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.
Social Action Team
The Social Action Team advises the Arbor West Neighbors Board of Directors on important public policy issues that affect older community members including creative options for housing, accessibility, transportation, and other important topics. The Social Action Team meets monthly. Individuals interested in joining the Social Action Team should contact Ed Solon.
Voters Forums
The Social Action Team conducts a biennial Voters Forum to meet with the candidates for Village President and Trustee of Oak Park and River Forest. The most recent forum was held in conjunction with the Village of Oak Park election held in April of 2025. The next forum will take place in 2027.
Heritage House in Oak Park
The residents in this facility have been dissatisfied with the maintenance and management of their 200-unit subsidized building for several years. A team of members of the Social Action Team has been working with them to gain support for improving their living conditions.
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 Social Action Team toured ADUs in Oak Park and Evanston. The knowledge gained from these tours will be instrumental in assisting Oak Park and River Forest as these communities deal with the issue.
Everyday Activists
Several members of our team, including a Triton intern, participated in a year-long project that included a photos and interviews of 20 activists in the communities of Austin and Oak Park. We hosted a series of community outreach presentations in public spaces in each community
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
Coordinators: Phyllis Rubin and Kim Silver
Legislative Action Team
This advocacy team is attuned to what legislation is pending at the local, state, and national levels that affect older adults. When appropriate, this team - with approval from the board - will make announcements and send notices suggesting actions that might be taken to encourage positive outcomes for older adults. The recommendations will be strictly nonpartisan. It will be up to each recipient to decide if they want to take action. Coordinator: Phyllis Rubin
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.