COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT EVENTS WEEK OF 11.18.24
COPA had a great time engaging the residents of Chicago in the community during the week of 11.18.24. Our office is committed to helping residents understand how to file a complaint or compliment an officer and explain to the public our role in police oversight. Below is a brief description of our most recent community engagement efforts. If you are interested in COPA speaking to your community group or organization, please submit a request via email to COPA-PublicAffairs@chicagocopa.org
COPA at West Lawn Library – November 18, 2024
COPA had a great time at the West Lawn Chicago Public Library. The library is gearing up for their holiday programming, providing the local community with access to music and various other activities. COPA was able to set up a resource table and give out information on how to file compliments and complaints towards CPD.
Nobel Neighbors Monthly Community Meeting – November 19, 2024
COPA had a great time attending the Nobel Neighbors Community Meeting in the Humboldt Park community. Nobel Neighbors holds its meeting at various community organizations in the Humboldt Park area. This meeting was held at New Life Center Church in Humboldt Park, its focus was to address the various issues impacting residents and to find proactive solutions. Several community organizations and local official representatives attend this meeting to give information on resources and community updates. COPA attends these meetings to give out information on our role in police accountability.
Puerto Rican Cultural Center Reimagine Convener Meeting – November 20, 2024
COPA joined the Puerto Rican Cultural Center (PRCC) for their Reimagine Convener Meeting in Humboldt Park. The PRCC gathers service providers and community partners from the northwest side to share resources, plan activities, and work collectively to end violence while proactively supporting young people. COPA was able to share our role in police oversight and give out information on how to file complaints and compliments towards CPD.
Puerto Rican Cultural Center Community Thanksgiving Meal – November 20, 2024
COPA had a great time at a Community Thanksgiving Meal organized by the Puerto Rican Cultural Center, held at Kelly Hall YMCA. COPA was a planning partner with the PRCC and many other community organizations to bring a community meal and provide a safe space for young people and families. Along with the meal there was a resource fair component where several organizations were giving our information on local resources. COPA was able to set up a resource table and give out information about our role in police accountability.
WorldChicago International Visitor Leadership Program Visit to COPA – November 21, 2024
COPA hosted the U.S. Department of State International Visitor Leadership Program group in partnership with WorldChicago to our office in West Town. This group of international leaders from 14 countries are in the US to learn from agencies investigating human and civil rights violations. The group engaged our Chief Administrator Andrea Kersten, First Deputy Chief Administrator Ephraim Eaddy, Deputy Chief Administrator Justin Escamilla, and Supervising Investigator of our Special Victims Unit Kim Edstrom Schiller in thoughtful dialogue to explore our agency and its role in police accountability.
Illinois Venezuelan Alliance Thanksgiving Celebration – November 23, 2024
COPA had a great time attending the Illinois Venezuelan Alliance Thanksgiving Celebration. COPA was a sponsor of the celebrations which took place at several of the singles and family shelters throughout the city. Those in attendance were able to learn about thanksgiving traditions and even share the reasons they were thankful for in the past year. The celebration was able to collectively feed 2200 people across the city.
