United Power for Action and Justice is an organization consisting of over 250 congregations, not-for-profit organizations, community development groups, health care institutions, unions, and others committed to civic common good. 

 

Since 1997, United Power has been committed to changing unjust structures of society by the exercise of civic power (power with others, not power over others) to hold the private sector and government accountable for the assurance of a just society. 

 

St. Luke is a founding member.  Others in our local area are St. Giles Parish, St. Giles Community, Ascension Parish, Sts. Catherine and Lucy Parish, St. Vincent Parish, St. Eulalia Parish, Grace Lutheran Church, Oak Park Temple, Rock of Ages Baptist Church and others.

 

The successes of United Power are many:

-- Making health care available to 400,000 families, many within the Chicago Metropolitan area. 

-- Supporting legislation to extend the age that young people can be covered for health insurance under their parents' policy (HB 1489).

-- Acquiring tracks of land in Lawndale to build clustered affordable housing for purchase or rental.   

-- Backing legislation to strengthen regulations and enforcement of handgun control laws.

-- Supporting Federal guidelines which would enable people of faith to contribute to legitimate charities without fear of being investigated by the government.

 

Many of these projects are ongoing. The opportunities for involvement, participation, and effective action are many.

 

For further information regarding United Power, contact:

Mike Stephen at 456-5099 

Terry Norton at 771-6635

Tony Graefe at 848-9753

Jim or Virginia Hill at 209-1581