We support & enrich aging through community building & advocacy.
Current Advocacy Projects
Get Involved
One strategic pillar of Arbor West Neighbors is Advocacy - being at the table representing older adults. There are several Advocacy Working Groups organized around specific initiatives. If you would like to learn more about Arbor West Neighbors Advocacy - please contact Phyllis Rubin or one of the coordinators listed below for specific projects.
Voters Forum - NOTE: Due to weather, this will be Zoom only
The AWN Social Action Team will be hosting a Voters Forum on Wednesday, February12 beginning at 6:30 pm. The candidates for Oak Park Village President and Village Trustee will be invited to make a brief presentation and to answer questions from an AWN panel regarding issues that are of interest to older adults in Oak Park.
The meeting will be conducted via Zoom using meeting code 6359524918 and passcode 198581.
Questions about the forum should be directed to Ed Solan at 708-870-9420 or by e-mail at edsolan@gmail.com.
Heritage House in Oak Park
The residents in this facility have been dissatisfied with the maintenance and management of their 200-unit building for several years. A team of AWN members has been working with them to gain support for improving the living conditions. The residents recently made a presentation to their Oak Park Aging in Communities Commission seeking support.
Coordinators: Sandra Sokol and Ed Solan.
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
An ADU is a residential living unit that shares the same zoning lot as a single-family dwelling, providing a complete independent living facility for one or more persons. Several members of the Advocacy Working Group toured ADUs in Evanston. Another tour is scheduled for this coming Fall.
Coordinator: Susan Stall stallsusan@gmail.com
Credit Union in Austin
The Austin community is greatly lacking in banking resources. A credit union will be opening in the near future and the Advocacy Working Group is discussing how AWN and its members can assist making this effort successful.
Green Team
The Green Team's goal is having clean air, water and land for future generations. They actively support climate-focused legislation and policy at all levels and offer researched green team tips.
Second Thursdays each month at members' homes 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 pm
Coordinator: Hinda Blum 708-665-3999 hindablum@yahoo.com
Other Advocacy Ideas
If you have an idea for an Advocacy project, contact Advocacy coordinator Phyllis Rubin to discuss how AWN might be involved. We will want to explore:
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What is the issue or problem?
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Is it primarily a local concern or does it have a broader focus?
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What has been done about it to date and by whom?
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What is the change you want to advocate for?
The Advocacy coordinator will help you get started to create awareness about your proposed project and to engage other AWN members with a common interest.
Arbor West Neighbors
Arbor West Neighbors (AWN) is a grassroots organization of neighbors in Oak Park, River Forest, Forest Park and Austin connected to support and enrich aging through community building and advocacy. Our mission is to empower adults to thrive as we age in community.
Our vision is to build a multi-ethnic, multicultural community where all older adults are valued, age with dignity, and enjoy opportunities for growth and engagement.
We are an all-volunteer 501(c)3 organization with over 120 members.