Mission

Join the Impact Chicago is a politically independent organization of Chicago-based grassroots activists fighting for full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people in all matters governed by civil law in all 50 states. Through education, community organizing, and direct action, JTIC is working to eliminate federal, state, and local laws that codify discrimination on the basis of gender expression and sexuality. We will not settle for compromises or half-measures, and will not rest until we are recognized as fully equal.

Nondiscrimination Policy

Join The Impact Chicago welcomes everyone who supports our mission to win full LGBTQ equality. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, political party affiliation, ability, health status, physical appearance, or any aspect of sex, gender, or sexual orientation.

History

Shortly after the 2008 national elections, a blog simply titled "Join The Impact" was created. It called for an immediate reaction to the passage of Proposition 8 in California on November 15th, 2008. The response was unprecedented and historic as protests in solidarity with California were scheduled faster than the blog's server could keep up. Over one hundred cities protested the passage of Prop 8, and this group is a direct result of the corresponding action in Chicago.

Join The Impact Chicago's co-founders were not activists before 5,000 people marched down Michigan Avenue on November 15th, 2008. Corrine Mina, Missy Lorenzen and Nik Maciejewski had been friends for many years, and when Corrine impulsively signed up to organize the protest, Missy quickly began creating a website while Nik began immersing himself in outreach. Complete newcomers to an arena that is intimidating to many, the event ended with a peaceful and moving march. There were and have been no arrests at any JTIC sanctioned event.

In the aftermath, the trio decided to move forward with creating a grassroots group using the Join The Impact name. Using contacts made during the planning of the kick-off protest, people started uniting over e-mail and Facebook to discuss the next steps. E-mail turned into coffeeshop gatherings, and in January 2009, Join the Impact Chicago (JTIC) held their first Town Hall meeting to get feedback from the community and recruit more volunteers. One hundred people crammed into the "auditorium" of the J. Merlo Library for the town hall.

Over the course of 2009, JTIC settled in as a new but legitimate force in Chicago politics and activism. By the end of the year, JTIC had hosted or co-hosted upwards of ten protests, organized 45 planning meetings, attended various conferences, canvassed for Civil Unions (see updated position in the education section), met with political candidates, raised funds and sent four bus loads of activists to the National Equality March in Washington DC the fall of that year.

Since the National Equality March, JTIC has worked to solidify the regional network of activists present after the N.E.M. As Equality Across America, the parent organization for the march, called for regional conferences in 2010 aimed at forming a federal strategy to attain equality, JTIC jumped on board and worked in coalition with other local groups to host the Unite + Fight Midwest Conference in March 2010, as well as the Chicago Harvey Milk Week of Action in May.

Behind all of the work, dedication, tears, frustration and joy are individuals that must support themselves financially outside of JTIC. As an all volunteer organization, we cherish the time and love put into helping our cause for full Federal LGBTQI equality. The mosaic of volunteer work has made all of the success of the past couple of years possible, and we thank all of those who have volunteered, will volunteer, or are currently organizing.

The work of an individual shines, but the work of individuals setting aside differences for a common goal creates a light that can't be ignored. JTIC strives to support volunteers in any way possible, and promises to be fully inclusive and affirming of the respectful goals of individual members in and outside of our community. We want our light to shine brighter than ever - and we plan on fueling that light by working together in new and exciting ways.

Help JTIC's light burn brighter - look further into this website to see how you can get involved today!