Our History
WESTSIDE RISING started as a pilot project in 2017 and was later formed as a coalition in 2018 by a group of organizations and individuals. This collective of individuals and organizations are committed to working together to build an own-grown base of trained and informed leaders to represent the best interest of the Westside of Chicago, Il. In 2021, WESTSIDE RISING formed a nonprofit organization.
Our mission is to engage and unite a network of local residents and organizations through training and capacity-building to leverage your collective power and shape our communities.
Testimonies
“There are a few organizations and organizational leaders that got their start from being in WESTSIDE RISING’s training, I know I did.” WR Trainee and Resident
Our Work:
We provide capacity building, leadership development, organizing, and civic engagement training to amplify the voices and enhance the capacity, skill set, and knowledgebase of residents and leaders to better understand, navigate, and participate in organizing campaigns, the political process, and other efforts that support systemic change within Westside communities. We prepare leaders to have a voice at decision-making tables as informed, trained advocates to speak up offering relevant, meaningful, and solutions-based strategies for systemic change.
We have trained nearly 2000 residents and leaders from Westside communities.
We’ve administered and supported community and civic engagement activities, training, capacity building, community organizing, leadership development efforts for more than 25 organizations.
We served as the lead organization for multiple key events (community meetings, hearings, forums, festivals, etc.).
Community Voices Campaign: Each year we conduct intensive Boots-on-the-ground campaigns to hear directly from the community. We share this information with other community groups and public service officials to support the development of initiatives that reflects the desires and best interest of Westside communities.
Youth Ambassadors: We provide development and training opportunities for youth by educating and engaging them in socioeconomic and political activities to promote and impart care and responsibility for self, family, and the community. We seek to amplify the voices of the youth.
Issue Areas: We work on issues that focus on equitable investments for Westside communities, violence prevention, park utilization, affordable housing and homelessness, opioid efforts, and amplifying community voices and abilities.
Our Guiding Principles: The principles that guide our work are trust, integrity, honesty, transparency, accountability, and solidarity for our community, coalescing members, and our collective efforts.
Our service area: We focus our efforts in the following community areas Lawndale, Garfield Park, Austin, and Humboldt Park. As we grow, WESTSIDE RISING maintains an inclusive approach to our efforts. We welcome residents, leaders, and organizations from all parts of the West Side and other communities to engage and participate in our activities.
Testimonies
“I’ve learned so much about the community, organizing, and just being a leader that people can trust because of WESTSIDE RISING.” WR Advisory Leader
Reports
Testimonies
“As a Youth Ambassador, I have learned how important it is to learn about my community and where I come from. I know that I am important and that there are possibilities in everyone coming together to build a better community.” WR Youth Ambassador