Established in 1985, Leadership Greater Chicago is a ten-month program for high-potential people in greater Chicago's companies, nonprofit organizations and government. Thirty-five Fellows are chosen annually to study key challenges facing the Chicago region while making lifelong connections with diverse leaders that help them advance professionally and in civic affairs. Fellows are typically sponsored and financially supported by their employers.
The Illinois Womens Institute for Leadership (IWIL) is an educational organization that exists to encourage and train women to become effective leaders in Illinois government and politics. Participants attend 7 monthly sessions (2 days each) where they are trained in campaigning, government and public policy, and leadership and networking. The program is open to all Illinois Democratic women who have a commitment to serve in public office and a willingness to commit the time necessary to participate fully.
Founded in 1966, the National Organization for Women (NOW) is the largest organization of feminist activists in the United States whose goal is to take action to bring about equality for all women. NOW is a multi-issue, multi-strategy organization that takes a holistic approach to women's rights. The organization's official priorities are winning economic equality and securing it with an amendment to the U.S.
Through affiliate chapters in nearly every state, the National Federation of Republican Women (NFRW) promotes the principles, objectives and policies of the Republican Party; elects Republican candidates; informs the public through political education and activity; and increases the effectiveness of women in the cause of good government. In working toward these objectives, the NFRW concentrates its efforts in the areas of educating, communicating, recruiting, campaigning, fundraising, training and legislative action.
Founded in 1971 to work for more equitable representation and participation of Democratic women in all levels of the Democratic Party and at all levels of government, Illinois Democratic Women fulfills its mission through educational programs and fund-raising activities. The IDW provides free trainings for groups of women in Illinois upon request, covering topics such as field work, fundraising, communications, and vote-getting. These trainings are open to anyone who has demonstrated a committment to be active in politics.
The Conference of Women Legislators is a non-profit organization that encourages female legislators from both sides of the aisle to work in a bi-partisan fashion to advance the interest of all women, children and families through state, local and federal initiatives. The Council serves as a forum for Illinois women legislators to join with colleagues in workshops and roundtables to discuss issues of concern in the state.
The Gender Balanced Appointments Act establishes that all appointments to boards, commissions, committees and councils of the state be gender balanced to the extent possible. If balance is not possible, then significant representation is expected.
