The Union League Civic & Arts Foundation’s (CAF) Civic Committee draws on its members’ expertise and experience in the legal, education, and finance communities to organize and support specific programs. These programs are strategically designed to motivate understanding, respect, and appreciation for social issues that affect Chicagoans such as:
- Equal Access to Legal Services
- Divorce and Family Stability
- Youth and Civic Education
Some of CAF’s civic programs in the last year include:
Public Interest Law Support
In partnership with the Public Interest Law Initiative (PILI), CAF identifies and supports young law students with an interest in providing legal services for the disadvantaged.
Photography Program
Using the medium of photography, in partnership with selected Chicago Public Schools, CAF works with at-risk third-, fourth-, and fifth-grade classes to help the students develop their communication skills. Recent themes in our Photography program have included: “Hopes and Dreams”, “Budding Friendships”, and “Gratitude and Thanks”.
Speech Competition
Through this program, CAF awards children from the Union League Boys & Girls Club for speeches about important current events.
Dance Program
A partnership with the Joffrey Ballet, CAF’s community outreach program brings dance to students at selected under-served Chicago Public Schools. Children build confidence, discipline, and self-esteem, as well as develop an outlet for creativity and self expression.
Transitions: Helping Children Through Divorce
After taking notice of the high number of divorces in Cook County and recognizing the volatile situations children may experience as their parents divorce, CAF developed a guide to support children through this difficult transition. The book is also available in Spanish and Polish. (Click here to access Transitions in English, Spanish, and Polish). We have published over 40,000 books and distributed them for free to individuals, organizations, and courthouses.
As a follow-up to the publication, the Foundation provides continuing education for teachers, social workers, and counselors on topics of family stability and children’s personal and academic success.