations! Let us know if you catch a glimpse of yourself in the pictures.

ConTextos Chicago, Chicago Cares, Erie Neighborhood House, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago, University of Illinois Chicago, Lawndale Christian Health Center, School of the Art Institute of Chicago, The Firehouse Community Arts Center, The Kenwood Oakland Community Organization, Westside Rising

A special thank you to our partner Adler University for allowing us to use their beautiful space as a venue.

Let's rewind to last week when Public Allies Chicago paid a visit to The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center.

Allies and staff spent their time exploring exhibits, reflecting and learning the origins of the museum.

On this Juneteenth, pay a visit to the museum and join in on their celebration happening now.

📣 We're down to the last day! If you are looking to be a part of our 2024-2025 program as a Partner or an Ally, then this is your moment.

Join us in our commitment to cultivate the next generation of leaders!

Apply by today using the links below
Partner: https://lnkd.in/gxJXS4iW
Ally: https://lnkd.in/em6w9RC

📣 4 days until our application closes!

There is still time to take the first step to become a part of our 2024-2025 program year.

We are looking for partners and allies to commit to cultivating and becoming the next generation of leaders!

Apply by May 31st using the links below
Partner: publicallies.org/host-an-ally
Ally: publicallies.org/be-an-ally

If you have questions, contact us at [email protected]

📣 One week until our application deadline!

We are looking for Allies & Partners to take the first step to become a part of our 2024-2025 program year.

Whether joining as a Partner or as an Ally, you will become a part of a network looking to create lasting social change in Chicago.

Apply by May 31st using the links below
Partner: publicallies.org/host-an-ally
Ally: publicallies.org/be-an-ally

If you have questions, contact us at [email protected]

✨Ally Spotlight✨

Justice Plummer, is an Ally currently serving with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago.

Outside of being an Ally, she continued to work with our partners at LEE and grew inspired to run for a position on her Local School Council. We are so proud of Justice for winning that election! Take some time to read about her passions, campaign process and plans for her term on LSC.

Yesterday, the City of Chicago acknowledged Public Allies Chicago for the 31 years of impact we have had on the city. Honorable [Alderman] Pat Dowell, former Executive Director of Public Allies Chicago, passed a resolution regarding how Public Allies Chicago pioneered a social justice leadership development program for young leaders from underserved communities to be activated for social advancement. As an original AmeriCorps national service program, Public Allies Chicago recruited, trained and deployed our leaders (Allies) in apprenticeships with local nonprofit partners to build capacity, shape inclusive cultures, and transform communities.

We stand on the shoulders of many partners, alumni, communities, and leaders!

Public Allies Chicago’s alumni include 2024 Pulitzer Award Winning Trina Reynolds Tyler; Cathy Hudzik, Director of Cultural Resources at the Chicago Park District; Rudy Lozano, Vice President, Global Philanthropy, Head of The Fellowship Initiative at JP Morgan Chase; Cre Walls, Director of Sand Ridge Nature Center and Campus - Forest Preserve District of Cook County; and Grammy Award Winning Artist Malik Yusef. Public Ally Chicago Alumni continue to lead and innovate across sectors in the Chicagoland region, as well as cities across the country.

Honorable Pat Dowell delivered the resolution to an audience of elected leaders, CPS students and teachers, concerned residents, advocates, and people involved in Chicago’s public affairs.

We at Public Allies believe that communities already have the leadership they need to create lasting social change and we are looking for partners to help cultivate the next wave of trailblazers and change agents.

Together, we can create a Chicago that is just and equitable for all.

Apply today before our May 31st deadline using the link: publicallies.org/host-an-ally

If you are looking for an opportunity to share your creative talents, then apply to to become an Ally with us!

Join us for a 10 month leadership training and community apprenticeship program.

Apply Here by May 31st. publicallies.org/be-an-ally

Tomorrow! Join our 2nd years for an in-person Info session from 6:00-8:00 pm to learn what it means to be an ally with us!

Deadline to apply is May 31st. Go onto publicallies.org/be-an-ally

One Week Away! Hear more about what it means to be an Ally from currently serving allies. On Wednesday, May 15th, we are hosting an information session where you'll hear from those who have been through our apprenticeship program!

Our 2nd year Allies are excited to share their wisdom, advice and answer your questions as you navigate the process to apply to join our 2024-2025 cohort.

Let us know you're joining. RSVP to [email protected]

Ready to apply? Go onto publicallies.org/be-an-ally and apply by May 31st

Our Alumni are doing amazing things! 🎉 If you haven't checked this out, stop what you're doing and explore this amazing, critical work. Congratulations, we are so proud!

City Bureau, Invisible Institute Win Pulitzer For Coverage Of Missing Black Women In Chicago Sarah Conway and Trina Reynolds-Tyler won the prestigious award in the Local Reporting category. Invisible Institute also won for Audio Reporting.

One Week Away! Hear more about what it means to be an Ally from currently serving allies. On Wednesday, May 15th, we are hosting an information session where you'll hear from those who have been through our apprenticeship program!

Our 2nd year Allies are excited to share their wisdom, advice and answer your questions as you navigate the process to apply to join our 2024-2025 cohort.

Let us know you're joining. RSVP to [email protected]

Ready to apply? Go onto publicallies.org/be-an-ally and apply by May 31st

Calling all creatives! Do you have a passion for the arts and social change? Then we at Public Allies Chicago have a great opportunity for you. Join us for a 10 month leadership training and community apprenticeship program.

If you have questions, we have answers. Tune in to our Ally virtual info session tonight at 6 PM CST.

Use the link to register before 5 PM

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAvcemtqT0rG9w_m_bKAA_pNgJ8UYNZ1Sii

Don't miss out! Tomorrow is the day. If you or anyone you know is interested, register for our Virtual Ally Information Session happening tomorrow 6pm CST on zoom.

Use the link here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAvcemtqT0rG9w_m_bKAA_pNgJ8UYNZ1Sii?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR0nbB6wP-jrOxslOsaTsiKnWCNatSAqvKA3OR6pju8R5oJe20i3kNtLv20_aem_AYEvWyDWpvb2m3lC62HTJk5dmp1CxqJoJYUde6Q8i4cBmdbUgya10U-13c2R3l-ItG9E_DReTK0Qjhq1oDeQwhCX #/registration

Ready to make a difference? Are you between the ages of 18-30?

Join Public Allies Chicago! Whether you’re passionate about social justice, community service or looking to grow as a leader, our program is for you. Come to our virtual info session to learn more about how you can serve, learn, and earn a stipend with a supportive cohort. Bring a friend and let’s make an impact together!

Register today:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAvcemtqT0rG9w_m_bKAA_pNgJ8UYNZ1Sii

What a great time it was! On Thursday, May 2nd, our 8th Annual YouFair was held and hosted by our partners at Exelon.

YouFair is a job and college readiness fair and is part of our pathway initiative to support our graduating Allies as they transition to life after Public Allies.

Yesterday the Allies had the opportunity to receive individualized help around resumes and cover letters, participate in mock interviews, hear from our Keynote speaker, AmeriCorps VISTA alumni, Cameron Barnes and received insight from a pathways panel of Exelon employees which included Public Allies Arizona Alumni, Michelle Gonzalez.

We closed the evening with our partners from Leadership for Educational Equity (LEE) with a Networking Reception where Allies were able to mingle with professionals from Teach for America, Latinos for Education, Environmental Defense Fund, Climate Corps, City Teaching Alliance and more.

We want to thank our Partners, Volunteers Staff and Allies for making this year's YouFair a success!

A special shoutout to our partners at The Beelove Cafe for putting together an amazing appreciation gift for our volunteers.

Ready to make a difference? Are you between the ages of 18-30?

Join Public Allies Chicago! Whether you’re passionate about social justice, community service or looking to grow as a leader, our program is for you. Come to our virtual info session to learn more about how you can serve, learn, and earn a stipend with a supportive cohort. Bring a friend and let’s make an impact together!

Register today:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAvcemtqT0rG9w_m_bKAA_pNgJ8UYNZ1Sii

Calling all Public Allies Alumni! Don't miss out on this event. You'll get an opportunity to catch up with us, meet the current allies and learn about how you can get involved with LEE.

Use the link to RSVP! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lee-networking-reception-chicago-tickets-878212095017?aff=oddtdtcreator

Public Allies Chicago has partnered with Leadership for Educational Equity (LEE) to invest in all our alumni’s ongoing leadership development. If you haven’t registered with LEE yet, I encourage you to register today at wearelee.org to gain free access to supports to help you grow your career, expand our network and take action on issues in our community that matter to you. LEE provides 1-on-1 coaching, workshops, fellowship opportunities and professional and robust supports if you are considering running for elected office.

This networking opportunity will highlight an array of resources, best practices and tools to support you on your leadership journey. Get immediate access to the event and bring a fellow alum/na.

RSVP for the LEE Networking Reception today using the link below!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lee-networking-reception-chicago-tickets-878212095017?aff=oddtdtcreator

Public Allies Chicago has partnered with Leadership for Educational Equity (LEE) to invest in all our alumni’s ongoing leadership development. If you haven’t registered with LEE yet, I encourage you to register today at wearelee.org to gain free access to supports to help you grow your career, expand our network and take action on issues in our community that matter to you. LEE provides 1-on-1 coaching, workshops, fellowship opportunities and professional and robust supports if you are considering running for elected office.

This networking opportunity will highlight an array of resources, best practices and tools to support you on your leadership journey. Get immediate access to the event and bring a fellow alum/na.

RSVP for the LEE Networking Reception today using the link below!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lee-networking-reception-chicago-tickets-878212095017?aff=oddtdtcreator

Did you miss the exciting news? We are in partnership with Leadership for Educational Equity (LEE), a civic leadership development organization building a diverse, enduring movement of leaders engaging civically within their communities to end the injustice of inequity. LEE membership gives you access to the LEE network of 55,000+ civic leaders, resources to accelerate your career, expand your professional network and take action on issues that matter to you. Join LEE and start the next steps in your leadership journey.

Denzel Johnson is an Alumni and LEE member. Denzel shares his story of how LEE resources helped him in his civic pursuits.

www.wearelee.org

Don't Miss Out! Our 2nd year Allies have been hard at work planning our Ally Recruitment event THIS Friday, April 12th.

Our 2nd year Allies are excited to share their wisdom, advice and answer your questions as you navigate the process to apply to join our 2024-2025 cohort.

RSVP by emailing [email protected]

Join Us! Want to hear more about what it means to be an Ally from currently serving allies? This Friday, we are hosting an information session where you'll hear from those who have been through our program, not once, but twice!

Our 2nd year Allies are excited to share their wisdom, advice and answer your questions as you navigate the process to apply to join our 2024-2025 cohort.

We are thrilled to be in partnership with Leadership for Educational Equity (LEE), a civic leadership development organization building a diverse, enduring movement of leaders engaging civically within their communities to end the injustice of inequity. LEE offers leadership development resources, career coaching, fellowships, and much more. Public Allies alumni have the opportunity to grow & advance their civic leadership with LEE membership at no cost to you.

Tara Levy is an Ally and LEE member. Tara shares her story of how LEE tools and resources helped her as a start-up non-profit founder.

Join Lee Today! www.wearelee.org

As we wrap up our Women's History Month highlights, we are proud to showcase Freda Richmond.

Freda has over 25 years of experience working in non-profit, corporate and
higher education sector, operating in senior management roles that includes supervising staff, program and project management. She has played an integral role assisting local and national organizations execute a strategy to expand their mission while building programmatic capacity to scale.

As first-generation college student, Freda understands the urgency for closing the
achievement gap for students in under-resourced communities.

We are also extremely proud to shout out Freda as a Public Allies Chicago Alumni!(1995-1996)

Her work with us not only starts with being an alumni but also extends to being a strategic partner (with FJR Consulting) and in our Learning Community space as she works with our allies, most recently facilitating a session about giving and receiving feedback.

Be sure to stay connected with the amazing Women we have highlighted throughout the month!

Are you looking for an exciting opportunity to volunteer for an organization that is dedicated to helping people within your community? If so, look no further! Public Allies Chicago is looking for volunteers to help us host our 8th Annual YouFair!

YouFair is a job and college readiness fair that is part of our pathway initiative to support our graduating Allies as they transition to life after PAC. This year's YouFair will offer Allies the opportunity to receive individualized help with resumes and cover letters, participate in mock interviews, support around college & scholarship essays, GRE prep, and career counseling.

If you’re interested in volunteering - sign up at https://forms.gle/D6TysDQpa4G4meh26

Our partner Leadership for Educational Equity (LEE), a civic leadership organization that can help you grow your career, expand your network and take action on issues that matter to you, offers a team of industry experts to help you elevate and land your next role.

The membership with LEE is a Public Allies investment in your leadership development and career goals.

Join LEE today and get immediate access to the resources and tools you need to level up your career.

Join Here: https://wearelee.org/become-a-member/