Schools Committee
This meeting will be held via Zoom. Contact Committee Chair Rae Sokolow at league@lwvchicago.org for access information.
Emerging Threat to Democracy: Know Your Rights as an Activist
Federal authorities are not only targeting international students for their activism but are now increasingly going after U.S. citizens as well—especially those engaged in political and social justice work. The recent revocation of student visas for speaking out is a direct attack on free speech and the rights of all Americans to organize and protest. This is a dangerous precedent that threatens the very core of our democracy, where every person must be free to express their views without fear of retaliation. Come join us to learn from experts on how we can protect ourselves.
The program begins at 11:00 am. Join us at the LWV Chicago office beginning at 10:30 am for social time. This program is hosted by the LWV Chicago Emerging Threats to Democracy Working Group, Chicago Salon Club, and Chicago Women Take Action.
Featured Speaker
Wesam Shahed is a first-generation Palestinian-American from Chicago, Illinois. He serves as the Senior Legislative Counsel at the Illinois Attorney General’s Office (he will not be speaking in his official capacity or on behalf of the AG Office for this event). Previously, he was a prosecutor and Policy Advisor with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office (CCSAO), the second-largest in the U.S. Named among the Arab American Foundation’s “30 Under 30,” Wesam recently gave a TEDx Talk on criminal justice reform, “Does Justice Always Require a Conviction?”
He also served as Finance Director for the first Muslim and Palestinian American elected to the Illinois House Legislature in 2023 and has held executive roles with the ACLU of Illinois, the Arab American Bar Association, the Muslim Bar Association, the Arab Business Professional Association, and the AB Korkor Mental Health Foundation.
Emerging Threats to Democracy Working Group
This group works to capitalize on LWV Chicago’s robust network of policy experts to keep tabs on what the current presidential administration is working on and ensure we have actionable ways to protect our democracy here in Chicago
Chicago Women Take Action
Chicago Women Take Action (CWTA), formed in 2013, is a diverse group of women united in the commitment to achieve women’s leadership and economic and social equity. We are activists of all ages (many of us belong to several organizations) working on the local and national level to promote women leaders and secure the health and well being of women, their families, and their communities.
Chicago Salon Club
We need more opportunities to gather together, share thoughts and ideas, and build community. The Chicago Salon Club was started by Nick Uniejewski in 2024, and we’ve grown by collaborating with each other and partner organizations that share our values.
“Salons” are old-school types of parties centered on listening to each other and sharing thoughts or ideas. Since our first event in 2024, we've covered Hot Topics like equity in housing, modernizing transit, the role of nonprofits, some fun ones like queer literature and gay icons, and so much more. And while we can talk about the issues for hours, we always tie our events to an action we can take, whether it’s at the federal state, or local levels.
LWV Cook County Annual Meeting
All LWV Chicago members are automatically members of LWV Cook County. Attend their Annual Meeting and hear from featured speaker Dr. Michael Adkesson, Brookfield Zoo Chicago President and CEO.
Cost is $40, includes breakfast, lunch, parking, and zoo entry. Register.
LWVIL Lobby Day
We’re headed to Springfield!
League of Women Voters members are invited to join LWVIL for Lobby Day at the Illinois State Capitol during the 2025 spring legislative session.
You can make a difference! During Lobby Day, you’ll meet with your legislators and advocate for the issues you care about. Never lobbied in Springfield before? No worries, we will provide assistance.
We will meet up in Springfield on Wednesday, May 7 at 9:00 am. The day will wrap around 1:30 pm.
City Government Committee
This meeting will be held via Zoom. Contact league@lwvchicago.org for access info.
Committee on Diversity and Inclusion (CODI)
This meeting will be held via Zoom. Contact league@lwvchicago.org for access info.
Board Meeting
This meeting will be held via Zoom. Our Board meetings are open to all—contact league@lwvchicago.org for access info.
Loop Unit
This meeting will be held via Zoom. Contact league@lwvchicago.org for access info.
Environmental Action Committee
This meeting will be held via Zoom. Contact environment@lwvchicago.org for access info.
Southside Unit
This meeting will be held via Zoom. Contact league@lwvchicago.org for access info.
Northside Unit
This meeting will be held at Sulzer Regional Library. Contact league@lwvchicago.org with any questions.
Far Southwest Side Unit
This meeting will be held via Zoom. Contact league@lwvchicago.org for access info.
LWV UMRR Annual Meeting
All LWV Chicago members are automatically members of the LWV Upper Mississippi River Region. Consider attending LWV UMRR's Annual Meeting on June 3 as a delegate. Learn more.
Beaubien Woods Walk
When was the last time you walked through one of the over 70,000 acres of the Forest Preserves of Cook County? Now is the time!
On Thursday, June 5 from 11:00 am–1:00 pm you are invited to join us for a guided tour of the beautiful Forest Preserve of Cook County walk through the Beaubien Woods on Chicago's south side.
The Beaubien Woods is on the historic Underground Railroad path to freedom which we will talk about, along with ongoing efforts around community engagement. We will also explore existing nature and talk about ongoing restoration work here with one of the ecologists.
After the guided walk, we will meet at the picnic tables for a brown bag lunch and Q&A about the Forest Preserves. Space is limited and the walk is free. Please bring a friend and reserve your spot today.
LWVIL Convention 2025
Save the date! Leagues across the state gather in June for LWVIL’s 62nd Biennium Convention—where we will determine the focus of our power, making decisions that affect our mission work at the grassroots level and maximize our impact throughout the state.
If you’re interested in attending as a delegate on behalf of LWV Chicago, please let us know at league@lwvchicago.org.
Annual Meeting
All members of the League of Women Voters of Chicago are invited to join us for our Annual Meeting. Let's look back on the last year and plan for the next!
Fair Elections Northwest Side Town Hall
Join Alders Matt Martin, Ruth Cruz, Andre Vasquez, and grassroots organizations for a town hall about the Chicago Fair Elections Ordinance, a small dollar matching program that aims to increase participation in local elections and empower people from all walks of life to run for elected office.
Chicago is currently the largest US city without publicly financed elections. This town hall is an opportunity to learn about the ordinance and discuss what Fair Elections would mean for you and your community.
RSVP is highly recommended but not required. Program begins at noon.
Far Southwest Side Unit
This meeting will be held via Zoom. Contact league@lwvchicago.org for access info.
City Council Hearing: Single Use Plastics
Join us for a Chicago City Council hearing on the environmental and health damage caused by single-use plastics!
LWV Chicago will be there with a coalition of organizations. Help us fill the chambers to let lawmakers know we care about limiting single-use plastics.
Sponsored by Alderpersons:
Matt Martin, Chair, Ethics and Government Oversight
Maria Hadden, Chair, Environmental Protection & Energy
Rosanna Rodriguez-Sanchez, Chair, Committee on Health and Human Relations
Chemical Trespass in Illinois Ecosystems
Chemical pesticides can stray from their target areas and impact protected natural areas. What legislative options are being offered to address the problem? Join LWVIL on Earth Day to hear from Kim Erndt-Pitcher, Director of Ecological Health for Prairie Rivers Network. Register.
This event is free and open to the public.
Northside Unit
This meeting will be held at Sulzer Regional Library. Contact league@lwvchicago.org with any questions.
Southside Unit
This meeting will be held via Zoom. Contact league@lwvchicago.org for access info.
Environmental Action Committee
This meeting will be held via Zoom. Contact environment@lwvchicago.org for access info.
Loop Unit
This meeting will be held via Zoom. Contact league@lwvchicago.org for access info.
Lunch & Learn: UN's Commission on the Status of Women
Join LWVIL for a presentation from League members who participated in the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. This worldwide movement is as important today in the US as ever before.
This meeting is open only to League of Women Voters members. Register.
CODI Meeting + Honoring Voices: The Coretta Scott King Book Awards
LWV Chicago’s Committee on Diversity & Inclusion (CODI) invites you on a special outing to view the powerful three-case exhibit Honoring Voices: The Coretta Scott King Book Awards.
The Coretta Scott King Book Awards celebrate exceptional books for children and young adults that honor African American culture and universal human values. Named after Coretta Scott King, a civil rights leader and advocate for peace and equality, the awards recognize the achievements of African American authors and illustrators whose works inspire and uplift.
We’ll meet in the lobby of Regenstein Library at 6:00 pm to begin the visit together. There’s plenty of street parking that time of day (or pay for parking just south of 55th St. on Ellis Avenue).
After touring the exhibit, we will hold usual CODI meeting. Virtual CODI meetings will resume next month.
Please RSVP via text to 312-718-7278 if you plan to attend—we’d love to see you there!
Board Meeting
This meeting will be held via Zoom. Our Board meetings are open to all—contact league@lwvchicago.org for access info.
Effective Groundwater Governance
Join LWV Upper Mississippi River Region to learn about recommendations for local governments when dealing with water-intensive industries like data centers and beverage companies. Register.
League Orientation
New to the League? Thinking about joining? Join LWV Chicago for an in-person member orientation. All League members are welcome, as well as anyone interested in joining us!
We'll enjoy a light meal and hear from League leaders and organizers about what they've been working on lately. Get to know your fellow Leaguers and learn more about how you can get involved.
We're excited to meet you!
Hands Off! Rally
LWVUS is supporting "Hands Off!," a national day of action with over 200 events planned. Join the Chicago rally on April 5. Meet up with other Leaguers outside 69 W Washington St—we'll start gathering at 11:30 am; look for the LWV Chicago sign. RSVP for the rally.
And we invite you to prepare for the rally at a poster-making party on Friday, April 4 at 5025 S Woodlawn Ave. Begins at 5:30 pm, we'll have wine & snacks, ample street parking is available, all are welcome.
Chicago Voter Engagement Forum
Come provide your feedback on our city’s elections and help shape the agenda for the future at the Chicago Voter Engagement Forum, hosted by the Chicago Board of Elections!
This event will be held at Harold Washington College, 30 E. Lake Street on Saturday, April 5, 2025 from 10:00am to 3:00pm. Breakfast and Lunch will be provided.
Please register to attend—you will be provided with a confirmation and updates on this event.
City Government Committee
This meeting will be held via Zoom. Contact league@lwvchicago.org for access info.
Far Southwest Side Unit
This meeting will be held via Zoom. Contact league@lwvchicago.org for access info.
Northside Unit
This meeting will be held at Edgewater Library. Contact league@lwvchicago.org with any questions.
Rank Your Beer
Join LWV Chicago and FairVote Illinois at Haymarket Brewery in Chicago to use ranked choice voting to elect the best beer! Enjoy a flight of four beers for just $12 and rank your favorites, then stick around for the results. We'll have a short presentation on Ranked Choice Voting and give updates on the Chicago effort. Bring your friends for a fun mash-up of politics and craft beer.
Loop Unit
This meeting will be held via Zoom. Contact league@lwvchicago.org for access info.
Coalition for Plastic Reduction 2025 Lobby Day
Here is your chance to ask your state legislators to say 'Farewell to Foam' (ban foam foodware), 'Bye Bye Bags' (ban plastic bags) and 'Skip the Stuff' (plastic stuff in your takeout by request only)! Join LWV Chicago’s Environmental Action Committee on March 20 as we go to Springfield with the Coalition for Plastic Reduction to lobby for plastic reduction bills.
Register to make sure your legislators are on the list, coordinate rides and get further information.
Working Women and the Wage Gap
In recognition of Women's Equal Pay Day, LWVIL’s Democracy and Equity Series will feature a presentation from Sharmili Majmudar of Women Employed about working women and the wage gap. Register to attend.
This event is free and open to the public.
Southside Unit
This meeting will be held via Zoom. Contact league@lwvchicago.org for access info.
Environmental Action Committee
This meeting will be held via Zoom. Contact environment@lwvchicago.org for access info.
Lifting Voices: Celebrating The Coretta Scott King Book Awards
Celebrate Women’s History Month with an inspiring event spotlighting the Coretta Scott King Book Awards and their impact on literature. Join us for an engaging discussion with award-winning author and LWV Chicago member Claire Hartfield as we explore the powerful voices of African American authors and illustrators whose work uplift and preserve the Black experience.
This University of Chicago event welcomes all ages, featuring a special storytime for children with Carmenita Peoples, highlighting past Coretta Scott King Award-winning books. In collaboration with Da Book Joint, a pop-up bookstore will be on-site, offering a selection of featured titles for purchase. LWV Chicago will be running a voter registration table on-site.
Board Meeting
This meeting will be held via Zoom. Our Board meetings are open to all—contact league@lwvchicago.org for access info.
Committee on Diversity and Inclusion (CODI)
This meeting will be held via Zoom. Contact league@lwvchicago.org for access info.
International Women's Day Rally & March
This International Women’s Day, we’re hitting the street to show our collective power. Join us to march, rally, and raise our voices for justice, equity, and liberation.
We’ll meet at Daley Plaza and march to Trump Tower. Bring your signs, your friends, and your fire!
This event is organized by Gemmes for Femmes. LWV Chicago will speak at the rally.
Current Climate and Environmental Bills: How You Can Advocate
Fellow League member and Illinois environmental lobbyist Jen Walling will discuss state climate and environmental legislation and speak directly to the bills LWV Chicago will be advocating for with our Chicago-area state senators and representatives in the 2025 legislative session.
Bills will include clean energy and transportation, eliminating unnecessary single-use plastics, protecting Illinois wetlands and more. Information about actions that individual members can take will be provided.
About the Speaker
Jen Walling has served as the Executive Director for the Illinois Environmental Council since January of 2011, where she oversees the strategic direction and management of the organization and lobbies decision makers on environmental issues. Jen is dedicated to building the power of Illinois’ environmental community to secure policy outcomes that protect the environment.
Jen holds a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She also received a juris doctorate from the University of Illinois College of Law and is an attorney licensed to practice law in Illinois.
LWV Chicago’s series of Briefings seeks to inform members about current issues and present avenues for action.
THE JUDICIARY with Illinois Supreme Court Justice Elizabeth M. Rochford
Illinois Supreme Court Justice Elizabeth M. Rochford will introduce us to the judiciary system and share her experience in the Illinois courts. Hear about similarities and differences with the federal level.
This event is only open to League members. Register to attend; you can submit a question for the Justice while registering. This program is sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Lake County.
About the Speaker
After years as a practicing attorney, Justice Rochford was appointed as Associate Judge of the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit, Lake County in December 2012. She was elected to the Illinois Supreme Court from the Second Judicial District in 2022.
Justice Rochford is active in the Illinois Bar Association as well as the Lake County Bar Association, and has held a number of leadership roles in both. She also has served as an officer for the Illinois Judges Foundation and the Illinois Judges Association.
Additionally, she spends hours volunteering for many nonprofits. Justice Rochford has earned numerous honors for her professional accomplishments plus for her volunteerism.