COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT EVENTS WEEK OF 7.29.24
COPA had a great time engaging the residents of Chicago in the community during the week of 7.29.24. Our office is committed to helping residents understand how to file a complaint or compliment an officer and explain to the public our role in police oversight. Below is a brief description of our most recent community engagement efforts. If you are interested in COPA speaking to your community group or organization, please submit a request via email to COPA-PublicAffairs@chicagocopa.org
Chicago Public School (CPS) Back-to-School Bash at Marquette Park – July 30, 2024
COPA had a great time at the CPS Back-to-School Bash in Marquette Park. These events are hosted by CPS throughout the city to prepare students and families for the upcoming school year. The bash included school supply giveaways, activities children, several community organizations that were connecting people to resources, and light refreshments. CPS gave out 2000 backpacks in under an hour to families in the Chicago Lawn community. COPA set up a table to provide information about our role in police accountability and how to file complaints and compliments towards CPD.
2025 Mayor’s Budget Engagement Youth Round Table at Harold Washington Library– July 30, 2024
The Office of Mayor Brandon Johnson and Chicago’s Office of Budget and Management organized a series of Budget Engagement Forums across the City to listen to residents about their priorities and ideas for Chicago’s 2025 budget. On Tuesday, July 30th COPA’s Chief Administrator Andrea Kersten and First Deputy Chief Administrator Ephraim Eaddy facilitated dialogue with hundreds of young people from various communities of Chicago and let their voices be hard on how to prioritize city resources in the 2025 budget.
Chicago Public School (CPS) Back-to-School Bash at Gately Park – August 1, 2024
COPA had a great time at the CPS Back-to-School Bash in Gately Park. These events are hosted by CPS throughout the city to prepare students and families for the upcoming school year. The bash included school supply giveaways, activities children, several community organizations that were connecting people to resources, and light refreshments. COPA set up a table to provide information about our role in police accountability and how to file complaints and compliments towards CPD.
Back to School Resource Fair – August 2, 2024
COPA had a great time at the Back-to-School Resource Fair organized by State Representative Aaron M, Ortiz, Cook County Commissioner Alma E. Anaya, and Alderwoman Julia Ramirez. COPA was able to set up a resource table and give out information about our role in police accountability. The block party included school supply giveaways, food, and community organizations that were handing our resources. The event was able to give out over 100 backpacks with school supplies to families from the New City community.
Take Back the Block – Mayor’s Office – August 2, 2024
COPA’s participated with Mayor Brandon Johnson and several other City of Chicago departments & agencies in his Take Back the Block event in the Auburn Gresham community. The event included several speakers that were faith leaders and Alderman Ronnie Mosley that gave a call to action to end violence in the community. The city departments & agencies onsite supported resident requests and connected them to services. COPA was giving out information about our role in police accountability and how to file compliments & complaints towards CPD.
Mobile City Hall at Davis Square Park – August 3, 2024
COPA joined the City Clerk’s Office along with various other city departments and sister agencies to connect with the community. At this mobile outreach event held in the New City community, COPA had a resource table and shared with the public the agency’s role in police accountability.
Englewood Stomp the Yard Block Party – August 3, 2024
COPA had a great time at the Englewood Stomp the Yard Block Party. This block party brought together several community organizations to connect families & young people to resources, various children’s activities, fresh produce, and school supply giveaways. COPA gave out information on how to file compliments or complaints towards CPD.
Morgan Park Roots Fest – August 3, 2024
COPA had a great time at the Morgan Park Roots Fest. This event was created to provide a fun & safe space for young people, families, and the community. The fest included a lineup of performers, food, children’s activities, giveaways, and several community organizations that were giving our information on youth programming. COPA set up a resource table to give out information about our role in police oversight.
Hopefest – August 3, 2024
COPA had a great time at Hopefest in the Humboldt Park community organized by New Life Covenant Church. The fest party included school supply giveaways, food, activities, haircuts, groceries, immunizations, and community organizations with resources. COPA was able to set up a resource table and give out information on filing compliments and complaints towards CPD.
