Making an Impact in Our Community

Legislation

The recent passage and signing of legislation by the State of Illinois to allow undocumented high school seniors the right to pay in-state tuition at public universities was a tremendous victory for the current members of the Pilsen Neighbors Community Council. Leaders from St. Paul Catholic Church, Alivio Medical Center, and Orozco Academy organized bus loads of people to Springfield, spoke at public rallies, testified at committee hearings, and were present during the final vote in the Senate. Not only did they themselves become educated about this and other immigrant issues, but also educated numerous state legislators as well.

Fighting for Education

The organization went on to fight for and obtain a brand new high school for the community, which the people named Benito Juarez. They developed a community development plan and a housing development corporation called Proyecto Vivienda.

When all this organizing began, the average age of the 10 grade schools in the community was over 100 years. Today, there are ten new grade schools in Pilsen Irma Ruiz, Orozco Academy. They also organized to win a $60 million dollar City College, West Side Technical Institute. The people, all immigrants, most undocumented, accomplished these things by calling public meetings, organizing peaceful marches, attending public hearings, utilizing the press, and negotiating with politicians and business leaders.

Fiesta del Sol

They also created a four day festival called the “Fiesta del Sol” which now draws over one million people each year. PNCC didn’t stop there. They created a nationally renowned center for people with disabilities called “El Valor Corporation” and helped create a health clinic called “Alivio Medical Center”.

PNCC’s work is never finished. Everyday is a new battle and with the help of eager people in the community PNCC is more than ready to take each step into a better future with stride.

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