History of P.O.W.E.R.
In 2010, P.O.W.E.R. got its start with one-on-one conversations. The vision was to create an action table that included school representatives, pastors and the major social service agencies. This table met monthly to work toward a restorative justice agenda to change ineffective policies of Sheriff Dart at the county level.
In 2011, the table under the leadership of Rev. Alvin Love, named itself the African American Pastors Organizing Table and created a steering committee.
In late 2014, the table went silent for a couple years but in 2016 the table was restructured as P.O.W.E.R. Rev. Michael A. Jones, I. as president gave much needed leadership to reinvent the cluster under Gamaliel of Metro Chicago. Rev. Dianna Amacker, Rev. Ronald Daugherty, and Rev. Joshua Ivery now form the Steering Committee.
Currently, POWER has many member congregations, and continues to engage in a faith-based community organizing methodology and is committed to social change.
What We Do
P.O.W.E.R. has 3 Active Task Forces
1) Violence Prevention
2) Education
3) Mental Health
Violence Prevention Task Force
We sponsor four major events each year
Annual Skating Social
During the school Christmas Break, we sponsor a Skating Social for children from our churches and the community. It is always a fun-filled event and keeps our youth safe.
Youth Outdoor FunFest
Each summer, we sponsor a Youth Outdoor Fest. It’s free to all and provides a fun outlet for youth of all ages. We offer games and prizes, basketball, face painting, bouncy house, food, snacks and entertainment. It’s a fun and safe place to be – bring the lawn chairs, blankets and the entire family for an exciting outdoor event.
Annual Bowling Social
During the School Spring Break, we sponsor a Family Bowl. We encourage youth and their families to come out for an evening of fun. Proceeds from this event go to the P.O.W.E.R. Scholarship Fund.
Annual “No Crime Day”
During the month of August Churches all over Chicagoland work together to promote “A Day without Crime”. We have multiple events leading up to the actual day starting with a “Press Conference” to promote the events and the special day.
Education
P.O.W.E.R.’s goal is to offer scholarships to youth. We have established a Scholarship fund that will help cover the cost of books, etc. for high school seniors and college students. Scholarships will be presented at the Gospel Concert in September.
Mental Health
At P.O.W.E.R., we recognize there is a mental health crisis in our country. We provide educational events and we provide mental health support for families of those in need.
Social Justice
P.O.W.E.R. works on bail reform, inequities in the legal system and we meet with political candidates to make our positions known in an effort to move them to an equitable position for the black and brown community.
CHURCH MEMBERSHIP
GROWTH
As a member of P.O.W.E.R., we endeavor to engage with your ministry in Membership Growth. We do this through training and joint collaborative neighborhood outreach.
