Trust Talks
Trust Talks is the podcast by The Chicago Community Trust. Each episode of Trust Talks highlights a different strand of the Trust’s work to address challenges that stand in the way of a thriving region, including meeting people’s critical needs such as secure housing and healthy food; mobilizing support in response to crises such as the Great Depression and COVID pandemic; and working on ways to build wealth and well-being for Chicagoans, including those who have historically lacked equal access to opportunity.
Trust Talks
Episode #20: Advocating for Policy Reform
Although nonprofit organizations play a vital role in recognizing and addressing the needs of the community, research shows the percentage of nonprofits involved in advocacy or lobbying has dropped considerably over the past two decades. However, nonprofits working together on an issue are more likely to engage in policy advocacy. Over the past few years, The Chicago Community Trust has successfully supported nonprofit organizations in working together to advance systems and policy changes that facilitate economic mobility. However, policy change is a long road. Passing new laws is a step in the process, but implementing these policies and holding decision-makers accountable for the true intent is essential and ongoing work.
In this episode of Trust Talks, host Ianna Kachoris, associate vice president of people, power and policy at The Chicago Community Trust, is joined by Erion Malasi, policy director at the Economic Security Project; Tracy Occomy Crowder, deputy director of organizing and policy at Community Organizing and Family Issues; Ellen Nissenbaum, senior advisor at the Center on Budget & Policy Priorities; and Ameya Pawar, president & CEO of the Michael Reese Health Trust. Using Illinois’ Child Tax Credit as a case study, they explore the power of coalition-based advocacy, the critical steps that follow the passage of a bill, and the essential role philanthropy plays in supporting nonprofit advocacy and community organizing.
This episode was produced by Juneteenth Productions and recorded at WBEZ Chicago.