Dear Friends,

 

Our youth have taken Mikva Challenge to new heights. They've surprised us with their tenacity and their ability to push us to look at things through different lenses. Warm your heart by reading below for just some of their recent accomplishments and activities. Please also consider making a gift to our Annual Fund. Your Gift will be matched if:

  • You are a new donor to Mikva Challenge
  • Your last gift was over 2 years ago
  • You are a current donor but increase your gift over last year's, and the increase will be matched

Please contact Louise DiLullo, Development Coordinator, if you have questions about your current level of support. We hope you will take advantage of this opportunity to ensure your gift goes twice as far to create a thriving democracy, champion youth voice, and transform civic education. 

Youth Health Summit Inspires Innovative Solutions  

 

Mikva Challenge's 6th Annual Health Summit was a big success! A diverse group of 150 young people from across the city convened to discuss pressing health issues that young people are faced with every day. Discussing root causes of issues and relevant data, youth participants designed innovative solutions and projects aimed at solving some of these issues in their schools and communities. 

 

View photo slideshow of the event>> 

Blog: Together We Can Make Chicago Healthier
  
 
"It is an amazing feeling when adults just step back and allow youth like myself to present ideas that were made up by teens just like us. All during the school week we are in complete obedience to adults, but at the Teen Health Summit I was in charge," writes Mickey Sharp, junior at Lincoln Park High School.  

The Juvenile Justice Council Takes Big Steps Forward 

 

JJC Meets Felicia Davis to Discuss Policy

  

The Juvenile Justice Council (JJC) has been busy researching the impact of the Chicago Housing Authority's one strike policy on young residents and their families. The group met with Felicia Davis, Executive Director for the Mayor's Office of Public Engagement, to present findings on the law and advocate for amending the policy so that no young Chicagoan becomes homeless for minor, non-violent offences.

 

 Read Vanessa Mora's letter to the Editor in the Chicago Tribune>>

 

 

JJC Youth Convince Advisory Council to Add Youth Member

 

"With a youth on the JTDC Advisory Board a better relationship can be built between delinquent youth and their local government. This will help youth stay connected and grow into future leaders," the group states in their letter of support. 

 

Sharing and Inspiration at the Women's Leadership Lunch  


The Women's Leadership Lunch left a deep impression on our youth and adult leaders as each shared their personal experiences and professional successes. A big thank you to all of our adult leaders! 

 

Check out the Facebook album for this event>>

Mikva Youth Lead Participatory Budget Discussions with Alderman Moore
  
 
The Peace and Leadership Council at Sullivan High School is leading the effort to represent the needs of their school and community in the participatory budget discussions for the 49th Ward.
 
The Group is pushing the alderman to budget for safe playgrounds and sports fields for young people in the neighborhood. 
 
Alden Matamoros is Our Alum of the Month!

 

"Mikva Challenge really made me who I am today.  As anyone who has known me since high school can attest, I showed little interest in anything when I was a high school student.  It was when I started participating in the various Mikva Challenge programs that I began to really get more into politics and policy, soon thereafter showing more interest in my studies and volunteering on local political campaigns,"said Alden. 

 

Read more>> 

Thank you for your continuing support of our youth leadership mission! Check out www.mikvachallenge.org to read all the latest news, updates, and awesome work of Mikva youth activists!
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