The sun’s shining, it’s 80 degrees outside, and your fingers are itching for a mint julep. What better way to spend a lazy afternoon than on your porch or at the lakefront with Radiostan for company? If you haven’t podcast or streamed any shows lately, check out the latest episodes and music at www.radiostan.com.

For Episode #26: Finding Your Bliss, I spoke with writer and actress Meera Simhan and director Shishir Kurup about their play Miss India America, a coming-of-age comedy about growing up in Southern California and finding your voice. Miss India America comes to Chicago July 14-17 at Theater Wit.

For Episode #25: Deep Space Utopia, I interviewed Pushkar Sharma and Sathya Sridharan, two of the three members of the thoroughly entertaining Brownstar Collective about their unique mix of theater, comedy, and verse. If you’re going to be in NYC on August 14, get tickets to their Unification show at Nuyorican Poets Cafe.

For Episode #24: A Messy Democracy, I talked to the new alderman of Chicago’s 47th Ward, Ameya Pawar, about youth, change, and running against a powerful political machine.

For Episode #23: Soul Food, I spoke with journalist, mom, and cookbook author Anupy Singla about home cooking, smelling like curry, and enticing kids to eat their veggies.  You can find her new book, The Indian Slow Cooker, at your local bookstore or online.

As always, email me at tina@radiostan.com if you have questions, comments, or story ideas.

The Illinois DREAM Act has the power to make a real difference in the lives of undocumented young people throughout Illinois
and moves the immigration debate forward.

ACT NOW!!

Speak up for accurate information, access to education and a voice for all undocumented youth! There are too many stories of young people being caught in a broken immigration system.

The Illinois DREAM Act (SB 2185) is scheduled to be voted on in the Illinois Senate on Wednesday, May 3rd, and this is your opportunity to right a wrong.

Click here to get your legislator’s contact information and take a few minutes to call or email your legislator and make sure that she or he is supporting Illinois DREAM Act (SB 2185). Every little bit counts!

South Asians for Immigration Reform

Children of our undocumented community grow up in the U.S, and become like other “American kids.” But they cannot work or pursue their dreams because they don’t have legal status. Every year, roughly 65,000 undocumented students graduate from high school, but many don’t apply for college. HOW CAN YOU CHANGE THIS ?

Some of the SAPACers got to meet Prerna Lal in D.C. last month when she received the Changemakers award from South Asian American Leaders of Tomorrow (SAALT). Prerna is a Co-Founder and Online Coordinator of DreamActivist , a online immigrant youth community  that has mobilized thousands to action. Last month, Prerna received notice to appear in court for removal proceedings and could face deportation to her native Fiji despite having parents who are legal permanent residents. Prerna is an example of how our immigration system is broken.

What is the Illinois DREAM Act? Here are the 3 things you need to know about the proposed bill!

ACCURATE INFORMATION: DREAM youth too often get incorrect information from high school counselors and college admissions officers regarding their college options. This bill will encourage these counselors and officers receive regular training regarding educational opportunities for immigrant youths. Having accurate information would give DREAM youths the hope they need to continue their educations and help reduce the rates of high school dropouts.

ACCESS TO EDUCATION: Many qualified DREAM students do not have the financial resources to pursue college.  The Illinois DREAM Act would establish a privately-funded Illinois DREAM Fund, administered by a volunteer state commission, to make scholarships available to undocumented students at no cost to taxpayers. The bill would also open up college savings programs and prepaid tuition programs to all Illinois residents, so that the families of DREAM students will be better able to pay for tuition. Not one penny comes from tax dollars.

A VOICE: In addition to administering and fundraising for the Illinois DREAM Fund, an Illinois DREAM Commission could monitor implementation of other parts of this law and research the needs of DREAM youth as they make their way through college.

MAKE THE CALL, PEOPLE, &

HELP ILLINOIS

DREAM BIG!!!

BEING BROWN IS NOT A CRIME!

Last updated April 25.

Spring continues to bring us a plethora of opportunities to catch desis doing fascinating things around Chicagoland…

As always, we’ll continue to update this post throughout the month. Send your events to info@sapac.org or leave a comment here.

Don’t forget: Artist applications for Voices of Resistance 10: REVISION are due Friday, April 15!

Enemies of Silence @ Chicago Cultural Center
Friday, April 1 @ 7:00pm

Rape Victim Advocates presents an evening of poetry and performance to kick off Sexual Assalt Awareness Month, as part of the public programming around the Off the Beaten Path exhibition at the Cultural Center. Performers include Friends of SAPAC Sarwat Rumi and Lani Montreal.

Krishan vs. Kanhaiya @ North Shore Center for the Performing Arts
Friday, April 1 @ 8:00pm

Bollywood star Paresh Rawal stars in this Hindi play directed by Umesh Shukla.

Chef Sanjeev Kapoor @ Gaylord
Saturday, April 2 @ 7:00pm

Gaylord’s downtown restaurant features a special dinner and talk by the world renowned chef and author of the new book How to Cook Indian.

SEVEN @ Gene Siskel Film Center
Saturday, April 2 @ 8:15pm

Silk Road Theater Company presents a staged reading of SEVEN, a documentary play based on interviews with seven women’s rights activists from seven countries around the world: Afghanistan, Cambodia, Guatemala, Nigeria, Northern Ireland, Pakistan, and Russia. The interviews were conducted by seven award-winning women playwrights: Paula Cizmar, Catherine Filloux, Gail Kriegel, Carol K. Mack, Ruth Margraff, Anna Deveare-Smith, and Susan Yankowitz. The show features an ensemble of local actors that includes Mouzam Makkar and Amira Sabbagh and is presented as part of the 16^th Annual Asian American Showcase.

Ravi Shankar film @ Chicago Cultural Center
Sunday, April 3 @ 2:00pm

In recognition of his 91st birthday, the Cultural Center’s Reel Music series debuts the rerelease of Ravi Shankar, Raga: A Film Journey to the Soul of India, the long out-of-print documentary film about the life of the legendary sitarist.

50th Ward Run-off Election
Tuesday, April 5 @ 6:00am-7:00pm

Among the many Chicago aldermanic run-off elections we’ll be watching is the 50th Ward match between incumbent Bernie Stone and Debra Silverstein. Full election info can be found at http://chicagoelections.com.

Katarzyna Pazucha @ University of Chicago
Thursday, April 7 @ 4:30pm

Pazucha, of the university’s Department of South Asian Languages and Civilizations, speaks as part of the school’s Theory and Practice in South Asia graduate student workshop series.

Brownstar @ UIC
Thursday, April 7 @ 7:00pm

As part of their APA Heritage Month calendar, UIC’s Asian American students present an open mic night featuring spoken word artists Brownstar and Beau Sia.

Tabla Master Class with Prafulla Athalye @ Andy’s Music Chicago ADDED 4/7
Thursday, April 7 @ 7:00pm

Prafulla is a life long disciple of Ustad Alla Rakha, father of Zakir Hussain. He’ll present an overview of his very popular lineage of techniques and styles on the tabla.

Indo-American Center Wine & Cheese Social @ TBA
Saturday, April 9 @ 4:00pm

The Center’s Leadership 21 junior board hosts a networking event for young professionals.

Bollywood in My Soul @ Gene Siskel Film Center ADDED 4/1
Saturday, April 9 @ 8:00pm

Rasaka Theatre Company debuts a short piece called Bollywood in My Soul, written by Friend of SAPAC Kareem Khubchandani, prior to a film screening at the 16th Annual Asian American Showcase. Featuring Ranvijay Raazdan, Kamal Hans, Minita Gandhi, Mouzam Makkar, and Vyjayanthi Vadrevu.

Natya Dance Theatre Student Showcase @ Schaumburg Prairie Center for the Arts
Sunday, April 10 @ 3:00pm

The school shows off its students’ progress at this family-friendly introduction to Bharatanatyam.

SAPAC Voices of Resistance 10 Info Session @ Chicago Cultural Center ADDED 4/11
Monday, April 11 @ 5:30pm

Thinking of applying to be part of our 10th VOR show but have some questions or concerns? Come to one of our info sessions (the other is April 15) and meet with our VOR organizers!

Lakshmi Rengarajan and Ramona Gupta @ Columbia College Chicago ADDED 4/11
Monday, April 11 @ 6:30pm

SAPAC’s own Rengarajan and Gupta (er…me) speak on a panel of Asian American Professionals in the Arts for Columbia College’s Asian Pacific American Heritage Month celebrations.

Eboo Patel @ Old St. Pat’s Church ADDED 4/8
Wednesday, April 13 @ 7:00pm

Interfaith Youth Core founder Patel gives a talk as part of the church’s Lenten Series “Life Beyond Borders.”

Anupama Rao @ University of Chicago
Thursday, April 14 @ 4:30pm

Rao, Associate Professor of South Asian History at Barnard College, addresses “Stigma, Precarity, and Everyday Life in Dalit Bombay” as part of the U of C’s South Asia Seminar series.

Pushpika Freitas @ Women & Children First
Thursday, April 14 @ 7:30pm

The founder of fair-trade apparel group MarketPlace: Handwork of India, an Evanston-based company that employs more than 300 artisans, joins authors Mary A. Littrell and Marsha A. Dickson for a reading and discussion of their new book Artisans and Fair Trade: Crafting Development.

Stir-Friday Night! Benefit for Japan @ The Playground Theater ADDED 4/8
Thursday, April 14@ 8:00pm

The Asian American comedy troupe hosts a benefit for disaster relief in Japan.

Market Place – Handiwork of India Spring Benefit @ In Fine Spirits ADDED 4/1
Thursday, April 14 @ 8:30pm

The organization hosts a reception to support the women artisans whose wares it sells.

SAPAC Voices of Resistance 10 Artist Applications Due!
Friday, April 15

Chicago South Asian artists, don’t forget to submit your appliction for our annual showcase, Voices of Resistance 10: REVISION!

SAPAC Voices of Resistance 10 Info Session @ Coffee Chicago ADDED 4/11
Friday, April 15 @ 5:30pm

Thinking of applying to be part of our 10th VOR show but have some questions or concerns? Come to one of our info sessions (the other is April 11) and meet with our VOR organizers!

Sehla Ashai @ NIU ADDED 4/11
Friday, April 15 @ 9:00am

SAPAC’s own Ashai, of the National Immigrant Justice Project’s Counter-Trafficking Project, speaks on a panel titled “Litigating Human Trafficking Cases” at NIU’s two-day Law Review Symposium on Human Trafficking.

Honoring South Asians in Public Office @ D4 Restaurant and Pub
Friday, April 15 @ 7:00pm

NetIP Chicago, the Indian American Bar Association, South Asians for Opportunity, and the Washington Leadership Program host a reception honoring young four South Asian leaders elected to public office: Ameya Pawar (Chicago Alderman), Jay Goyal (Ohio State Representative), Sam Arora (Maryland State Representative), and Raja Krishnamoorthi (former Illinois Deputy State Treasurer). Proceeds benefit the Washington Leadership Program to support South Asian interns on Capitol Hill for Summer 2011.

Bollywood Dream @ Chicago Cultural Center ADDED 4/1
Friday, April 15 @ 8:00pm

Catch a free screening of this Brazilian film about three women hoping to make it in Bollywood. Part of the 3rd annual Chicago International Movies and Music Festival (CIMM Fest)–and the rest of the fest is worth checking out, too.

Bhutto film @ Chicago Cultural Center ADDED 4/8
Saturday, April 16 @ 2:00pm

ITVS, CAIR-Chicago, WTTW Channel 11, and the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events present this special screening of Bhutto, the story of former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto’s life. With special guest Husain Haqqani, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the U.S. in an interview with Ash-har Quraishi, a journalist from Chicago Tonight.

South Asian Women’s Conference @ Oak Brook Marriott ADDED 4/11
Sunday, April 17 @ 1:30pm

Indo-American Community Services presents a day of motivational speakers and educational workshops for women of South Asian descent. Speakers include Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky; Anurima Bhargava, Chief of Educational Opportunities Section, U.S. Department of Justice; K.Sujata, President/CEO of Chicago Foundation for Women; Mukta Dutta Tomar, Indian Consul General in Chicago; and Rohini Dey, Founder and Owner of Vermilion Restaurants. Featured performers include Natya Dance Theatre and Anila Sinha Foundation.

Teaching South Asia Critically Conference @ Oakton Community College ADDED 4/8
Thursday, April 21 – Friday, April 22

SAPAC’s own Ahalya Satkunaratnam and Samip Mallick, as well as several Friends of SAPAC, will speak at this gathering focused on developing South-Asia-related curricula in a variety of fields.

Aishwary Kumar @ University of Chicago
Thursday, April 21 @ 4:30pm

Kumar, Assistant Professor of Modern South Asian History at Stanford University, speaks as part of the U of C’s South Asia Seminar series.

Kalapriya: The Liquid Network @ Jordan Mozer and Associates, Ltd. Design Studio ADDED 4/20
Thursday, April 21 @ 6:00pm

Kalapriya presents The Liquid Network, a site-specific performance that brings “the myriad facets of Indian dance culture…face to face with modern design.” Includes a post-show reception and conversation with the choreographer and dancers.

Stir-Friday Night Benefit for Japan @ Second City ADDED 4/8
Friday, April 22 @ 7:30pm

SFN presents “Asians Do Your Homework for $$$ to Aid Relief Efforts in Japan.” Hee. Click the link above for full details.

Immigrant Youth Justice League open meeting & info session @ ICIRR ADDED 4/23
Saturday, April 23 @ 2:00pm

Not a desi-specific event, per se, but an opportunity to meet with other youth immigration activists.

Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam @ Avery Coonley School
Saturday, April 23 @ 5:30pm

The visiting former Indian president speaks to middle and high school students at the Downers Grove school.

Eboo Patel on ABC’s “This Week” ADDED 4/23
Sunday, April 24 @ 9:30am

The founder of Interfaith Youth Core joins Cokie and Steve Roberts, the Rev. Al Sharpton, and Richard Land of the Southern Baptist Convention for a roundtable on religion and government for a special Easter Sunday edition of “This Week with Christiane Amanpour.”

Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam @ UIC
Sunday, April 24 @ 12:00pm

Former Indian President Kalam is also a renowned scientist and aeronautical engineer, humanitarian, and advocate for youth empowerment. As part of his Chicago visit, he discusses his Vision 2020 for India, the importance of environmentalism, and youth empowerment at a colloquium for college students.

Zero Bridge @ Gene Siskel Film Center ADDED 4/23
Sunday, April 24 & Monday, April 25

A rare chance to see a film set in Kashmr; this is its Chicago premiere.

Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam @ Oak Brook Marriott
Sunday, April 24 @ 6:00pm

The Indo-American Center hosts a benefit dinner featuring former Indian President Abdul Kalam.

Eboo Patel and Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf @ Hilton Chicago ADDED 4/11
Tuesday, April 26 @ 5:30pm

IFYC founder Patel interviews the founder and chairman of the American Society for Muslim Advancement and the Cordoba Initiative in a program sponsored by The Chicago Council on Global Affairs. The two will discuss “Religious Pluralism and Muslims in the United States.”

Vijay Prashad @ Columbia College Chicago ADDED 4/25
Tuesday, April 26 @ 6:00pm

Prashad, Director of International Studies at Trinity College and author of The Darker Nations: A People’s History of The Third World and The Karma of Brown Folk, joins a panel discussing “Rap Sessions: From Precious II For Colored Girls: The Black Image in the American Mind.”

Sarah Hodges @ University of Chicago
Thursday, April 28 @ 4:30pm

Hodges, Associate Professor of History at University of Warwick, addresses “The Afterlives of Afterbirth: Stem Cells and the Devil in ‘New’ Chennai” as part of the school’s South Asia Seminar series.

Kavi Gupta Gallery & more @ Merchandise Mart ADDED 4/25
Thursday, April 28 – Monday, May 2

Artropolis (Art Chicago, NEXT, and the International Antiques Fair) is back again this weekend, with an opening preview Thursday night. Check out Kavi Gupta Gallery‘s booth at NEXT as well as a number of desi artists showcased around the fairs.

Honoring Akshaya Trust’s Narayanan Krishnan @ Elephant & Castle ADDED 4/25
Friday, April 29 @ 7:00pm

NetIP Chicago welcomes the CNN Hero of the Year Finalist for a social mixer and food drive Friday night. The events continue with a service breakfast Saturday morning at Lincoln Park Community Shelter and/or the Indo-American Center, followed by a luncheon at Gaylord.

Delhi 2 Dublin @ Darkroom
Friday, April 29 @ 9:00pm

Bhangratheque hosts the Vancouver-based world music group along with DJ Jimmy Singh, DJ Krush, and Bhangra instructor Ajanta.

4th Annual Global Activism Expo @ UIC Forum ADDED 4/8
Saturday, April 30 @ 12:00pm

WBEZ hosts this gathering of hundreds of Chicago-area global activists, each providing ways you can immediately get involved and join their efforts. Several South-Asian-related organizations will participate, and attendees will have the opportunity to live video chat with children in India via the LIFT Foundation (Leading India’s Future Today).

Anindita Dutta @ Robert Bills Contemporary ADDED 4/23
April 30 – May 31, 2011

The West Loop gallery presents Wrest in Peace, a solo exhibition of Dutta’s recent sculptural work, performance documentation, and video installation.

Huma Bhabha @ Rhona Hoffman Gallery ADDED 4/23
Through May 14, 2011

The Karachi-born Bhabha’s “sculptures and photo-drawings address universal themes of colonialism, war, displacement, and memories of home. Made from discarded materials such as clay, chicken wire, leaves, Styrofoam, metal chains, paint and wood, the work in this exhibition evokes a sense of suspended creation and decomposition, as if salvaged from wreckage.”

[Ed. note: Early voting for Chicago's April 5 runoff election begins today, March 14. Visit chicagoelections.com for more info. For suburban Cook County races and links to collar counties, visit voterinfonet.com.]

On February 22, I experienced my first Chicago municipal election. As milestones go, it isn’t the most impressive, but it is notable to me because it is the first time I participated in a system that incorporates runoff voting.  Past experiences with close city, state, and presidential elections have familiarized many of us with the aftermath of tight elections with no such system: protracted recounts, legal actions, widespread antipathy, and an elected official without a clear mandate.

Having admired the concept of runoffs from afar, I was interested to see how they change the feel of an election, in terms of inclusiveness, voter participation, and mitigation of the advantages of incumbency. Every campaign season, I hear voting strategies so complex and calculated that the ultimate result seems meaningless. I also hear people of all political persuasions bemoaning their inability to vote for their ideal candidate, in fear that they will act as spoilers.  Political players often exploit these fears by creating obstacles to third party participation. Or maybe even worse: Prior to the November 2010 election, I was appalled by a story about a group of Democrats promoting Tea Party candidates in an attempt to divide conservative voters, perhaps a trick taken from the GOP handbook.   Such cynical and desperate tactics undermine an important part of elections that exist separately from any desired electoral result: sharing ideas and becoming more engaged citizens.

Sound hopelessly optimistic?  There have been several examples of the impact runoff voting can have. The winner of 1990 Irish presidential election was a third-party reform candidate who placed second in the first round of voting behind the candidate of the dominant party, which had never before lost a presidential election. She won after votes were re-tallied by instant runoff voting (or ranked choice voting). In 2009 in Burlington, VT, a progressive third party candidate who was not leading after the first round of voting was eventually re-elected mayor (though instant runoff voting has since been repealed there).

These stories provide some evidence that runoff voting can promote representation of more diverse viewpoints, increase participation by individuals with less recognition and limited funds, and liberate from the status quo. There is a national referendum in the U.K. on May 5 to adopt what they call “alternative voting,” or “ranked choice voting,” for its Parliament, largely in response to the rise of third parties.

While Chicago doesn’t utilize instant (or ranked choice) voting, its sequential runoff system adds integrity to a city not really known for it.  One of the most interesting runoffs taking place April 5 in Chicago is the aldermanic (or city council) race in the 50^th Ward, which includes the city’s South Asian enclave.  Bernie Stone, a long-standing incumbent, is at risk of being unseated, achieving only a slim lead after the first round.  Stone (also vice mayor of the city) claims to support the local South Asian community, but his campaign conduct suggests otherwise.  Last summer, two of his campaign workers were convicted of manipulating absentee voters, specifically targeting Indians and Pakistanis.  Attorneys for the convicted men argued that they acted at the behest of Stone, who presented the puzzling defense that these actions do not constitute a serious crime. Regardless, such tactics are deeply disrespectful to the South Asian community and destructive to the democratic process.

I haven’t yet come to any conclusions after my brief encounter with runoffs. But if Stone is not re-elected after about 40 years, that will be a very notable milestone—and not just to me.

Guest blogger Harish Patel is a strategic thinker, organizer, and activist working on issues locally and globally.

I have been looking at this “loss” as a phenomenal opportunity to build for a vibrant, livable, healthy, educated, just, peaceful, and fair city.

Two thoughts have lingered in my head in the past few days:

• Change is slow and will not come from either the inside or the outside alone, but from the merger of the two.
• The Left needs to put just as much thought into unifying our own forces as we put into opposing/defeating the Right or the Tea Party.

I have never, before this moment of Daley’s resignation, involved myself in electoral politics. It was a deliberate decision that I made, hoping for a progressive change. I still stand by my belief that a public servant who is grounded in movement building and neighborhoods must be supported by progressive forces. In the past 5 months, I worked at and attended a lot of meetings and supported various new entities such as Chicago Votes, New Chicago 2011, Chicago A.D. (After Daley), Mayoral Tutorial, Progressive Alliance – Cook County and others. I supported various aldermanic candidates and a couple mayoral candidates. This has all been an amazing learning moment for me.

After hearing that Rahm won, I felt surprisingly rejuvenated, ready to work harder, and to put forth a smarter struggle. This election created an amazing educational opportunity for a lot of young folks–on the community, ward, and city levels. These young people are more connected and more inspired than ever before. These young people have more intergenerational opportunities than those before them had. These young people are watching revolutions in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, and other places for democracy and are inspired. These young people are sick of waiting to get older to become engaged. These young people are gaining tools, building organizations, and learning tangible skills to run for election themselves on local and statewide levels.

All these aspects of the past 5 months make me happy, energized, and most importantly, hopeful for the Rahm Era.

Here are some more wins that make me hopeful:

• There is an immense desire, especially among young folks, to be involved.
• We are getting involved at a younger age. Ameya Pawar (age: 30) in the 47^th Ward. Hip Hop Generation is picking up steam, growing up, and getting involved. Example: Che Rhymefest Smith, Brian Sleet, Hector Gonzalez. Younger doesn’t always mean progressive, but in this case, it does.
• Younger people vote based on issues and not based on race or neighborhoods.
• Race Matters, but not as much in electoral politics as it used to. (Chicago’s racial demographics are changing.)
• There are various new networks, entities, organizations, progressive PACs, and c4 advocacy groups. Example: New Chicago 2011 Coalition.
• 14 runoffs in this election. Let’s especially keep an eye out for progressive forces in the 15^th (Foulkes), 20^th (Che Rhymefest), 25^th (Morfin), 45^th (Arena), and 50^th (against Stone) Wards.
• 12 aldermen retired.
• The power is split into Burke/Chico Collective, Rahm and the “reformers,” Daley and the Democratic Machine, and Del Valle and the Progressives. Possible campaign for progressive electoral campaign, post-Del-Valle camp?
• The forces around the Sweet Home Chicago ordinance, TIF reform, Clean Air Ordinance, and maybe electoral finance reform are getting stronger.

Let’s get to work. Let’s go back to our neighborhoods. Let’s get back to the movement. Let’s set up accountability structures. Let’s share our thoughts. Let’s celebrate.

“TO BE HOPEFUL in bad times is not just foolishly romantic. It is based on the fact that human history is a history not only of cruelty, but also of compassion, sacrifice, courage, kindness.

What we choose to emphasize in this complex history will determine our lives. If we see only the worst, it destroys our capacity to do something. If we remember those times and places—and there are so many—where people have behaved magnificently, this gives us the energy to act, and at least the possibility of sending this spinning top of a world in a different direction.

And if we do act, in however small a way, we don’t have to wait for some grand utopian future. The future is an infinite succession of presents, and to live now as we think human beings should live, in defiance of all that is bad around us, is itself a marvelous victory.”

— Howard Zinn

In solidarity and with a big hopeful smile,

Harish I. Patel

Reference Articles/Websites:

• Colorlines: Change Doesn’t Come from Inside or Outside Pressure–It’s Both
• Huffington Post: Hip-Hop Grows Up: Rhymefest, Gonzalez, Vargas And Sleet Run For Alderman With Hip-Hop Background
• B is for Blog: Chicago: We’ve Only Just Begun
• Progress Illinois: 2011 Chicago Aldermanic Run Offs Tracker
• Rock the Vote: Chicago: Young Voters Turn Out
• Center Square Journal: Aderman-elect Ameya Pawar: Slow and Steady Wins the Race
• Chicago Reporter: Voters in black wards supported Rahm more than all other candidates combined

• Chicago Votes
• Mayoral Tutorial
• Progressive Alliance – Cook County
• New Chicago 2011

Now that we’ve covered the basics and seen what our ballots will look like, let’s take a look at how the candidates have answered local organization’s questionnaires and how they are being rated.

(Please note: SAPAC’s election work is nonpartisan, and we do not officially endorse any particular candidates. This information is intended to serve only as a resource.)

Got a great resource we missed? Please leave a note in the comments.

Gender JUST
Gender JUST (Gender Justice United for Societal Transformation) is a multi-racial, multi-ethnic, and multi-generational grassroots organization of Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, Transgender, Queer, and Allied (LGBTQA) young people, LGBTQA people of color, and LGBTQA grassroots folks developing leadership and building power through organizing.

Windy City Times
Windy City Media Group serves the diverse communication needs of the gay and lesbian community. It is the only regional gay media group in the U.S. with multi-media projects, including an online podcast, two weekly publications, one monthly ethnic online magazine, and an online resource guide. (More election info available here.)

Equality Illinois
The mission of Equality Illinois is to secure, protect and defend equal rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in Illinois. In partnership with LGBT organizations and community leaders, we are engaging in the contest for the next mayor of the City of Chicago. The non-partisan vote and candidate engagement process will include a series of community forums to identify the LGBT community’s key concerns and priorities for the mayoral candidates. Additionally, we will educate the candidates on our community’s concerns, and survey the candidates’ positions via a questionnaire. This non-partisan coalition that will not make candidate endorsements.

AIDS Foundation of Chicago (includes Aldermanic candidate responses)
The mission of the AIDS Foundation of Chicago is to lead the fight against HIV/AIDS and improve the lives of people affected by the epidemic.

Green Growth Platform
A questionnaire sponsored by Active Transportation Alliance, Alliance for the Great Lakes, Blacks in Green, Center for Neighborhood Technology, Chicago Recycling Coalition, Citizen Action/Illinois, Environmental Law & Policy Center, Environment Illinois, Friends of the Chicago River, Friends of the Forest Preserves, Friends of the Parks, Little Village Environmental Justice Organization, Metropolitan Planning Council, Nuclear Energy Information Services, Openlands, Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago, and Sierra Club/Illinois.

Arts Power Chicago
Arts Power Chicago is a coalition of arts organizations that have come together to make sure the voice of the arts industry is heard loud and clear in the 2011 Chicago election. We are a non-partisan campaign working to educate candidates and voters about the importance of the arts and arts education.

Catalyst Chicago
Catalyst Chicago is an independent newsmagazine created in 1990 to document, analyze and support school-improvement efforts in the Chicago Public Schools. It is published by the Community Renewal Society (CRS), a nonprofit organization founded in 1882 that works to create racially and economically just communities.

Teachers for Social Justice
Teachers for Social Justice (TSJ) is an organization of teachers, administrators, pre-service teachers, and other educators working in public, independent, alternative, and charter schools and universities in the Chicago area. We have come together based on our commitment to education for social justice. We are working toward classrooms and schools that are anti-racist, multicultural / multilingual, and grounded in the experiences of our students. We believe that all children should have an academically rigorous education that is both caring and critical, an education that helps students pose critical questions about society and “talk back” to the world.

Chicago Teachers Union
The Chicago Teachers Union is an organization of educators dedicated to advancing and promoting quality public education, improving teaching and learning conditions, and protecting members’ rights. Chicago Teachers Union affiliations include the Chicago Federation of Labor (CFL), the Illinois State Federation of Labor-Congress of Industrial Organizations (ISFL-CIO), the American Federation of Labor-Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO), the Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT), and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT).

Mikva Challenge – DearMayor.com
Mikva Challenge is a nonpartisan 501(c)3 organization that prioritizes the development of civic leadership in underserved Chicago high school youth. DearMayor.com was created by the Mikva Challenge Foundation to give Chicago’s youth a space to share with mayoral candidates their issues, their needs, their opinions, and most importantly their vision for Chicago.

IVI-IPO
The IVI–IPO (Independent Voters of Illinois – Independent Precinct Organization) has been dedicated to good government activism and an idealistic vision of open, honest government in Illinois through pragmatic means that confront cynicism and corruption with equal force. The organization’s primary tools are voter’s registration, voter information and candidate endorsement. We also lobby on behalf of governmental reforms designed to open the system and better inform the public on the political process.

Better Government Association
The BGA works for integrity, transparency, and accountability in government by exposing corruption and inefficiency; identifying and advocating effective public policy; and engaging and mobilizing the electorate to achieve authentic and responsible reform.

Chicago Reader

Chicago Sun-Times

Chicago Tribune

ABC 7 Chicago (includes Aldermanic candidate responses)

CBS Chicago

Chicago Mayoral Scorecard
Provides a list of candidates for the race for Mayor in Chicago. See who’s in and who they are through links, news, Tweets, Facebook, campaign contributions, and latest poll results.

Mayoral Tutorial
The Mayoral Tutorial is a weekly interactive, agitational, informational, educational, satirical town hall meeting hosted by Don Washington. Get schooled up on the candidates, get hip to the media narrative and let’s go pick a Mayor instead of being given another evil overlord. We want you to be dangerously informed.

Part 1: The Basics
Part 2: The Candidates

In Part 1 of the Election Guide, we covered the basics. In Part 2 we’ll take a look at the candidates and referenda on your ballot. (Part 3 will cover candidate questionnaires and scorecards.)

The offices for which everyone will vote, as they appear on the ballot, along with links to the candidates’ campaign websites:

Mayor

1. Rahm Emanuel
2. Miguel del Valle
3. Carol Moseley Braun
4. Gery J. Chico
7. Patricia Van Pelt Watkins
11. William Walls, III

City Clerk

21. Patricia Horton
25. Susana A. Mendoza

City Treasurer

31. Stephanie D. Neely

City Council (Aldermen)

You will also be voting for the Alderman for your Ward. The full list of candidates can be found HERE.

Remember that you can also see your own exact ballot HERE.

A simple web search will provide links to each candidate’s campaign website. If you have trouble finding a particular candidate’s site, please leave a comment below and we’ll help you locate it.

Referenda

Certain precincts in certain wards also have referenda questions on the ballot. You can use the links above for Aldermen to see the questions on your ballot.

Questions?

Please leave a comment below and we’ll answer it promptly.

COMING UP NEXT: Part 3: Candidate Scorecards!

Welcome to Part 1 of our Guide to the February 22, 2011 Chicago Municipal General Election. Here we’ll share the basic info you need to check your voter registration status, find your polling place, and know your voter rights.

In Part 2, we’ll provide a list of all the candidates and their campaign websites, as well as the referenda on your ballots.

In Part 3, we’ll take a look at candidate endorsements and scorecards provided by various progressive community organizations.

We hope this is a helpful resource for you. As always, we welcome your feedback and questions.

Now get out and VOTE!

• What are we voting for in Chicago?
• Do I have to declare a political party preference?
• What will my ballot look like? Where do I go to vote?
• What time are the polls open?
• Can I still register to vote?
• What is early voting and where/when can I do it?
• In-person absentee voting
• Absentee voting by mail
• What is a runoff?
• What kind of voting equipment will I use?
• What if I show up and they tell me I can’t vote?
• Know Your Rights
• Have more questions?

What are we voting for in Chicago?

In the February 22, 2011 Chicago Municipal General Election, voters will cast ballots that include:

• Mayor
• City Clerk
• City Treasurer
• Alderman in each of the city’s 50 Wards
• Various local referenda questions

Do I have to declare a political party preference?

No. The Municipal General Election is a nonpartisan election, and your ballot will contain all the offices, candidates, and referenda questions that apply to your location.

What will my ballot look like? Where do I go to vote?

Remember that you can print out your ballot, mark it up with your voting preferences, and take it into the voting booth with you. You do not have to vote on memory alone!

You can see and print your exact ballot and polling place at ChicagoElections.com.

What time are the polls open?

Polls are open from 6am to 7pm every Election Day.

Can I still register to vote?

No. “Grace Period” voter registration for this election ended February 15.

What is early voting and where/when can I do it?

Chicago voters have the option of voting before February 22. Early voting is open January 31 – February 17, 2011. You do not need to provide an excuse or reason why you cannot make it to the polls on Election Day. You need only to fill out an application at the Early Voting site.

Things to remember about Early Voting:

• Bring a photo ID: a current driver’s license, state-issued ID card, or another government-issued ID with a photograph.
• Early Voting is conducted on touch-screen machines.
• After casting ballots in Early Voting, voters may not return to amend, change or undo a ballot for any reason. Ballots cast in Early Voting are final.

Chicago Early Voting Locations

Most sites are open Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm. The 69 W. Washington, Welles Park, and Mount Greenwood Park locations are also open Sundays 9am-5pm.

In-person absentee voting

Any voter needing or wishing to vote by absentee in the final four days prior to the election may vote an in-person absentee ballot.

For the Feb. 22, 2011 Election, in-person absentee voting will be conducted Feb. 18-21 at the Board of Elections office, 69 W. Washington. The hours are as follows:

• Friday, February 18–9am to 5pm
• Saturday, February 19–9am to 5pm
• Sunday, February 20–9am to noon
• Monday, February 21–9am to 5pm

Absentee voting by mail

Absentee voting by mail is a convenient way to cast your ballot if you are unable to get to your polling place on Election Day or to cast your ballot during Early Voting at a designated Early Voting site.

Any registered voter may apply for an absentee ballot. It is no longer necessary to provide a reason.

To obtain an absentee application, registered voters can:

• Download and print the application, or
• Call the Chicago Board of Elections at (312) 269-7967 to request that they mail you an application, or
• Pick one up at the Board of Elections office at 69 W. Washington.

The last day to apply for a mail-in absentee ballot is five days before the election (Feb. 17).

Visit the Board of Elections website for more information.

What is a runoff?

In Chicago, mayoral and aldermanic candidates must get more than 50 percent of the vote to win (e.g. 50 percent plus one). If that does not happen on Feb. 22, the two top vote-getters in each of those races compete in a runoff election on April 5, 2011.

What kind of voting equipment will I use?

You may choose to use a paper ballot or an electronic touch-screen machine. Instructions should be posted at your polling place; you can also ask an election judge for assistance. Visit the Board of Elections website for more info.

What if I show up and they tell me I can’t vote?

If you believe you are registered to vote and are at the correct polling place, ask for a “provisional ballot.” The election judges must provide you with at least a provisional ballot. They cannot turn you away. If they deny you the right to vote, call the Board of Elections office at (312) 269-7870. (Take the phone number with you to your polling place just in case.)

Don’t be shy about this. You know from previous elections that people tamper with elections. You have every right to cast your ballot without interference or intimidation. And you have every right to tell your election authority to come out to your polling place if anyone gives you trouble.

There are more rules and regulations about provisional voting that you should read. Please visit the following for more info:

Chicago – Here and here (Read the provisional ballot sections on both pages)

Know Your Rights

This is your Voter Bill of Rights. Read it – it’s important.

Voter Bill of Rights

1. Cast your ballot in a non-disruptive atmosphere free of interference.
2. Vote if you’re in line by 7pm.
3. Vote by provisional ballot if your registration is not found.
4. Vote a full ballot at your old polling place if you have moved within 30 days of the election.
5. Request voting assistance, if needed.
6. Bring newspaper endorsements or sample ballots into the voting booth.
7. Protect the secrecy of your ballot.
8. Receive a new ballot if you make a mistake or change your mind.
9. Review your ballot to ensure it’s complete and correct.
10. Have your ballot counted fairly and impartially.

Have more questions?

Lastly, if you have any questions at all about this year’s elections, please ASK ME in the comments section. I would be very happy to help you.

COMING UP NEXT: Part 2: The Candidates!

SAPAC is working with the Asian American Institute and a number of community organizations to mobilize Chicago’s entire pan-Asian community to vote in HUGE numbers on February 22. Here’s how you can contribute now:

We need to reach out to at least 1,000 infrequent registered voters in the 50th Ward before Election Day. We’ll be meeting on the following days in 2-hour shifts to do door-to-door canvassing and phone calling in the 50th Ward (we’ll provide you with training, maps, flyers, refreshments, and community service hours):

• Wed., Feb. 9: 5:00pm – 7:00pm. Meet at Dunkin Donuts, 3132 W. Devon Ave. (corner of Troy and Devon)
• Fri., Feb. 11: 5:00pm – 7:00pm. Meet at Dunkin Donuts, 3132 W. Devon Ave.

• Sat., Feb. 12:  10:00am – 12:00pm, 12:15pm – 2:15pm, 2:30pm – 4:30pm. Meet at Indo-American Center, 6328 N. California Ave. (corner of California and Devon)
• Wed., Feb. 16: 5:00pm – 7:00pm. Meet at Dunkin Donuts, 3132 W. Devon Ave.
• Fri., Feb. 18: 5:00pm – 7:00pm. Meet at Dunkin Donuts, 3132 W. Devon Ave.

• Sat., Feb. 19 and Sun., Feb. 20: 10:00am – 5:00pm. 2-3-hour shifts available. Meet at Indo-American Center. During these 48 hours, we’re going to reconnect with voters who have already heard from us through phone banking and door canvassing to confirm if they have already voted or have plans to vote on Feb. 22.

If you’re interested in volunteering on any of these days and being part of a historic election, please email Aisha Qidwae at aisha.qidwae@gmail.com. If you have any other questions about our voter mobilization work or the election, please email info@sapac.org.

We hope you can join us for our next general meeting!

Sunday, February 27
2:00pm – 4:00pm
Coffee Chicago, 5256 N. Broadway (off the Red Line/Berwyn)
RSVP on Facebook or by emailing info@sapac.org.

Come and contribute to our two hot topics of discussion:

• Voices of Resistance 10: This year will commemorate 10 years of our annual VOR event, an inspiring evening of local South Asian art! Now that we have a venue & date for next year’s VOR10, we are in the process of crafting an artist application/call to share with all.  We will also discuss our outreach strategy and specific ways for folks to get involved!

• Mayoral/50th Ward Elections Work: We will recap our current voter mobilization work for the Feb. 22 Municipal Election.

.

We need to reach out to at least a 1,000 infrequent registered voters in the 50th Ward before Election Day. We’ll be meeting at the Indo American Center, 6328 N. California Ave., on the following days in 2-hour shifts to do door-to-door canvassing and phone calling in the 50th Ward. We’ll provide you with training, maps, flyers, refreshments and community service hours. UPDATED 2/6:

• Sat., Feb. 5:  10:00am – 12:00pm, 12:15pm – 2:15pm, 2:30pm – 4:30pm
• Wed., Feb. 9: 5:00pm – 7:00pm. Meet at Dunkin Donuts, 3132 W. Devon Ave. (corner of Troy and Devon)
• Fri., Feb. 11: 5:00pm – 7:00pm. Meet at Dunkin Donuts, 3132 W. Devon Ave. (corner of Troy and Devon)

• Sat., Feb. 12:  10:00am – 12:00pm, 12:15pm – 2:15pm, 2:30pm – 4:30pm
• Wed., Feb. 16: 5:00pm – 7:00pm. Meet at Dunkin Donuts, 3132 W. Devon Ave. (corner of Troy and Devon)
• Fri., Feb. 18: 5:00pm – 7:00pm. Meet at Dunkin Donuts, 3132 W. Devon Ave. (corner of Troy and Devon)

• Sat., Feb. 19 and Sun., Feb. 20: 10:00am – 5:00pm. 2-3-hour shifts available. Meet at Indo-American Center. During these 48 hours, we’re going to reconnect with voters who’ve already heard from us through phone banking and door canvassing to confirm if they have already voted or have plans to vote on Feb. 22.

If you’re interested in volunteering on any of these days and being part of a historic election, email aisha.qidwae@gmail.com.