On July 15th, 2025, the Southwest Organizing Project (SWOP) hosted its quarterly Action Council at Stevenson Elementary School—bringing together community leadersfrom member institutions for an evening centered on solidarity, progress, and purpose. These gatherings are a vital part of SWOP’s organizing model, offering a platform to share recent wins, ongoing efforts, and future plans while grounding the work in deep relational conversations.
This quarter’s Action Council was held against a backdrop of heightened uncertainty and fear in the world. But rather than succumb to isolation and fear, SWOP’s message was one of connection and collective resilience. “You are not alone,” was a sentiment echoed throughout the night, with organizers reminding attendees that checking in on loved ones and community members is one of the most powerful acts of resistance and care.
The gathering featured updates from across SWOP’s teams, highlighting the depth and breadth of the organization’s ongoing work. SWOP shared the efforts of youth interns who spent the summer conducting one-to-one meetings: A Youth Proposal shaped directly by conversations with other young people across the community. Their proposal focused on the need for safe spaces in the community, the opportunity to have a dedicated person in a position to connect with young people, and follow-up support, all rooted in the voices of youth themselves.
Community Organizer Imelda Salazar shared recent strides made through SWOP’s immigration organizing, while strategy team members Dennis Ryan and Raul Garcia addressed healthcare concerns raised by attendees, emphasizing SWOP’s continued push for safe and welcoming healthcare access for all residents.
The Housing team offered a celebratory update: many new homeowners have secured properties through the Reclaiming Chicago Initiative, and the team proudly announced that SWOP is now a finalist for the prestigious Pritzker Traubert Foundation Chicago Prize, a potential gamechanger for scaling the housing justice work.
As always, relational conversations were woven throughout the evening, reinforcing bonds and building new ones between attendees. The night closed with a powerful Call to Action—urging everyone to commit to doing regular well-being checks on their neighbors, friends, and family, and to continue standing firm together in the face of fear or adversity.
SWOP’s quarterly Action Council proved once again that community power is built through relationships, resilience, and a relentless belief in collective action.
