The presidential elections are bringing new awareness to community organizing. Here in Chicago, we come from rich history of grassroots organizing. Chicago’s list of community leaders includes Saul Alinsky, Tom Gaudette, Madeline Talbott and Barack Obama - among others.
Even though Sarah Palin’s comments downplayed the importance of organizing, there are many who may not understand what it takes to rally neighbors, move issues and make change. Some may think it’s just busy work, with nor real results.

So what do these community organizers do – really? Has our legacy of organizing made lasting improvements in Chicago? What are community leaders working on today?

On this episode of Community, Media and You, we’ll talk with long time community organizers Elce Redmond of the South Austin Coalition Community Council, and from Jim Field of the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless.