The 2014 Our American Voice® groups at schools throughout Chicago and Berwyn Illinois are now addressing their community issues. A complete list of projects to date is available on our Sites page.
Pershing Magnet OAV answers Tribune’s call
Our American Voice® participants at Pershing Magnet School in Chicago have responded to the Chicago Tribune Editorial Board’s request for suggestions. Here is their letter: We all have seen someone litter. Maybe you have littered before. Littering is a big problem in our community and other communities around the globe. Littering is a worldwide problem […]
Join OAV in calling for more civic education in Chicago
On February 2, 2014 the Editorial Board of the Chicago Tribune issued a call for ideas and input from all areas of Chicago to create a grand strategic plan for the city’s future, citing “the innovative ideas, and fierce loyalty, of its citizens” as necessary to fueling any successful endeavor. (You can read the entire […]
Thanksgiving Thoughts
At this season of gratitude, we invite you to read BEF supporter Ed Crego’s recent post, together with his colleague Frank Islam, on our immigrant nation. The article is posted here.
B’EATS BOXES at Bronzeville Garden Sept. 28
Come experience B’EATS BOXES at the Bronzeville Alliance Neighborhood Garden Celebration on Saturday, September 28, 2013 from 9 AM to 1 PM. The Garden is located at 42nd and Calumet, directly behind Centers for New Horizons. Come learn about Bronzeville Eats, a youth-led organization working to bring fresh and healthy foods in their B’EATS BOXES […]
New Democracy Schools announced
The Illinois Civic Mission Coalition, of which the Barat Education Foundation is a member, has announced that five schools have been awarded Democracy Schools status. This prestigious designation recognizes schools who provide their students with “authentic experiences with the rights, responsibilities and tensions inherent in living in a constitutional democracy. Through these experiences, participating schools […]
Events in Bronzeville
The Bronzeville Community Garden™ is holding two events of interest this weekend. For all supporters of Our American Voice™ in the Chicago area, particularly those interested in Civic Capitalism, these events promise to be exciting for individuals and families alike: ComeUnity Day, sponsored by the Revival Arts Collective will be held on Saturday (June 15) […]
Our American Voice™ launches in New Mexico
The Barat Education Foundation, in partnership with the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico, is pleased to announce the launch of Our American Voice™ in four counties in southern New Mexico. Our American Voice connects middle-school youth to the democratic process through active community problem solving in an after-school program that is engaging, interactive and grounded […]
Youth Live Service and Leadership at MLK Day Conference
Chicago, 1.21.13 Heeding Dr. King’s call to rise to the “broader concerns of all humanity”, the Barat Education Foundation, together with the Exelon/United Way Stay in School Initiative and their agency partners, brought students together from across the City of Chicago to reflect on citizenship and community at the MLK Day of Service / Our […]
OAV Facilitator recognized in new article
DNAinfo.com Chicago has profiled Ms. Anita Zajac for her dedication beyond the call of duty to students at Stockton School. Having known Ms. Zajac for 4 years as a model OAV facilitator, we can only concur with the accolades in their article. Click here to read more!