Meet the Board
Meridth Hammer
State Chair she / her
Wille Mack, PhD
Administrative Vice Chair he / him
Jim Garfield
Membership Chair he / him
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Mr. Goodbar
As a black woman, attorney, and community leader, I believe it is incumbent upon me to get involved, exercise my unique voice and work to make a difference.
Italian Fiesta
Any Prince album.
Both. At different times in my life, I had 3 dogs. Dogs taught me to be more human. My plants have become my focus recently. They are my happy place. And bring me a great deal of Peace.
Meridth Hammer
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Almond Joy
We need and deserve effective and equitable politicians, policies, and governance.
6978 Soul Food
Johnnie Taylor
Plants due to lower maintenance
Willie Mack, PhD
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Mini Reece's Peanut Butter Cups are my weakness!
A core of IVI-IPO's mission is to make sure we have competent and qualified leaders in office. Given the state of everything, that mission is more important than ever, whether it's at the local, state, or national level. Plenty of organizations focus on whether a candidate agrees with their single issue - we care about their overall competence for the job.
That's like asking my favorite star in the sky. Big name? Giordano's. But some of the best food I've had came from a hole in the wall
Right now? "Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess" - Chappell Roan
Pets. I'm a huge environmentalist, but I tend to kill plants. Pets I've been much better with.
Jim Garfield
David Igasaki
Secretary he / him
Donald McGruder
Treasurer he / him
Arthur Dennis
Finance Chair he / him
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Nestle's Crunch Bar
I got involved in politics, as a teenager, from the anti-war movement organizing protests against the Vietnam War. I got involved working against the Richard J. Daley Machine for anti-machine independent reform candidates and joined the pre-merger IVI and IPO in the 1970’s.
Ping Pong
"Bridge Over Troubled Water" - Simon & Garfunkel
Neither. My schedule would not be good for keeping a pet.
David Igasaki
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Heath
For most of my life, I worked with organizations who advocate for civil rights. What I've come to believe is that while the fight for civil rights is built around passion and perseverance, it is most effective when it embraces politics. My purpose for being involved with IVI-IPO is to educate our communities in today's political landscape and to encourage us to participate in politics by making it more accessible.
Mastro's Steakhouse - Can't go wrong with a good steak!
"Red Balloon" - Tank and The Bangas
Plants. They take less time.
Donald McGruder
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Twix (Though my favorite candy in general is Swedish Fish)
I care about promoting an honest government with accessible politics for ALL citizens (regardless of our various identities) because we deserve to be valued in this city, in this state, and in this country. Our laws, politics, and leaders should represent these values of progressivism and the deep tenants of American justice, liberty, and patriotism.
Consequently, what inspires me to lead on the IVI-IPO board is to reignite these values that have seemingly been forgotten because our politics have forgotten the most revered individual in an American society is not the elite, the rich, or even a leaders - it is the average everyday person that deserves a life of dignity.
Truth Italian
"Deep River" - Utada Hikaru
Plants - they are living being too that provide life.
Arthur Dennis
Jayna McGruder
Public Relations Chair she / they
Charles Paidock
National Affairs Chair he / him
Crystal Overton
Member at Large she / her
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It's always and forever Twix, but Almond Snickers on special occasions.
Politics to me, are what inform and create the practices that make a government honest and open to all people. I care about accountability, political literacy, sharing resources, meeting people where they're at, and connecting them with avenues that amplify their power in a strategic and purposeful way. It inspires me that with IVI-IPO, we engage people to do this at the local level, creating more informed citizens that have the tools and access to hold their officials and government accountable.
Thai 55 in Hyde Park.
"MTV Unplugged No. 2.0." - Lauryn Hill. Yes, her title album is nothing short of legendary. As a singer, I'm listening to all 4 hours of her crying at the guitar plus her adlibs -with care.
I enjoy greeting my plants in the morning, though I love all animals.
Jayna McGruder
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Any that are union made
It's important to try to influence public policy on a multitude of issues
Henry's in Bridgeport
"British Blues" - Eric Clapton
Two cats from the shelter on Western Ave
Charles Paidock
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Hershey with Almonds
I care about honest government and accessible politics because I live in a democratic society. This is what I expect. I'm inspired by IVI-IPO's dedication to the people of Illinois as it relates to truth in politics, government and elections.
Koko Mediterranean
"Songs in the Key of Life" - Stevie Wonder
Plants. Easy
Crystal Overton