Hello Westsiders!

WEJA (Westside Environmental Justice Alliance) is a group for people who live, work, volunteer, study, and worship on Chicago’s Westside (roughly Ashland to Austin) to come together over our mutual interests of improving the air, water, soil, and health of Westsiders.

Join us for an open discussion on climate change and other environmental topics. You are invited to share an article, book, podcast, video, website or film related to environmental issues that you'd like to discuss. 

These interactive public meetings will be an opportunity for residents to learn what green stormwater infrastructure is and share their thoughts on how it could help make their neighborhood greener and healthier. 

Calling all comic fans, young creatives, families, and community champions!

Join us for Youth Comic Con 2025, an unforgettable day of creativity, community, and fun — where kids are the stars!

This isn’t your typical comic convention. At Optimist Con, every artist in Artist Alley is a student who has written, illustrated, and published their very own comic book through our arts education programs — including our signature Comics in the Classroom initiative! You’ll get to meet these rising stars, collect their work, and be part of the movement that’s changing how young people tell their stories.

Bring in your gently used books and leave with some new-to-you books. Books can be of any genre and at any reading level; nature-themed books are particularly encouraged. Presented by Oak Lawn Public Library and Green Hills Public Library.

We are excited to invite you to our upcoming community "Hike in Spanish" event that we will be partnering on with the Lake County Forest Preserve District this upcoming Saturday, June 07th from 9:30 am to 10:45 am at Fort Sheridan, 1275 Gilgare Lane, Lake Forest, IL, 60045. Join us and explore a new local forest preserve with an environmental educator.

These interactive public meetings will be an opportunity for residents to learn what green stormwater infrastructure is and share their thoughts on how it could help make their neighborhood greener and healthier. 

Hosted by Bank of America Chicago 13.1: The Bank of America Chicago 13.1 offers runners a unique experience, bringing a world-class half marathon to the neighborhoods of Chicago’s West Side. The 13.1-mile course weaves through the historic parks and boulevards of the West Side, starting and finishing in Garfield Park with scenic loops through Humboldt and Douglass Parks.

Trash People exists to make it easier to contribute to and connect with community. We do this through our regular hyper-local clean ups, The Volunteer Fair, and our latest project, The Parlor - a resource redistribution project for people & planet.

Hosted by Bank of America Chicago 13.1:The Bank of America Chicago 13.1 worked with West Side residents to introduce wellness-based activities to the race weekend experience. Activities including a family-friendly 1.31-Mile Wellness Walk, youth running events and a community pop-up featuring West Side businesses and organizations  aim to support, advance and celebrate health, wellness and movement on Chicago’s West Side.

Bring in your gently used books and leave with some new-to-you books! Books can be any genre and reading level; nature-themed books encouraged.

Please come and learn about Briar East Woods- woods that are in danger of being destroyed. Learn what you can do to help save the woods!

Hosted by Oak Park Public Library:

Wish you knew more about how to keep your bike operating smoothly between bike shop checkups? Bring your bike to this drop-by family friendly event in celebration of National Bike Month to learn more about the ABCs of basic bike maintenance. Volunteers from Working Bikes will be on hand to show you how to do basic upkeep of your air, brakes and chain. Keep an eye out for cameo appearances from other friendly local bikes and organizations.

Hosted by Oak Park Public Library:

In celebration of World Migratory Bird Day, drop by the Idea Box for tours of the exhibit CROSSING PATHS: Migrating Birds and You, led by Oak Park Elementary School District 97 students in the Brooks Environmental Action Team (BEAT). 

Learn more about their process and about the human-made obstacles birds face as well as inspiration for actions people can take to help them on their journeys.

Join this junky jamboree to celebrate MOTHERS of all kinds: Mommas of humans, Mother of our Earth, and all the mother-junking artisans who transform materials into one-of-a-kind wonders.
There is no other market that offers a "Participatory Production" experience! What does that mean? Not only can you shop for upcycled home goods, art, planters, fashion, body care, and oddball stuff, you can also drop off household supplies to the artisans for their future creative projects. Plus, other hands-on activities.

Trash People exists to make it easier to contribute to and connect with community. We do this through our regular hyper-local clean ups, The Volunteer Fair, and our latest project, The Parlor - a resource redistribution project for people & planet.

In August 2024, IL Governor JB Pritzker signed legislation requiring Illinois public schools to educate students on climate change starting in 2026. The law requires that students learn about the environmental and ecological impacts of climate change on individuals and communities while also studying solutions to mitigate the impact of climate change. After helping pass this legislation, Climate Education for Illinois, It’s Our Future and Seven Generations Ahead (SGA) sought out a partnership with the nonprofit SubjectToClimate (StC) to support teachers in implementing these updated educational requirements, beginning with the creation of an Illinois Climate Education Hub.

Celebrate Earth Day by helping clean up litter in the Forest Preserves. Litter picks and supplies will be available to check out.

Join the American Indian Center on a hike through the woods to identify trees and plants, discuss sustainable practices, and learn how Native people view plants as relatives. Grove 13.

Celebrate Earth Day by helping clean up litter in the Forest Preserves. Litter picks and supplies will be available to check out.

Join us for a 3.4-mile walk observing the blooming wildflowers, listening for animals and taking in the smells of spring’s arrival. Perfect for families.

See what your Oak Park neighbors are doing to power their homes cleaner, safer, cheaper, and greener! Check out heat pump HVAC and hot water systems, induction stoves, solar arrays, and more. Homeowners will be on hand to share their experience and answer your questions. Three different houses will be open on each of two days:
Sunday, March 9, 2-4pm
Sunday, April 6, 2-4pm
This event is free, but registration is required and space is limited! Presented by Oak Park Climate Action Network.

Bozho and welcome to Trickster Cultural Center's Intertribal Youth Council!

We are thrilled to have you participate in creating a special space where young people from our community can come together to celebrate their culture, learn from one another, and engage in meaningful activities.

This group is open to all youth ages 10 and up who are interested in exploring and celebrating Indigenous culture. We will be learning all about advocating, developing and implementing policies and services in outreach engagements, coalitions, and government in a range of self steered youth related issues. Bring your enthusiasm, your questions, and your spirit of adventure!

Hosted in partnership with One Earth Local, Climate Ready Community Outreach Oak Park (COOP), and the Village of Oak Park. 

Join us for this Earth Month Community Kickoff event for all ages in alignment with Earth Day 2025’s theme of Our Power, Our Planet. Come to learn, play, and connect with community groups working in the sustainability space while enjoying local treats. 

Registration is encouraged; walk-ins are welcome.

From Repair Cafe Oak Park:

Toss it? No way!

The Oak Park Repair Café is meeting on the first Saturday of each month, from 10:00 a.m. until 1:30 p.m., at Fox Park in Oak Park. We will be in the Community Center in the park, at 624 S. Oak Park Avenue. Free, on-street parking.

Volunteer coaches will be on hand to work with you, helping you fix those household items you’ve been meaning to take care of – everything from toasters to radios, to clocks or torn clothing. Given a huge increase in visitor volume, repairs will be limited to one item per guest.

We respectfully request all guests be masked during their visit.

For more information about the Oak Park Repair Café, please go to www.repaircafeoakparkil.org and to learn more about the international Repair Café movement, check out www.repaircafe.org.