On September 19th, 2024, the Southwest Organizing Project (SWOP) hosted an Action Council meeting at Holy Cross Hospital. The event gave participants a chance to meet and question the candidates for the upcoming Elected School Board. This is the first time Chicagoans have had the opportunity to elect School Board members. Out of the nine candidates invited, two attended: Yesenia Lopez, seeking to represent District 7, and La'Mont Williams, seeking to represent District 9. Participants seized the opportunity to engage directly with the candidates.

Yesenia Lopez and La'Mont Williams each addressed key concerns related to education, equity, and community engagement. They responded to questions prepared by SWOP leaders and concerned community members about their platforms, plans for improving the local schools, and their strategies for addressing the needs of students and families in their respective districts. Before the meeting, all nine candidates were given the opportunity to respond to a SWOP candidates questionnaire. You can find the responses here.

This event marks only the beginning of SWOP's efforts to engage their community in the electoral process as election day on November 5th approaches. SWOP plans to continue its Get Out the Vote (GOTV) campaign, ensuring that residents are informed and empowered to make their voices heard at the polls. The Action Council meeting was a critical step in this process, with another Action Council planned for October 10th to further work with the community toward GOTV efforts.

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