Illinois Workers in Action

05/21/2026

Last week our Supervisor of Workers and Immigrant Rights and Program Coordinator attended Illinois Humanities Envisioning Justice Statewide Convening

This was Illinois Workers in Action first time attending this convening and our team lead the the only immigration session of this year. Our Program Coordinator lead the session by recreating out Liberation Through Story project, where we shared stories of people being in immigration detention and how far it is to keep up with people’s stories. We shared immigration experiences, learning about the different ways immigration enforcement has affected everyone.

In our Supervisor of Workers and Immigrant Rights own words, "So many conversations reflected the same realities people impacted by incarceration face: families separated, communities under surveillance, fear used as control, and systems that punish people long after a sentence or status. Whether it’s a prison, detention center, or constant check-ins, these systems often operate through isolation, criminalization, and limiting people’s freedom and dignity. Hearing from organizers, artists, and advocates showed how much power exists when impacted communities tell their own stories and build solidarity across movements. Our struggles are connected, and so is our fight for liberation".

Thank you to Illinois Humanities for the invitation. We hope to continuing to partner together. 🤝

05/20/2026

05/18/2026

💚 May is Mental Health Awareness Month 🧠

This month we recognize the importance of mental health and the need to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and encourage understanding and acceptance. It’s also a time to highlight the importance of access to support, resources, and care for those who may need it.

Did you know that 1 in 5 adults in the United States experiences a mental health condition each year? Mental health affects people of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life. Raising awareness means understanding the value of emotional well-being, understanding mental health challenges, and encouraging support and care when needed.

Mental health is just as important as physical health. Small acts like checking in on a friend, taking breaks, getting enough rest, and asking for help can make a big difference. Let’s continue to encourage open conversations, kindness, and access to care and resources.

💚 Mayo es el Mes de la Concientización dela Salud Mental 🧠

Este mes reconocemos la importancia de la salud mental y la necesidad de crear conciencia, reducir el estigma y fomentar la comprensión y la aceptación. También es un momento para destacar la importancia del acceso a apoyo, recursos y atención para aquellas personas que puedan necesitarlos.

¿Sabías que 1 de cada 5 adultos en los Estados Unidos experimenta una afección de salud mental cada año? La salud mental afecta a personas de todas las edades, orígenes y condiciones de vida. Crear conciencia significa comprender el valor del bienestar emocional, entender los desafíos relacionados con la salud mental y fomentar el apoyo y la atención cuando sean necesarios.

La salud mental es tan importante como la salud física. Pequeños gestos como preguntar a un amigo cómo se encuentra, tomarse descansos, descansar lo suficiente y pedir ayuda pueden marcar una gran diferencia. Sigamos fomentando las conversaciones abiertas, la amabilidad y el acceso a atención y recursos.

05/18/2026

💙 Find your Circle | Healing Together 💙

Healing happens in community. Join Illinois Workers in Action for an evening to pause, connect, learn, and grow together through our Healing Circle. This is a space to build community, share, reflect, and support one another. 🌱✨

🗓 Monday, May 18
⏰ 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Phillips Park, Aurora, IL
🧘 Bring your yoga mat!

We’ll meet on the grass, check out the map in the slides for the exact meeting location.

Register today: bit.ly/IWA-HealingCircle

05/15/2026

05/15/2026

Last week, as part of activities in Springfield, the Healthy Illinois Campaign was joined by coalition members from PASO - West Suburban Action Project, Illinois Workers in Action, Arab American Family Services (AAFS), Worry Free Community, Access Living among other supporters in advocating for HBIS to be fully funded and reopened for enrollment. All seniors living in Illinois deserve health coverage.Thanks to Representative Barbara Hernandez for meeting with us and pledging her support for HBIS funding.

05/11/2026

Join our BHS Highschool Interns as they lead a presentation on Youth Labor Rights and share important information every young worker should know.

05/11/2026

This past Saturday we closed our Liberation Through Story project with an art exhibit showcasing the beautiful pieces done by community members❤️.

Community members who shared their stories about the increasing law enforcement in our communities. These are community memebers most have said they do not consider themselves artist or have never attempted an art piece in their lives. Even some of our IWA team members submitted pieces🎨

This project was meant to bring people together and help them find community in these hard times. By the end, they created new relationships and picked up a new hobby🤝

We want to give a special thank you to our staff, community navigators, and interns who made every session possible and put so much work into making sure the exhibit was perfect 👏❤️

We want to also give a big special Thank You to our partners through this project, 🫶
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El pasado sábado clausuramos nuestro proyecto «Liberación a través de la historia» con una exposición artística que exhibió las hermosas piezas creadas por miembros de la comunidad.

Se trata de miembros de la comunidad que compartieron sus historias sobre la creciente presencia de las fuerzas del orden en nuestros barrios. Son personas que, en su mayoría, afirmaron no considerarse artistas o no haber intentado crear una obra de arte en su vida. Incluso algunos miembros de nuestro equipo de IWA presentaron sus propias piezas.

El propósito de este proyecto era unir a las personas y ayudarlas a encontrar un sentido de comunidad en estos tiempos difíciles. Al finalizar, habían forjado nuevas relaciones y descubierto una nueva afición.

Queremos expresar un agradecimiento especial a nuestro personal, a los navegadores comunitarios y a los pasantes, quienes hicieron posible cada sesión y dedicaron un enorme esfuerzo para asegurar que la exposición resultara impecable.

También queremos dar las gracias a nuestros socios colaboradores en este proyecto.

05/10/2026

Happy Mother’s Day to all the incredible mothers, grandmothers, caregivers, and mother figures in our communities 💐

Today, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and love of the women who hold our families and communities together every single day. At Illinois Workers in Action, we know that mothers are often at the frontlines, fighting for safer workplaces, better opportunities, healthcare access, dignity, and a brighter future for their children.

Many of the mothers in our communities carry so much on their shoulders while continuing to show up with courage and determination. Your sacrifices, leadership, and care inspire the work we do every day.

This Mother’s Day, we honor all mothers, especially immigrant, working-class, and community mothers, whose love and perseverance continue to build stronger communities for all ❤️

Happy Mother’s Day from Illinois Workers in Action ✨

WorkingFamilies Solidarity

05/10/2026

🎓✊ Youth voices matter in the fight for worker justice!

Join Illinois Workers in Action LIVE on Facebook as our BHS High School interns lead a presentation on Youth Labor Rights and share important information every young worker should know.

From workplace protections to knowing your rights on the job, this presentation is created by youth, for youth 💪🏽✨

We are proud to support young leaders who are educating and empowering their communities through advocacy and action!

🗓 Monday, May 11th
⏰ 6:00 PM
📍 Facebook Live

Don’t miss it, invite a student, parent, friend, or young worker to tune in!