Citizens Advocacy Center was critical to the success of the 9 mental health board referendum we worked on. As a grassroots organization with no outside or institutional funding, we were unable to afford attorneys to review or advise us on referendum procedures. When putting a referendum on the ballot, one small error can negate the many hours our volunteers work collecting signatures. We are so fortunate to have had Citizens Advocacy Center as our partner every step of the way. I can still see the surprise on the eyes of the official when I introduced our Citizens Advocacy Center lawyer ,Ben Silver. We make it a goal to have a lawyer not only review our petitions before turning them, but also join us when we turn it in....thank you CAC for your great work!
Review from Guidestar
In the last year since I’ve been introduced to CAC they have hosted several meaningful panels, presentations and even a debate with the interns on Rank Choice voting. The addition of Jack Bentley has been great and he has partnered with our local nonpartisan organization to provide us information to assist with some of our specific challenges. CAC is needed and relevant, especially during these times of political pollution.
Review from Guidestar
A lot of accomplishment and potential in the past, but now in decline. I really miss CAC back in the heyday of its activism. They used to host discussion groups, throw parties for civic-minded community members, and provide advice to citizens looking to make a change in our community. Though based in Elmhurst, they provided support throughout the Chicagoland area. I really appreciated that you could simply pick up the phone and bounce ideas off of a community lawyer to further improve your own activism.
CAC has had limited staffing in recent years, and does not appear to be providing support for any new issues brought to their attention by community members. Pretty much every activist that I've spoken to (and I've spoken to many, including long-time supporters and donors) is no longer actively involved with CAC.
I have known CAC for 15 years, including through a more recent transition in executive directors. Has always been a great organization that serves Illinois and the Chicago metro area very well. While many view the group as one that can be problematic for the "progress of government or commerce," the group has been a great asset to those who value open government, fairness in participation and access to the processes in play. I've spent 99% of my career involved in real estate development and often advised governmental entities and salute Miriam (and Terry before her) for their efforts in helping people understand and gain an important sense of meaningful involvement.