Building democracy for the 21st century
A holistic approach to building democracy through Community Lawyering
Our mission at Citizen Advocacy Center is to build democracy for the 21st century by strengthening the citizenry's capacities, resources, and institutions for self-governance.
CAC seeks to increase democratic protocols at every level of government and develop the voice of the public. Efforts that start at the local level often result in statewide initiatives to address undemocratic barriers, often rooted in state law.
CAC engages in a holistic approach to building democracy through community organizing, coalition building, legal advocacy, civic education, and litigation to make government more accountable, accessible, and transparent. CAC operates through the use of community lawyers who protect the public’s assets and promote meaningful participation in the democratic process.
Community Stories
“I had made two public comments at village board meetings, which was very scary for a first-year law student,” Barnea said. The community lawyer at the time helped her conduct thorough research and craft effective statements. This experience of confronting government officials in public forums left a lasting impression on Barnea. read more
Citizen Advocacy Center helped her learn about her right to speak out at city council meetings, how to contact state agencies for help, and how to file a Freedom of Information Act request. read more
“It made me realize that public service was what I wanted to do,” said Guzman, who next worked as a public defender. As of 2023, she was a lawyer for the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission of the Supreme Court of Illinois, handling complaints against attorneys. read more
“It is imperative for young people to realize they have the power not only as journalists but as engaged citizens.” read more
“It is one thing to sit at home with your friends and complain,” she said. “It is quite another to say, ‘I can do something about that.’” She learned at CAC what levers to pull to accomplish change in the community, and she used her knowledge to educate others. read more
CAC’s community lawyer “knew the chess pieces, he knew the players” and helped her work with the city council and its members. Virgil said Silver “would show up at public comment period and would weigh in with a legal and political analysis.” read more
By contrast, CAC “is not worried about whether clients can afford to pay.” When CAC takes on a litigation matter, the question is whether the case reflects its mission: “How can we advance the ability of citizens to participate in government?” read more
“Reasonable people can argue about the merits of complaints, but no one can argue about the right to make those complaints heard,” he said, looking back on the experience. read more
“It is very valuable for them to see how local government can and should work, particularly given the extremely divisive nature of national politics right now.” read more
Denise Pikes is a dedicated Community Leader with the League of Women Voters of Proviso Township. She discovered the Citizen Advocacy Center through a league member and neighbor who spoke highly of CAC’s role in promoting civic-mindedness and education.
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“I witnessed the significance that citizens can make in local government using the civic resource materials CAC provides.”
— Everyday Democracy Newsletter