On April 23rd, 2026, leaders, organizers, and community members gathered for the Southwest Organizing Project Action Council at Metropolitan Family Services – Midway to reflect on the work that has been done across communities, recognize recent victories, and continue building toward the future. For many in attendance, the gathering marked an important opportunity to reconnect and organize collectively for the first time since the attacks impacting their communities, reminding everyone present why relationships and collective action remain at the center of SWOP’s work.
The evening opened with reflections from SWOP’s recent Springfield advocacy trip, led by organizer Mayra Sarabia. Leaders who traveled to the State Capital shared their experiences meeting directly with legislators and speaking on issues affecting their neighborhoods and families. Parent Mentor Coordinator Bianca De La Cruz spoke about the importance of stepping into public life and advocating for causes that directly impact communities on the Southwest Side. Other first-time participants echoed similar feelings, describing the experience as empowering and eye-opening as they engaged with lawmakers and saw firsthand how organizing can influence policy decisions.
Throughout the Springfield trip, SWOP leaders advocated for a range of issues tied closely to their organizing efforts. Parent Mentor and Ladders of Opportunity leaders continued fighting for $20 million in funding to sustain and expand the program. Healthcare organizers pushed for the protection and passage of HB2371. Members of SWOP’s Communities Partnering 4 Peace initiative continued conversations around expanding community violence intervention work and educating lawmakers on the effectiveness of CVI efforts in creating safer neighborhoods. Immigration leaders also raised concerns surrounding immigrant rights and support for immigrant families, ensuring their voices remained part of statewide conversations.
As is tradition in SWOP spaces, the meeting also centered relationships and one-to-one conversations. Leaders spent time speaking with people they had never met before, building new connections while strengthening the network that continues to drive organizing efforts across the city.
A major portion of the Action Council focused on Youth Organizing and Public Safety. Darion Johnson, a leader with GoodKids MadCity Englewood, shared his experience applying to become a commissioner for the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability. Reflecting on the process, Darion explained that although he was not
ultimately selected, the experience helped build his confidence and showed him the pathways available for young leaders interested in public service and systems change. His testimony served as a reminder that leadership development is often shaped just as much by the process as by the outcome.
The meeting concluded with updates tied to Housing and the Reclaiming Chicago Campaign. Jeff Bartow and Blanca Casillas shared exciting developments surrounding the recent groundbreaking at 63rd and Western, along with plans for additional community development projects on the Southwest Side. They also encouraged attendees to continue identifying community members interested in purchasing homes and investing in the future of their neighborhoods, reinforcing SWOP’s long-term vision of creating thriving and stable communities led by the people who live there.
This Action Council served as a reminder of the collective strength built through organizing. From Springfield advocacy to youth leadership, violence prevention, housing development, healthcare, and immigrant rights, the gathering reflected the broad range of work SWOP leaders continue to push forward together.
