To be a good citizen know about the area you live and who represents you. Also have ideas about what you want from your local government.
Here are some things to think about and talk with your friends about.
- What is the one thing you like about your neighborhood?
- What is the one thing you want to change?
- What are ways you can be involved in your community?
- What do you know about voting and elections in the US?
- Are you a citizen? Do you plan to vote and/or become a citizen?
The City of Chicago has a City Council with 50 Aldermen from 50 areas of the city called Wards. These people try to solve problems in local neighborhoods and pass laws specific to the City of Chicago. Find your Ward. Most of the far Northside Wards in our area are between Ward 40 and Ward 50. Who is your Alderman?
We have 20 Illinois State Senators in Chicago who represent the City of Chicago at our State Capital in Springfield. Districts 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 13 cover the Northside and Lakefront communities. District 7 covers most of the Rogers Park, Edgewater, Uptown and Lincoln Square communities. Who is your State Senator?
There are 102 counties in Illinois. All of Chicago is in Cook County. The county is responsible for problems and passing laws in a segment of the state.
There are also Congress members and U.S. Senators who represent you nationally in Washington, D.C..
If you are not a United States Citizen, South-East Asia Center offers citizenship classes to help you prepare for the test.
We have English Language (ESL) classes if you want to learn to speak English or improve your English.