CHICAGO – People’s Action is heading toward 50 years of history in Chicago, with roots that reach back to the fearless and passionate community organizing of Gale Cincotta and Shel Trapp in the early 1970s.
And for the first time in all those years, People’s Action won’t be renters. The national progressive organization has bought a building in West Town that will be the permanent home and headquarters for People’s Action and a training center for leaders throughout the country.
People’s Action Director George Goehl envisions the spacious two-story building as a gathering space for strategy, training, relationship building, and a retreat.
People’s Action is launching a capital campaign on July 31 to renovate the 1906 building.
Background:
What: A permanent national headquarters for People’s Action
Address: 1130 North Milwaukee Ave., Chicago
Building: Two stories with 5,000 square feet of indoor space
Capital Campaign: People’s Action is launching a capital campaign on July 31 to raise $600,000 to renovate the 1906 building.
Note: People’s Action hasn’t moved into the new building yet, it is still vacant and waiting for renovations. We’re happy to meet journalists there for a look around and photos or video.
About People’s Action:
People’s Action, based in Chicago, is one of the largest multiracial poor and working class people’s organizations in the country – a coalition of more than a million people and 48 member organizations in 30 states. Together we fight for racial, gender, climate and economic justice.
About George Goehl, director of People’s Action:
At age 21, George Goehl walked into a soup kitchen to eat. Over time, he became an employee – first washing dishes and eventually helping run the place. Three years later, he was struck by seeing the same people in line as when he first arrived. He began to organize.
In the wake of the financial crisis, George and National People’s Action mobilized more people into the streets than any other organization to demand accountability, to help win Financial Reform, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and secure mortgage relief.
Today, George is the director of People’s Action. He’s credited with moving the field of community organizing to new levels, building independent political power, and focusing on long-term vision and strategy.
Member organizations around the country:
In Chicago, People’s Action member organizations include: The People’s Lobby, ONE Northside, and Jane Addams Senior Caucus.
People’s Action Director George Goehl is available for interviews, as well as members of our Chicago staff. Board members from around the country are also available, including:
Heather Booth, president of the Midwest Academy (civil rights, women’s rights activist and political strategist)
Hugh Epsey, Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement
Lizeth Chacon, Colorado People’s Alliance