I moved to Rogers Park in 2005 to attend Loyola University and there I grew into the elected role of Student President. From that developmental age, I was lucky to learn from my peers what leadership is. More than having followers in the team, more than having power among the team: leadership empowers the team.
My first job was an “Obama-job:” a grant from his federal program sent me and others on a mission through Rogers Park to help those who were unduly impacted by the housing crisis.
After, I joined with neighbors to organize community events in Edgewater with then newly-elected Alderman Osterman and was elected to Senn High School’s Local School Council.
My experience led to forming Block Clubs with then-Alderman Ameya Pawar in North Center and Lincoln Square.
I have been privileged to fight for legislation in Springfield and City Hall to stabilize the devastation of the housing crisis especially in communities of color, and lucky to have helped win funding for an amazing program that builds diversity in the teacher work force, called Grow Your Own Teachers Illinois.
I must recognize that all of these accomplishments were met by the hard work of dedicated stakeholders working together, not by those of a separate individual— and so I am left with one hope:
That we keep this going.
On Disney’s Local School Council, I made the successful motion to hire an additional social worker for our students. As someone with memories of growing up a student with a disability, that was very meaningful to me. Holistic education prepares the hole person, and for some young people, the support of a social worker can change a life.
I have started an unprecedented level of community outreach, to our local small businesses and to our elected officials. It is my belief that we are in this together.
In that capacity I have held a firm stance and am proud to have built this relationship with our Alderman: Dogs help improve a neighborhood, but in absolutely no way is our Disney Campus a dog park, and therefore a strategy to provide better options must be pursued. I am willing to pursue that effort.
I am honored to have had your read this,
Together, we can continue to push the boundaries of what dedicated neighbors and stakeholders can accomplish.
With thanks,
Daniel Steven Kleinman