Join Us for Engaging in Politics while Remaining on Mission and Staying Non-Partisan

Digital Nonprofit Chicago Club
Published: September 4, 2018

Digital Nonprofit Chicago Club | September 2018

Digital Nonprofit Chicago Club invites you to

Engaging in Politics while Remaining on Mission and Staying Non-Partisan

Illinois and Federal elections will take place on November 6, 2018. Chicago and other municipal elections will take place on February 26, 2019 with runoffs slated for April 2, 2019. Some of the key issues in the election are undoubtedly having an impact on your nonprofit organization. How do you fight for your nonprofit mission and your causes without being perceived as a partisan organization?

Mikva Challenge CEO Michelle Morales will lead a discussion with Chicago Votes Deputy Director Rudy Garrett and Mikva Challenge Alum Ronnie Mosley on how to maintain this fine balance. Come with questions and they will have answers. We will help you learn the ins and outs of advocating for your cause.

We hope you'll join us! A light lunch will be provided.

Date: Thursday, September 13, 2018

Time: 11:45 AM – 1:00 PM

Location: The Chicago Community Trust, 225 North Michigan Avenue Suite #2200

RSVP by noon on September 11, 2018 to get on the list. Check in with security in the lobby upon arrival, and be sure to bring your ID. We can't wait to see you there!

RSVP on Eventbrite by Sept 11

Meet the September 13 Speakers

As Executive Officer for Mikva Challenge's Chicago office,Michelle Morales brings with her over 18 years of experience in youth development. Having worked as a teacher at an alternative high school in Chicago's Humboldt Park community, Michelle saw first hand how disempowerment and marginalization affects many youth of color - often leading youth to engage in risky choices that can impact their lives. The alternative high school taught Michelle the power of engagement and self-actualization and how respecting youth, their ideas and their voices is not only transformational for the youth involved, but also for all those around them. She brings this passion for youth voice and empowerment to Mikva Challenge. Michelle firmly believes that youth - once empowered and civically engaged can change the landscape of Chicago and the nation.

Michelle has extensive experience specifically working with non-profit, community-based organizations that impact communities of color in the Chicago area and is still involved in community organizing in the Humboldt Park neighborhood. She is also a fellow of Leadership Greater Chicago.

A Hoosier native, Rudy Garrett graduated from Denison University with a B.A. in political science and international studies. She moved to Chicago in August of 2013 to attend culinary school, but found her inner activist instead. She completed the Chicago Votes Winter internship program in late winter/ early spring of 2014. After working at a law firm in the loop, she took a job as a Chicago Votes Field Organizer during the summer/ fall voter registration project and has been working with the organization ever since. Rudy is excited to show young Chicagoans that they can make a difference in their city and encourage the millennial generation to take an active role in the political system.

A seasoned organizer and Mikva Alum, Ronnie Mosley can create wins on local and national platforms using strong facilitation, excellent communication skills, and effective tools. Over ten years of professional experiences ranging from community outreach to intergovernmental affairs, he has proven his abilities to navigate through challenges and build an infrastructure effectively towards an organization’s goals.

His actions on issues like Gun Violence, Education Reform, Youth Health, Voting Rights and Entrepreneurship have been featured on media outlets like CNN (Cable News Network), NPR (National Public Radio), Al Jazeera & DBC (Danish Broadcasting Corporation).

A native of Chicago, Illinois, Ronnie studied Urban Studies at Morehouse College (Atlanta, GA). Today he serves as the Founder of the Millennials Movement, a student and youth think tank committed to impacting public policy during legislative sessions and elections for a community and cultural uplift.