On October 15th, 2026, the Southwest Organizing Project’s (SWOP) current Community Learning Partnership (CLP) Chicago cohort reached an important milestone, completing the first part of their learning curriculum: Community Organizing, led by seasoned organizer Joel Rodriguez. To mark the occasion, students from both the English-language cohort at Kennedy-King College and the Spanish-language cohort at Arturo Velazquez Westside Technical Institute shared meals to laugh, reflect, and celebrate the journey they have taken together.
The gatherings were an opportunity to recognize the hard work, dedication, and growth that brought each student to this point. As students reflected on their experiences, the room became a space to celebrate not only what they learned, but also the relationships they built and the confidence they gained along the way.
For some students, the journey is about discovering a future they never imagined for themselves.
During the reflection, several students shared that they never considered community organizing as something they could formally study or pursue through an educational pathway. Some entered the program without believing they would be the ones to make it through. Yet, through the course, they began to see new possibilities for themselves, their communities, and their futures.
The experience became a reminder that their voices, experiences, and leadership have value, and that there is a place for them in the work of building stronger communities. Students spoke to the lasting impact of Joel’s belief in them, as well as the relationships they developed with one another throughout the course. That encouragement and collective support helped turn uncertainty into confidence, making the experience both life-altering and affirming.
This is at the heart of community organizing: recognizing the leadership that already exists within people, building relationships rooted in trust, and creating the conditions for individuals to see themselves as capable of making meaningful change. The cohort’s reflections demonstrated that the lessons of the class extended well beyond the curriculum, shaping how students understand their own potential and their ability to contribute to their communities.
CLP Chicago was developed to create an accessible educational pathway for aspiring organizers and community leaders, particularly those from low-income communities, communities of
color, and immigrant communities. Through a partnership between SWOP, City Colleges of Chicago, and other community organizations, the program connects the practice of community organizing with formal education, giving students the opportunity to develop their skills while building toward a certificate or associate’s degree.
With the Community Organizing course now completed, students are preparing to begin the next part of their journey: Community Development. This course will build upon the foundation they have established, expanding their understanding of how communities can organize, develop resources, and work collectively toward lasting change.
As the cohort moves forward, the October 15th gathering serves as a reminder of just how far these students have come. What began as a learning opportunity has grown into a shared experience of discovery, connection, and affirmation. With new knowledge, stronger relationships, and a renewed belief in themselves, these emerging community leaders are carrying the lessons of their first class into the next chapter of their journey.
