SPEAK Des Plaines

06/04/2026

Support Pride by donating books to our free raffles! https://bookshop.org/wishlists/87e608623f28c1206c6b2e850f4a1d909cfdb6f3

06/03/2026

Happy Pride Month! Thank you for the shout out from the Des Plaines History Center! Our Pride event is on June 20th this year from 1-5 pm at Trinity Church - learn more at https://speakdesplaines.org/pride/

05/29/2026

The City of Des Plaines is developing an updated Sustainability Plan to guide actions that improve environmental quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and strengthen resilience to climate-related challenges.

Members of the public are invited to attend a public workshop on Monday, June 8, from 6 to 8 p.m. at City Council Chambers to provide direct feedback on the Sustainability Plan and help shape its priorities and recommendations.

City staff will share an overview of the planning process and gather input from residents to inform the plan before it is finalized, and consultants will share the City’s emissions audit.

In addition, a community survey is currently open through June 22 to collect additional input. The survey takes approximately four to five minutes to complete, and all responses are anonymous. Visit desplainesil.gov/sustainability to access the survey.

05/28/2026

Help us keep our annual Pride event free! Shop our wishlist for supplies: tinyurl.com/2026PrideWishlist

05/20/2026

Join us for a town hall on data centers happening tonight - May 20th from 6:30 - 8:30pm at the Des Plaines Library!

Data centers pose many threats to consumers and the environment. Data centers are increasing utility bills for all consumers due to unprecedented demand from data-center development, leading to driving up energy prices. They also utilize massive amounts of water, with no transparency for the communities who depend on that water for recreation, drinking water, and more.

Currently, Illinois lacks basic protections to ensure our water needs are not jeopardized by water-intensive industrial corporations. Data centers threaten Illinois’ clean energy goals in the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA). Their use of dirty diesel generators to power their facilities in so-called “emergencies,” are huge sources of soot and particulates, and are often located in communities that already bear the brunt of industrial pollution.

Learn more: https://act.sierraclub.org/events/details?formcampaignid=701...

05/19/2026

Come say “hi” to SPEAK Des Plaines at tonight’s Food Truck Round Up at Friendship Park!

The first Food Truck Round Up of 2026 is tomorrow (May 19), and we have a great lineup of vendors ready to serve you!

Join the City of Des Plaines from 5 to 8 p.m. at Rosemary S. Argus Friendship Park and Conservatory (395 W. Algonquin Road) for food trucks, live music by Whiskey Mil beginning at 5:30 p.m., bubble activities, and more.

Music and limited picnic tables will be available under the covered pavilion. While seating is limited, attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and picnic blankets. Additional seating is available in the Conservatory Courtyard. Please follow the Open House directional signage.

04/29/2026

Become an event sponsor! Our annual Pride event is free for all to attend thanks to generous donors.

🏳️‍🌈 $100 Red Friend Sponsor
🏳️‍🌈 $250 Orange Craft Sponsor, logo at craft table
🏳️‍🌈 $500 Yellow Face Painting Sponsor, logo at face painter
🏳️‍🌈 $750 Green Photo Sponsor, logo at photo station
🏳️‍🌈 $1,000 Blue Performer Sponsor, large logo by stage
🏳️‍🌈 $1,500 Purple Food Sponsor, large logo by tacos

Make a sponsorship donation online: speakdesplaines.org/pride

04/28/2026

Join us for our 5th annual Pride! Free all-ages event!

Des Plaines Community Pride Celebration
Saturday, June 20, 2026
1:00 – 5:00 pm
Trinity Lutheran Church
675 E. Algonquin Road, Des Plaines

Learn more: speakdesplaines.org/pride

02/20/2026

This event was inspired by the work of our intergenerational Pride Planning Committee. Please join, if you can.

LGBTQIA+ Intergenerational Cookies and Conversations

Monday, March 9th at 12:30-1:45

Oakton Skokie Campus Room A151
7701Lincoln Ave

We will explore q***r history with
Ge**er Hart Library and Archives and have small group, intergenerational conversations.

For more info and to RSVP: tinyurl.com/OaktonCOC or call 847-823-0453