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Areas of Support
Civic Engagement
The health of our communities and free, democratic institutions rely on a citizenry
with a life-long commitment to informed and active civic engagement. Our civic engagement
and volunteerism initiatives focus on three key populations:
Youth
The Citizenship Program aims to build a new generation of civically-engaged individuals
committed to:
Serving their communities and country
Participating in the democratic process with an emphasis on voting, volunteering
and other traditional forms of civic engagement
Funding supports programs that serve 15 to 22-year olds in Illinois.
New Citizens
Immigrant families currently comprise more than one quarter of the population of
Illinois. This growing population of new Americans presents
a significant asset to our evolving civic landscape.
The Citizenship Program collaborates with organizations in the Chicago area that
work closely with immigrant populations and guide them through the naturalization
process, register them to vote and help them become active, engaged citizens in
their communities.
Seniors
In the next five years, the first cohort of “Baby Boomers” will begin to retire
from the workforce offering an unprecedented pool of potential new volunteers. The
Citizenship Program invests in initiatives that create more and better opportunities
for seniors to use their time, skills and experience to serve their communities.
Civic Dialogue
Our civic health requires citizens to be both knowledgeable and engaged. The
Citizenship Program supports organizations that coordinate or promote civic dialogue
on timely topics of critical importance to our communities and country. These projects
include conferences, workshops, public programs and seminars or youth summits.
Honor Soldiers and Veterans
Service to country and community is the hallmark of good citizenship. In honoring
the patriotic service of Americans who offer their time and talents for the betterment
of our nation, the Citizenship Program supports initiatives that:
Provide basic assistance to wounded or fallen soldiers and their families in Illinois.
Of all 50 states, Illinois currently has one of the highest numbers of wounded soldiers
returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. The Citizenship Program funds local organizations
that help these men and women reunite with their families and build the support
network they need to live rewarding and productive lives
Honor our nation's veterans
Support the First Infantry Division of the U.S. Army
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