APNC is based on
the premise that residents themselves hold the solutions to the problems that
face their communities. APNC’s organizing approach involves training and
developing local leadership, identifying common issues, creating collective and
strategic ways to address those issues, and systematically strengthening
institutions.
Since its inception APNC has involved over 4,500 residents in its activities
and has continued to expand the scope and depth of its organizing
projects. Significant accomplishments in recent years
include:
Won the “Emerging Community
Organization Award” in March of 2002 sponsored by the Wieboldt Foundation, The
Woods Fund, The Chicago Community Trust, The Macarthur Foundation, The Kaplan
Foundation, and the New Prospect Foundation.
Secured a commitment form Chicago Public Schools for $13
million dollars for new school construction and the leasing of a closed public
school to relieve school overcrowding. These
commitments were the result of three years of education organizing and two
education conferences in June of 2002 and 2003. APNC has successfully
brought together seven area schools engaging hundreds of parents, teachers,
administrators, and local school council members in school reform
organizing. APNC has built a relationship with Chicago Public Schools
CEO Arne Duncan to set education priorities and win a number of improvements
for area schools. Other resources secured for the schools include
security cameras, crossing guards, and the creation of a community
school.
Worked in coalition with
immigrant rights groups from across the state to change statewide policy
regarding undocumented students’ access to higher education. In May of
2003, legislation was passed that will now allow undocumented students living
in the United States for four years and in good academic standing to pay
in-state tuition at public universities. (Example, a qualifying
undocumented student will now pay $1,915 compared to $5,245 per semester to
attend the University of Illinois.)
Development of Project Y, a
youth organizing project, that has held three youth summits bringing together
250 youth, police officials, school officials, and state legislators to
address the issues of after school violence and police/youth relations.
The meetings resulted in increased security at Roosevelt High School and the
police commander’s endorsement of the youth council’s Youth Bill of
Rights.
In July of 2001, APNC held an
Immigrants Rights rally bringing together 500 immigrants from Albany
Park. APNC brought together two churches, one mosque, and a mutual aid
association to co-sponsor the rally which resulted in commitments from
congressmen and state legislators and senators to support I.N.S. reform,
amnesty, and a policy change to support the undocumented worker’s right to
obtain a driver’s license.
Developed a partnership with
the Office of Emergency Communications and initiated a major policy change in
the 911 system. In June of 2001, the software of the 911 system was
changed to protect a caller’s anonymity. Over 200 Albany Park residents
were involved in this campaign with two other community organizations (Blocks
Together and Brighton Park Neighborhood
Council).
Organized a new area of Albany Park in the fall of
2001 successfully winning the clean-up of toxic dumping taking place in
Southern Albany Park. Over 200 previously uninvolved residents led the
campaign which built partnerships with the Department of Environment, the
Department of Streets and Sanitation, and the police commander.
Worked
with organizations across the city including Organization of the Northeast,
Logan Square Neighborhood Association, the Ressurection Project, Garfield Area
Project, and others in the Balanced Development Coalition. The Coalition
has become the leading voice in the city on inclusionary zoning policy and the
need for more affordable housing. In the past year the Coalition met
with top mayoral aides, won an endorsement from Cardinal George, and rallied
1,200 people downtown to demand action by the City of Chicago on housing
policy.
