The Southwest Organizing Project (SWOP) has been dedicated to encouraging civic engagement on Chicago’s southwest side through its Get Out The Vote (GOTV) efforts. With the upcoming election approaching, SWOP organizers and leaders have been actively working to inform community members about their options on the ballot, including the opportunity for Chicagoans to elect school board members for the first time. This historic choice is an important milestone, and SWOP is committed to ensuring that residents are informed and prepared to vote on issues that directly affect their communities and families.
On October 18, 2024, SWOP held a voter registration event outside of their office to support residents who had not yet registered to vote. Organizers held up signs to draw attention, and their enthusiasm was met with honks from passing cars, a show of community support for SWOP’s efforts to encourage voting. As a 501(c)(3) organization, SWOP remains neutral, endorsing no specific candidates or political parties, focusing instead on informing residents about the election process and encouraging them to make their voices heard. By providing accessible voter registration opportunities and receiving positive feedback from passersby, SWOP reinforces its dedication to empowering community members to actively shape their neighborhoods and have a say in their local government