Dear friends, elected officials, business leaders, & concerned citizens:You are cordially invited to SOUL’s annual awards banquet on Sunday, October 6, 2013. As you may know, SOUL is an organization of congregations, community organizations, and individuals across the South Side and South Suburbs of Chicago who come together to make change on key issues affecting our communities. The banquet is a time to celebrate SOUL’s work with music, dancing, food, wine and networking! We will recognize the outstanding commitment of our leaders and allies, and show elected officials the power of organized people.  We want you present to celebrate with us!

Over the past year, SOUL has succeeded in making a number of positive changes in our communities:

·   SOUL re-activated a campaign for an Arts & Recreation Center in Bronzeville and began securing financial commitments to fund the center.

·   SOUL began campaigning for a 31st Street Bus and got commitments of support from one alderman and three state legislators.

·   SOUL secured commitments from Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and Aldermen Michelle Harris and Roderick Sawyer to use the new Cook County Land Bank to get banks to donate vacant homes so they can be fixed up and returned to occupancy, with local jobs created in the process.

·   SOUL worked with IIRON and National People’s Action to push Attorney General Lisa Madigan to support large-scale mortgage relief, including a $25 billion settlement with the biggest banks requiring them to reduce mortgage payments for some underwater homeowners.

·   SOUL worked with IIRON to fight back against corporate tax loopholes that cost the State of Illinois $2 billion and have forced $1.7 in budget cuts to Medicaid and $200 million in budget cuts to schools.