Newsletter #4 - 12/18/20
Hi there Northwest Siders,
Happy holidays from United Northwest Side! We hope everyone is doing well and staying safe. Before the holidays begin, we want to stress that, in this season of giving, there are many neighbors who are housing insecure, unemployed, and otherwise struggling through no fault of their own, and are unfortunately not receiving the support they need from our government due to inaction, political gridlock, and a totally lack of regard for human life and dignity. It's during times like these that community becomes all the more important. We're happy to know that we are in this together with you all, and we can count on each other for support. Here's a round-up of some upcoming actions, as well as ways you can support your neighbors during this difficult time.
We've Grown!
Remember how we hosted two open house meetings last week? We're thrilled to share that our numbers have grown by nearly 300%! We welcomed so many new and invigorated neighbors to our membership, and we'd love for you to join too! We have big plans for 2021, and look forward to discussing those plans with our general membership at our first General Member Meeting, on Jan. 26th at 7pm. Visit our website to learn more about our organization here, and consider joining by paying $60 in annual dues or $100 for a household (dues forgiveness is available for those who want to join but are unable to afford the dues, as is a monthly dues payment plan).
Website: https://unitednorthwestside.org/
Join Us: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/united-northwest-side
United Northwest Side Flyer Drop - 12/19 & 12/20
This weekend, we are spreading the word about our organization! This is largely an opportunity for our members, but if you are emboldened by the existence of a left political organization on the Northwest Side and want to spread the word about us, we welcome your assistance! From 10am-12pm tomorrow and Sunday, we'll be dropping flyers around the neighborhood so people know there's a new organization in the neighborhood fighting for working people and organizing against political graft, big monied interests, and entrenched and racist inequality. Join us by filling out this sign-up sheet, it's not too late!
Sign Up: https://forms.gle/rUVDCifEHsAv5b7JA
CPAC Phone Zap - 12/21
To support a renewed push for community control of the police in 2021, we'll hit the phones in support of #CPACNow! Bring your lunch for this joint mid-day phone zap with United Northwest Side and 32nd Ward United. We'll be calling Civilian Police Accountability Council (CPAC) supporters and asking them to call/email their Alderperson to urge them to attend an upcoming CPAC briefing in January.
Facebook Event: https://fb.me/e/123tk0mbv
Register Here: https://forms.gle/GRUiwUDz33sW7Nud6
United Northwest Side Statement on 6 Corners SSA Stewardship
Earlier this week, UNS made a public statement to City Council about the clear corruption involved in the transfer of our neighborhoods SSA contact from the long-serving and commended Six Corners Association to the newer Six Corners Chamber of Commerce, an organization set up by a long-time supporter and donor to Alderman Gardiner (someone with a well-documented history of abusive behavior and unauthorized spending, according to the Department of Planning & Development’s own records). You can read our statement here.
Give What You Can
Please consider donating food, funds, coats, or whatever else people find themselves needing during trying times. Here are a few suggested places to donate to. These all operate on the Northwest Side and your kindness can directly change and impact the life of your neighbors.
Brave Space Alliance Food Pantry & Coat Drive:
https://www.bravespacealliance.org/
Irving Park Mutual Aid:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/irvingparkmutualaid/about
St. John's Lutheran Church Food Pantry:
https://www.stjohnfood.org/
Thank You!
Again, happy holidays, have a happy new year, and we look forward to organizing with you in 2021!