CUMU Conference 2019

The Egan Office has a rich history of integrating academic excellence with authentic community engagement. Our students are situated front and center on critical issues confronting our schools and communities and grapple with the idea of social justice in those spaces. We welcome the role that elders play in Chicago communities. Traditionally, Elders are the wisdom-keepers and caretakers of the sacred teachings, experiences, and stories. The Egan Office recognizes the intellectual, scholarly and cultural contributions of these Elders that have been on the frontline of historic social change in Chicago and continue to play, an active role in politics, education, and the environment. The Council of Elders works closely with Egan’s staff and students to share their collective wisdom and knowledge to reinforce the vision and mission statement of the Egan Office. These conversations culminate into action as elders and students mobilize on issues such as authentic civic engagement and the role of the citizen, and informed Chicago election activism and critical parent engagement in Chicago's deeply segregated communities. DePaul University Egan Office of Urban Education and Community Partnership and University partner National Louis University provides a shared space for ideas, collaboration, and advocacy for the Council of Elders. The Council helped to reimagine intergenerational advocacy for social justice and the role of the University as a viable "safe" space. The Council is driven by a deep commitment to social justice and grounded in the time-tested principles, strategies, accomplishments, and approaches of community organizing.