February, 2010Whittier Victory in the works!

The Whittier Parent Committee was back at the Chicago Board of Education earlier this month, after Ron Huberman and his team failed to meet with the Whittier Parent Committee to begin the community planning process for the $1.4 million upgrade and construction project. While not wanting to seem 'ungrateful' Whittier parents were frustrated to see CPS begin construction with no community input. Why is this such a big deal? Besides that Pilsen TIF dollars, which are Pilsen property tax dollars are funding this project but parents, teachers and students have critical insight to contribute to the planning process. Whittier parents learned from contractors that they were going to lose their Community School Room, which is used for all music classes, after-school ping pong and Adult Education courses in this construction project! One parent, Rosa Gomez said this of the entire ordeal, "They're taking away more than they're giving back". CPS wants to tear-down Whittier' Field House, which houses the remainder of Adult Education Classes and Children's Art classes. Parents are suggesting saving the demolition money and re-habbing the space. A last minute request was made late last week from the Board of Education to meet with Whittier in a few days, this work is never done!

Women's Economic Development & Justice Program Breaking Cycles of Poverty and Oppression through Sewing!

Pilsen Alliance began its innovative 12-week Women's Economic Development Program this month! Using a hands-on Sewing course alongside a Women's Economic Power/Financial Literacy curriculum that utilizes Popular Education values and approaches, we aim to inspire, empower and motivate local women to recognize their individual talents and collective capacity to break the cycle of poverty. Classes are provided at Whittier Elementary on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays and include free child care! The Women's Economic Power/Financial Literacy curriculum was developed by Pilsen Alliance and Women for Economic Justice and includes such topics as: Economic Self-Sufficiency, Immigration Journey: Origins & Effects, Wage Exploitation: Capitalism & Economic Oppression.

Pilsen Alliance has had an incredible response, with over 15+ women registered. One challenge? We don't have enough sewing machines! If you, or someone you know have a sewing machine you no longer use and would like to donate, consider making an in-kind donation. Remember, your in-kind donation is tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. Send us an email, we'd love to hear from you and receive a donation of any size (or any brand!).

GEM keeping up the fight on education justice!

Chicago Public School's infamous Renaissance 2010 Plan has closed nearly 75 neighborhood schools since its inception, but not without a fight! In our 3rd year as a city-wide collaboration of grassroots community groups, school reform advocates, parents and teachers the Grassroots Educaiton Movement has stood its ground in challenging CPS's disruptive and devastating school policy. When CPS announced its latest round of school closings, turn-arounds and phase outs last month, GEM was there to demand justice for our children and communities as well as propose sound and successful alternatives to this failed policy! Ren 2010 is especially concerning given that it is being touted as a national model for school reform. Our grassroots resistance to Ren 2010, as well as our on-going research and dialogues with CPS leadership has begun to make an impact. Not only has CPS decided to take schools off their School Closing Slate again, but they have committed to changing their approach with struggling schools. Listen to recent media coverage here.

Unfortunately, as we make inroads in CPS' School Closing Policy, we are gearing up for a fight to protect Chicago's Local School Councils, with the introduction of SB 3063 by Senator James Meeks. We are concerned and baffled why Senator Meeks, who has advocated for school reform would sponsor a bill that would effectively strip parents and community members from school decision-making. Chicago's Local School Councils have the largest representation of female and economically disadvantaged elected officials in the nation. If we know that parent involvement is critical to a student's educational outcomes, how can we disenfranchise them?

Here's what you can do to support these critical School Reform efforts:

• Call your State Senator and/or State Representative and tell them you do NOT support SB 3063.
• If you live in Chicago, call you Alderperson and ask them to support Alderman Dowell & Lyle's critical 'School Closing Moratorium' Resolution
• Attend a public hearing to support Alderman Dowell and Lyle's Moratorium on School Closing's Resolution this Monday, February 22nd in City Council Chambers!
• Call and/or email Pilsen Alliance and get involved!

Getting Active & Healthy at Whittier

Pilsen Alliance was asked to take on a critical grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield to manage the 'Children's Wellness Initiative' at Whittier Elementary this year. After Whittier's original non-profit partner and fiscal agent closed their doors last summer, Pilsen Alliance was asked to become the new fiscal agent and make this critical endeavor a reality for Whittier families! Of the numerous programs being funded is an all-school "Pure Adenaline" program where students are lead in fun-filled and engaging physical activity in their own classroom. It will be complimented by lessons in nutritious eating habits. In addition, comprehensive programs such as Bodyworks a program designed to help parents and caregivers of adolescents improve family eating and activity habits will be provided later this Spring. We are excited to play a critical role in this effort to reduce obesity and increase physical activity and healthy eating habits in our community! Email us if you would like to help out in this critical endeavor! Check out some motivating pictures of Whittier's students getting active!

Si se puede!
In solidarity,

Alejandra L. Ibanez,
Executive Director