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Community Organizing and Family Issues (COFI) @cofionline.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

A special thank you to The Chicago Community Trust for joining our list of sponsors! Our 30th Anniversary Gala sponsors are helping us build parent power and turn dreams into action! See the full list of sponsors here and learn more about our 30th Anniversary: cofionline.org/about-cofi/3...

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Community Organizing and Family Issues (COFI) @cofionline.bsky.social · 31/05/2026

We’re just a few days away from our 30th Anniversary Gala, and we want to give a HUGE THANK YOU to SEIU HCII, one of our Action Takers Sponsors, for supporting our mission and helping us bring more COFI and POWER-PAC IL parents to policy tables. ✨ Learn more: cofionline.org/about-cofi/3...

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Community Organizing and Family Issues (COFI) @cofionline.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

As we get closer to our 30th Anniversary Gala on June 4, we want to give a HUGE THANK YOU to all of our sponsors! Thank you to Providence Bank & Trust, one of our Action Takers Sponsors, for supporting our mission and helping us bring more COFI and POWER-PAC IL parents to policy tables. ✨

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Community Organizing and Family Issues (COFI) @cofionline.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

ICYMI: COFI and POWER-PAC IL parent leaders traveled to Springfield on May 6 for our annual advocacy day, “Moms on a Mission!” Parents are energized, and they’re not slowing down! They’re continuing to fight for progressive state revenue, save SNAP, secure direct cash support for moms, and more!

COFI and POWER-PAC IL parents, staff, and children sitting on the steps of the Illinois Capitol Building with their fists in the air - some have signs that read "Tax the Rich" and "Save Our Snap"

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Community Organizing and Family Issues (COFI) @cofionline.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

Take action! 🚨We're in the final days of telling Illinois legislators what families and communities need! Join COFI and POWER-PAC IL leaders and advocates in telling lawmakers to increase funding for early childhood programs! Contact your legislator today: www.votervoice.net/ActforChildr...

votervoice.net

Take Action: Urge Legislators to Fully Fund Illinois’ Early Childhood Budget for FY27!

Illinois has an opportunity to be the best state in the nation for families raising young children - but only if we invest in our future now. Our early care and education system remains dramatically u...

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economicsecurity.bsky.social @economicsecurityproject.org · 13/05/2026

4/4 Read Chanelle’s letter to the editor in the Chicago Sun-Times to hear directly from her about what that support would mean. 🔗 chicago.suntimes.com/letters-to-t...

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economicsecurity.bsky.social @economicsecurityproject.org · 13/05/2026

3/ Advocates and policymakers in Springfield are working to change that. The Newborn Equity Support Transfer (NEST) program would provide expectant mothers on Medicaid with $1,500 in their third trimester and $500 a month for the first six months of a baby’s life.

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economicsecurity.bsky.social @economicsecurityproject.org · 13/05/2026

2/ Having a baby is beautiful. It is also uncertain, vulnerable, and for too many moms, far too expensive. As new federal cuts threaten Medicaid coverage, families are left to absorb costs that no new parent should have to carry alone.

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economicsecurity.bsky.social @economicsecurityproject.org · 13/05/2026

Chanelle Brown is a mother of two, pregnant with her third child, and a POWER-PAC Illinois parent leader with Community Organizing and Family Issues (COFI). And like forty percent of mothers who give birth in Illinois, she relies on Medicaid.🧵⬇️

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economicsecurity.us @economicsecurity.us · 07/05/2026

Today, Chanelle shared her story with Illinois lawmakers. As a mom preparing to welcome her third child, she knows firsthand how expensive and stressful pregnancy and postpartum care can be. NEST would change that. Illinois can make this happen.

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Community Organizing and Family Issues (COFI) @cofionline.bsky.social · 26/04/2026

REMINDER: We are hiring! Join us in building a grassroots movement of parent leaders! We are looking for an experienced Organizer to support city and statewide policy campaigns, with an initial focus on early childhood and K-12 education. Learn more and apply: cofionline.org/about-cofi/j...

cofionline.org

Jobs at COFI

Join us in building a grassroots movement of parent leaders working for economic, racial, and social justice for families.

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Community Organizing and Family Issues (COFI) @cofionline.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

✨ Exciting news! ✨ Tickets are on sale for COFI's 30th Anniversary: TURNING DREAMS INTO ACTION! Join us on Thursday, June 4, at the Garfield Park Conservatory for dinner, dancing, and a big celebration! Purchase your event tickets today: secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/...

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Community Organizing and Family Issues (COFI) @cofionline.bsky.social · 20/04/2026

📢 We're hiring! Join us in building a grassroots movement of parent leaders! We are looking for an experienced Organizer to support city and statewide policy campaigns, with an initial focus on early childhood and K-12 education. Learn more and apply: cofionline.org/about-cofi/j...

cofionline.org

Jobs at COFI

Join us in building a grassroots movement of parent leaders working for economic, racial, and social justice for families.

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Woodstock Institute @woodstockinst.bsky.social · 25/03/2026

APR For All! Advocates came to Springfield yesterday to urge Illinois lawmakers to pass HB 744 HA#1, the Small Business Financing Transparency Act, legislation that would require non-bank lenders to disclose the Annual Percentage Rate of loans offered to small businesses.

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Indivisible Chicago Alliance ❌👑 @indivisiblechicago.bsky.social · 22/03/2026

❌👑 On Saturday, March 28, Chicago joins together to say NO THRONES, NO CROWNS, NO KINGS. In addition to the eight organizing partners, *more than 75 organizations* are endorsing #NoKingsChicago! See them organized alphabetically, starting here 🧵:

Graphic that says No Kings, Hands Off Chicago, endorsed by:
290IPO
46th Ward Neighbors United
48th Ward Neighbors for Justice
AFGE Local 704
AFSCME Council 31
AiR (Activists in Resistance)
Animal Rights Collective of Chicago

Graphic that says No Kings, Hands Off Chicago, endorsed by:
ANSWER Chicago
Chicago Abortion Fund
Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression
Chicago Jobs with Justice
Chicago Liberation Center
Chicago Teachers Union
Chicago Women Take Action

Graphic that says No Kings, Hands Off Chicago, endorsed by:
Citizen Action/Illinois
Coalition Against the Trump Agenda (CATA)
Common Defense
Community Organizing and Family Issues / POWER-PAC IL
CPUSA Chicago
Dancing for Democracy

Graphic that says No Kings, Hands Off Chicago, endorsed by:
Faith in Place
Friends Who March
Grassroots Collaborative
Human Rights Campaign
IL Democratic Women of Cook County (IDWCC)
IL Prairie Dogs Wolf Pack - Working Families Party
Illinois Environmental Council

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Indivisible Chicago Alliance ❌👑 @indivisiblechicago.bsky.social · 07/03/2026

❌👑 On Saturday, March 28, Chicago joins together to say NO THRONES, NO CROWNS, NO KINGS. In addition to the seven organizing partners, *more than 65 organizations* are endorsing #NoKingsChicago! See them organized alphabetically, starting here 🧵:

Graphic that says No Kings, Hands Off Chicago, endorsed by:
Citizen Action/Illinois
Coalition Against the Trump Agenda (CATA)
Community Organizing and Family Issues / POWER-PAC IL
CPUSA Chicago
Dancing for Democracy
Faith in Place
Saturday March 28, 1:30 pm, Butler Field at Grant Park

Graphic that says No Kings, Hands Off Chicago, endorsed by:
Friends Who March
Grassroots Collaborative
Human Rights Campaign
IL Democratic Women of Cook County (IDWCC)
IL Prairie Dogs Wolf Pack - Working Families Party
Illinois Environmental Council
Illinois Families for Public Schools

Saturday March 28, 1:30 pm, Butler Field at Grant Park

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UChicago Consortium on School Research @uchiconsortium.bsky.social · 11/03/2026

💡New Field Scan out today: What were the experiences and perspectives of @chipubschools.bsky.social officials and community-based organization (CBO) leaders who participated in the district’s Whole School Safety Steering Committee? Read the Field Scan: consortium.uchicago.edu/publications...

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Indivisible Chicago Alliance ❌👑 @indivisiblechicago.bsky.social · 18/02/2026

❌️👑 On March 28th, we will rise up, take to the streets, and say it loud: no thrones, no crowns, no kings – hands off Chicago and hands off our democracy. We’re not watching history happen—we’re making it. 🗓📍 Sat March 28th, 1:30 pm, Grant Park/Butler Field. Info ⤵️

mobilize.us

NO KINGS Chicago · No Kings

On March 28th, we will rise up, take to the streets, and say it loud: no thrones, no crowns, no kings–Hands off Chicago and hands off our democracy. We’re not watching history happen—we’re making it. ...

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Community Organizing and Family Issues (COFI) @cofionline.bsky.social · 25/02/2026

REMINDER! Join us tomorrow at 6:30 P.M. (CT) for a virtual roundtable with organizers across the country fighting for childcare for all! We’ll discuss how we can make universal childcare a reality for Illinois! 🔗Register today! act.seiu.org/a/what-it-ta...

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Families Over Billionaires @fobaction.bsky.social · 24/02/2026

Around 90% of the families Armett Newman works with rely on federal child care subsidies to afford tuition, and she says that Trump's cuts to child care will force many of those parents — including nurses, teachers, and other essential workers — to stop working and pull their children out. #SOTU

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Community Organizing and Family Issues (COFI) @cofionline.bsky.social · 23/02/2026

Tune in tonight at 5:30 CT for the “State(s) of the Union Town Hall: For the People, Not Billionaires!” East St. Louis Parent Leader Monique will share her Medicaid story! Details: 🗓 TODAY, Feb 23 | 5:30 pm CT 🎥 Watch the @fobaction.bsky.social livestream here: www.youtube.com/@familiesove...

youtube.com

Families Over Billionaires

We aim to make wealthy individuals and the most profitable corporations pay their fair share.

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Community Organizing and Family Issues (COFI) @cofionline.bsky.social · 20/02/2026

TOMORROW! Join COFI, POWER-PAC IL, and partners with the Promote the Vote Alliance for a forum with the U.S. Senate Candidates! Hear from candidates about their stances on a variety of issues related to women and families. 🔗 Register today! www.eventbrite.com/e/womens-iss...

eventbrite.com

Women's Issues: US Senate Candidate Forum

Join us for a lively discussion on women's issues with US Senate candidates on Saturday, February 21. Free - Register Today!

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Community Organizing and Family Issues (COFI) @cofionline.bsky.social · 13/02/2026

What does it take to win child care for all? Join COFI and POWER-PAC IL leaders and Illinois Child Care for All Coalition partner organizations on Feb. 26 at 6:30 PM (CT) for a virtual round table on how we can make universal child care a reality for Illinois Register: act.seiu.org/a/what-it-ta...

A group picture of parents, child care providers, and advocates with their fists in the air. The text on the flyer is promoting a virtual roundtable on Thursday Feb 26 at 6:30 PM (CT) on how we can win a child care system that works for everyone

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Community Organizing and Family Issues (COFI) @cofionline.bsky.social · 24/12/2025

COFI and POWER-PAC IL wish you and your loved ones a happy and safe holiday season and New Year! 🎉❄️ Thank you for following along as we build parent power locally, statewide in Illinois, and nationally! Whether you’re a longtime friend of COFI or new to our work, we appreciate YOU!

A collage of COFI parent leaders throughout 2025 at the Capitol and in their communities advocating, meeting with legislators, and building relationships

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Community Organizing and Family Issues (COFI) @cofionline.bsky.social · 08/12/2025

Today kicks off “Babies Can’t Wait: We Need EI! Week of Action"! We’re joining Raising Illinois, families, and advocates across Illinois to take action for Early Intervention (EI)! Take action here: www.raisingillinois.org/high-quality...

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Community Organizing and Family Issues (COFI) @cofionline.bsky.social · 03/12/2025

It's not too late to donate to COFI this #GivingTuesday! Now, more than ever, we need your support. With your support, COFI can develop parent leaders who demand change and win critical victories for families. Donate today: cofionline.org/what-you-can-do/donate-to-cofi/

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Community Organizing and Family Issues (COFI) @cofionline.bsky.social · 02/12/2025

Meet Leah this #GivingTuesday! She's a longtime partner and supporter of COFI. She partnered with COFI 10 years ago on a parent-led project to address the lack of developmental screenings. Supporters like you and Leah champion parent voices. Donate today! cofionline.org/what-you-can...

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Community Organizing and Family Issues (COFI) @cofionline.bsky.social · 02/12/2025

We're excited to launch our “30 Stories for 30 Years” storytelling campaign this #GivingTuesday! Our first story is from Talibah, who started as a parent leader, joined our staff, and now leads Chicago organizing work. Watch her story & donate: cofionline.org/what-you-can... youtu.be/nOiLrZgMpwM?...

youtu.be

Talibah Moore's Story | "I didn't want to stop."

YouTube video by Community Organizing & Family Issues (COFI)

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Community Organizing and Family Issues (COFI) @cofionline.bsky.social · 02/12/2025

As you plan your #GivingTuesday contributions today, we hope you’ll stand with COFI and parent leaders! When you give to COFI, your gift goes directly toward building the power and voice of parents who are organizing for policies that support families. Donate today! cofionline.org/what-you-can...

Four snapshots photos. From top to bottom: there's a group picture of COFI parent leaders and staff; a group picture of East St. Louis parents and children with their fists in the air; a group picture of Latina mothers at their local city hall meeting; and two women hugging. The text on the graphic reads: Parent leaders are organizing for safer communities, stronger schools, and policies that truly support families. Stand with parent leaders this Giving Tuesday!

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Community Organizing and Family Issues (COFI) @cofionline.bsky.social · 21/11/2025

How can we design a state program that meets families’ needs for easier and more affordable tax filings? Check out how @newamerica.org engaged COFI and POWER-PAC IL parent leaders across the state in creating a simplified filing program. Read more: www.newamerica.org/chicago/blog...

newamerica.org

Earned but Unclaimed: Making Illinois Tax Refunds Work for the Families Who Need Them

Many U.S. households don’t know that the government owes them money. Here are ways states can connect people to those benefits.

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Community Organizing and Family Issues (COFI) @cofionline.bsky.social · 12/11/2025

No more utility rate increases! As Ameren seeks a gas rate hike, COFI and POWER-PAC IL leaders in East St. Louis co-hosted a community forum to discuss the proposed increase, available resources, and the future of home heating. Read more about it here: www.firstalert4.com/2025/11/02/f...

firstalert4.com

Federal shutdown delaying energy assistance as Illinois families face soaring utility bills

SNAP isn't the only program being impacted by the now month-long federal shutdown. The National Energy Assistance Directors Association warns there have been delays in another federal program designed...

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Community Organizing and Family Issues (COFI) @cofionline.bsky.social · 06/11/2025

Education should be a sanctuary—free from violence and fear. That’s why COFI & POWER-PAC IL parents are united on the front lines of the fight to protect children, keep our communities safe, and demand that our policies and systems work better for families!

Text graphic that reads: Education should be a sanctuary—free from violence and fear. But two disturbing ICE incidents happened yesterday that highlight the urgent need for stronger protections in our communities! COFI and POWER-PAC IL were horrified to see the violence and aggressive actions ICE took to detain a day care teacher in front of children and families on Chicago’s North Side. This is why Governor Pritzker needs to sign HB1312 into law NOW to ensure licensed childcare centers have the safety and protections they deserve.
And in a separate incident in Aurora, a father was also taken while he was dropping off his child at a middle school. We need to support our schools with the resources and training they need to implement strong policies like the "Safe Schools for All" Act, so that they can handle the possibility of federal immigration agents on campus. Because when our children and communities see such extreme violence, it leaves behind lasting scars and undermines trust in our systems.
That’s why POWER-PAC IL parents are united on the front lines of the fight to protect children, keep our communities safe, and demand that our policies and systems work better for families.

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Dignity in Schools Campaign @dignityinschools.bsky.social · 15/10/2025

Massive Education Department layoffs decimated offices protecting students with disabilities, civil rights, and funding oversight. Even though IEPs remain legally enforceable, the collapse of accountability tools makes violations far more likely. Read more: dignityinschools.org/dsc-issue-sn...

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economicsecurity.bsky.social @economicsecurityproject.org · 09/10/2025

Cook County is making history. President Toni Preckwinkle’s 2026 budget makes the nation’s largest #guaranteedincome program permanent — putting $ directly in the pockets of working families. ESIL is proud to partner on this nation-leading effort. 🔗 economicsecurityproject.org/news/cook-co...

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Community Organizing and Family Issues (COFI) @cofionline.bsky.social · 24/09/2025

Shout out to East St. Louis parents with Parents United for Change (PUFC) for circulating a petition calling for improved school transportation and highlighting the safety issues that students face due to unreliable bus services. Read more: www.bnd.com/news/local/e...

bnd.com

East St. Louis schools address unreliable bus service as frustrations mount

“(Families) want safety, they want reliability, and we do as well,” said the District 189 spokesperson.

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Dignity in Schools Campaign @dignityinschools.bsky.social · 10/09/2025

Schools should be places of hope, belonging & possibility. But millions of students are criminalized through policing & harsh codes. This Oct 18–26, join us in declaring: Education is STILL a Human Right! #EndSchoolPushout #DSCWoA2025

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Community Organizing and Family Issues (COFI) @cofionline.bsky.social · 31/08/2025

📢 Training Alert: The next round of trainings for the COFI Center for Action and Learning is live! Build parent power in your community with COFI this fall and spring at one of our in-person or virtual trainings. 🔗 Register today. cofionline.org/events/

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Community Organizing and Family Issues (COFI) @cofionline.bsky.social · 25/08/2025

(1/2) What does affordability mean to you? Metro East leaders Tashonia, Monique, and Alicia joined our partners at the Economic Security Project for their "Road to Affordability Tour" stop in the Metro East area.

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Community Organizing and Family Issues (COFI) @cofionline.bsky.social · 22/08/2025

Children shouldn't be afraid to go to school! COFI and POWER-PAC IL leaders joined the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, lawmakers, and advocates this week to celebrate the signing of Safe Schools for All (HB 3247) into law!

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Community Organizing and Family Issues (COFI) @cofionline.bsky.social · 22/08/2025

Elgin Leaders Susana, Esther, and Erika attended the ICC public forum on Nicor’s proposed gas rate increase. All three called on the utility company to prioritize affordability for customers. They also spoke to Univision about the proposed increase: www.univision.com/local/chicag...

univision.com

Tarifa del gas podría aumentar para el próximo año en Illinois: así propone el incremento Nicor Gas

Este jueves se llevó a cabo una junta para escuchar la opinión de los consumidores tras la propuesta del aumento de tarifas de la empresa Nicor Gas. La compañía dice que debe haber un incremento de…

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Community Organizing and Family Issues (COFI) @cofionline.bsky.social · 20/08/2025

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Community Organizing and Family Issues (COFI) @cofionline.bsky.social · 11/08/2025

🚨URGENT 🚨Head Start is under attack—again. The Trump administration is targeting immigrant families through a harmful and rushed rule change. Take action now by submitting a public comment! The deadline to submit a comment is THIS WEDNESDAY, August 13, at 11:59 p.m. ET. act.nwlc.org/a/headstart-...

act.nwlc.org

Tell the Trump Administration: Immigrant Children Deserve Access to Early Education

Don’t let them dismantle decades of Head Start access without a fight.

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Community Organizing and Family Issues (COFI) @cofionline.bsky.social · 05/08/2025

Tracy, COFI's Deputy Director of Policy and External Affairs, joined The Chicago Community Trust's #TrustTalks podcast to discuss the power of coalition-based advocacy in winning the IL Child Tax Credit and the role parents played in this policy win for families! 🎧: www.cct.org/stories/trus...

cct.org

Trust Talks, The Podcast – Episode 20: Advocating for Policy Reform - The Chicago Community Trust

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…

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Community Organizing and Family Issues (COFI) @cofionline.bsky.social · 03/08/2025

Are you energized about COFI’s parent-led movement for economic, racial, and social justice? Sign up for COFI’s mailing list! You’ll receive updates a few times each month with news, calls to action, legislative victories, and parent stories. cofionline.org/what-you-can...

cofionline.org

Stay Informed

Are you energized about COFI's growing parent-led movement for economic, racial, and social justice? Stay informed and sign up for COFI's mailing list.

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Community Organizing and Family Issues (COFI) @cofionline.bsky.social · 02/08/2025

📢COFI is #hiring! Join us in building a grassroots movement of parent leaders and apply to be a COFI Organizer in Kane County (Illinois)! Learn more and apply today: cofionline.org/about-cofi/j...

cofionline.org

Jobs at COFI

Join us in building a grassroots movement of parent leaders working for economic, racial, and social justice for families.

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Community Organizing and Family Issues (COFI) @cofionline.bsky.social · 26/07/2025

Last week, COFI Parents Donna and Monique joined advocates and community members to honor the life and legacy of Congressman John Lewis at the Good Trouble Lives On rally in Chicago, one of many rallies across the nation. Catch their testimonies here: www.youtube.com/live/Wl5E_Ua...

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