On October 11th, 2024, the Southwest Organizing Project (SWOP) held its Action Council at Holy Cross Hospital, where the meeting focused on the ongoing Get Out to Vote campaign. With Chicagoans voting on an elected school board for the very first time, SWOP is prioritizing efforts to educate community members about the importance of this historic opportunity. The Action Council emphasized the power community members hold through their vote and ensured that everyone is well-informed about their options and what to expect on the upcoming ballot. As a 501(c)(3) organization, SWOP does not endorse any candidate but is committed to helping residents make informed decisions and empowering them to demonstrate their collective power through voting.

During the meeting, the discussion turned to SWOP’s upcoming canvassing efforts, where community leaders will walk through the neighborhood talking to residents about the importance of voting and encouraging them to participate in the election. This canvassing calendar can be found here. Though this Action Council focused on getting out to vote, in regular SWOP fashion, the meeting also buzzed with one on one conversations and small group work. Attendees were urged to make a commitment to getting as many voters as possible to the polls, reinforcing the idea that when communities come together to vote, they can drive significant change in their local institutions and beyond.

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