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In these tough economic times, are you looking for a way to buy local? Find holiday presents that keep your dollars circulating in our local economy. Read the rest of this entry »

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Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood is home to a variety of ethnic and religious groups. It’s a place where Asian, African and Hispanic cultures mingle among Caucasian neighbors.Uptown has also been the long-time residence to a largely overlooked population. More than fifty years ago, Native American tribes from around the Midwest relocated to Uptown and founded the American Indian Center. Read the rest of this entry »

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Seemingly everyday, news headlines mark the fall of another financial giant and the rising number of home-owners facing foreclosure. Read the rest of this entry »

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 The presidential elections are bringing new awareness to community organizing. Here in Chicago, we come from rich history of grassroots organizing. Chicago’s list of community leaders includes Saul Alinsky, Tom Gaudette, Madeline Talbott and Barack Obama - among others. Read the rest of this entry »

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Most Chicago teens spend their summer vacations lounging on the beach or hanging out with friends.  Some are lucky enough to find temporary jobs and earn extra money for the school year.But few teens would consider spending their vacation inside a classroom doing research.The Chicago Freedom School isn’t like other schools.  Teen fellows from around the city learn leadership skills and community organizing strategies.  With the guidance of staff members, fellows choose an independent project on a social issue affecting their community.  This fall, they will return to their high schools and neighborhoods with new tools they can use as positive forces for change.On this episode of Community, Media and You, we’ll hear how some teens spent their summer vacations from two Chicago Freedom School fellows, Alexandra Pate and Sandra Gonzalez.  We will also hear from the school’s youth organizer, Hilda Franco.