Join the Geographic Society of Chicago for a webinar about the current Chicago ward map and how the map has changed over the years.

Every 10 years, cities go through a “redistricting” process to redraw the lines for their electoral districts based on the decennial Census. In Chicago and many other cities, this process is often complex, nontransparent, and controversial.

Clifford Helm from the Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Chaundra Van Dyk from CHANGE Illinois will discuss the Chicago Ward Map Redistricting process, looking at the process as it has happened so far, where it’s going, and possible alternatives. In particular, they will discuss how this process helps and harms communities with historic and ongoing barriers to representation in our local government.

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About Our Speakers

Clifford Helm

Clifford Helm is an attorney with the Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights. Through community-based partnerships and coalitions, he works on issues related to voting rights, such as policy advocacy, redistricting, and election day voter protection.

He has also worked with community organizations, coalitions, nonprofits, and cooperatives across Chicago to draft Community Benefits Agreements and develop strategies and policies to support equitable development.

Chaundra Van Dyk

Chaundra Van Dyk is the Chicago Project Manager at CHANGE Illinois. She leads their efforts to improve the city’s participatory democracy and its ethics laws. Chaundra serves as an influencer to raise awareness and aid in changing Chicago’s broken system of creating gerrymandered ward maps into a transparent, people-focused process. Prior to joining CHANGE Illinois, Chaundra was a prominent Community Engagement Manager in North Lawndale, a community located in Chicago’s West side. In this role, Chaundra developed, implemented, and grew community programs that enriched the personal, financial, and professional lives of people who had criminal backgrounds; or those experiencing significant barriers to employment.

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Map Source: WTTW