United Power for Action and Justice is a non-partisan community organization of which St. Nicholas is a founding member. It is composed of 40 religious congregations, non-for-profit groups, hospitals, health centers and civic organizations from across Cook County.  Our volunteer leaders are the backbone of the organization; they are concerned citizens who consult with neighbors, shape goals and develop strategies to address pressing social problems and advocate with people in power to seek positive creative solutions.

Our member organizations represent over 250,00 people who live and work in the City of Chicago and the Cook County Suburbs. We capitalize on the power of our diverse member institutions to work on common goals. Drawing in the potency of person-to-person organizing, our work is to build relationships and promote improvements that are only possible through organized and united efforts.

United Power is part of a national coalition of community groups – the Industrial Areas Foundation (IAF)- the largest coalition of multi-faith organizations in the U.S.

Our Illinois Metro IAF Affiliates are DuPage United, Lake County United and Fox River Valley Initiative. United Power works and coordinates with these affiliates on initiatives important to all four counties.  Visit united-power.org for additional information

Meetings
The local St. John XXIII Parish (St. Nicholas) group meets periodically to discuss issues of concern.  We have been working to increase mental health services in our community. We also meet with other organizations to plan and support actions – gatherings of multiple community and faith-based groups that raise awareness of important issue campaigns such as reclaiming communities, mental illness, healthcare and firearm safety.

If you're interested in getting involved, please contact Yvonne Smith via email yvonsmith@gmail.com or 224.534.7471.