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January / February 2025 Net Impact Chicago Newsletter:  Reboot Your Network 01/30 and more!




HAPPY NEW YEAR

We hope you all enjoyed a great holiday season!  Net Impact Chicago wishes you a safe, productive, and positively impactful 2025.  This year, we will gather virtually and in person to protect the gains of the past and advance a better future - whether in business, career, civic, environmental, or social responsibility. Below you will find some of the first opportunities to get involved in the new year, check them out!


Image from Frank Schrader on Pexels - Cloud Gate “the Bean” sculpture in snow


REBOOT YOUR NETWORK EVENT THURSDAY, JAN. 30!


Net Impact Chicago is proud to team up with Loyola University Chicago’s Baumhart Center and other partners for an inspiring and energizing in-person way to start the year! Reboot Your Network for a Better World is an annual networking event for all impact-oriented professionals in Chicagoland. Attendees from multiple sectors (for-profit, non-profit, government, etc.) will be provided refreshments and an opportunity to network with other professionals who are trying to make the world a better place. THIS EVENT IS EXPECTED TO SELL OUT! Please see the link below for more details on the event itself and how to RSVP.


When: Thursday, January 30 | 5:00-7:00 PM CST

Where:  16 E. Pearson Street, Room 908, Chicago, IL, 60611.  Map.

Near Chicago Ave. Red Line station and Bus Route #s 66, 22, 36

Cost:  FREE!  Includes refreshments.

RSVP:  Details here at this link!


FEATURED COMMUNITY EVENTS:  Honoring Rev. Dr. MLK Jr.

January 2025 marks the 96th anniversary of the birth of African-American Civil Rights pioneer, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  Per the King Center, the 2025 commemoration theme is "Possible: Protecting Freedom, Justice, and Democracy in the Spirit of Nonviolence365.”  We are fortunate that so many Chicagoland organizations are celebrating his life and legacy with events open to the NIC community and public. 


What:  Rainbow PUSH annual Day of Service and Learning features educational seminars, impactful speakers and community service projects that honor the legacy of Dr. King and prepare us for the fight ahead. This event is free, family friendly and will feature a day-long resource fair and programming for all ages. 


Image of MLK Jr. in color from Rainbow PUSH


When:   Saturday, January 18 · 9am - 2pm CST

Where:  Rainbow PUSH Coalition National Headquarters, 

930 E. 50th St. Chicago, IL 60615.    Map

Cost:      FREE!  More Info and RSVP details here at this LINK


Other King Observance Events - More info at links.


Sat. 01/11 - CIV - IFN Lunch talk [ Nonviolence Chicago frontline leaders panel ] @ Austin.  RSVP:  https://www.nonviolencechicago.org/events/mlk-2025 


Northwestern U has multiple MLK Jr. events in Chicago, Evanston, and Online throughout the mont:  https://www.northwestern.edu/mlk/ 


Mon. 01/20 

- CUL - Hyde Pk. Arts Ctr MLK Day 2025 – Echoes of Freedom @ Hyde Pk.  RSVP:  

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mlk-day-2025-echoes-of-freedom-tickets-1110758471489 

 - CIV - United Way Webinar [ Urban Historian 'Dilla' Thomas' Bold Take on MLK Jr’s Legacy - also 01/24 option] - https://liveunitedchicago.org/events/mlk-day-conversation-2025/ 


Wed. 01/22 - CIV - DePaul Law MLK Jr Remembrance lunch talk @ Loop.  RSVP:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mlk-remembrance-tickets-1111808933449 


Sat. 01/25 - CIV - City Year MLK Jr. Day of Service @ S. Side.  RSVP:  https://www.cityyear.org/chicago/events/mlk-day-of-service-25/ 



APPLY NOW TO JOIN THE NET IMPACT CHICAGO TEAM!

Are you looking to get more connected to the business, civic, environmental, and social impact community? Joining the Net Impact Chicago Leadership Team is a great way to network with others in the space while showcasing hands-on communications, leadership, management, and strategic skills. We are industry- and sector- agnostic, so you can come from any professional background.  Benefits include networking opportunities within Chicago and the global Net Impact network, as well as impressive portfolio and resume experience. Check out our open positions and apply today! 


We are accepting applications for leadership positions:


  • Content Manager - Skills needed: Marketing/ media/written/digital  communications - to research, strategize, edit, and update NIC digital platforms (blog and newsletter)

  • Fundraising Manager – do you have, or want to build, fundraising experience? We would love your contribution to our team to help us host more meaningful events and grow our reach. 

  • Membership and Engagement Manager - Do you love meeting others and getting them excited about social and environmental impact? Are you a people person? This role would be perfect for you. 


To apply, please fill out the application here: https://forms.gle/8LNTs9MCtjA2XQ92A.


Have another skill you’d like to contribute to the Net Impact team? Fill out our volunteer form here: https://forms.gle/hKzpbW6ANE4XytQJ8. We would also consider a bespoke leadership position for you if it seems like the right fit 


Contact our Leadership Team atinfo@netimpactchicago.org for more information.


ACTIONS YOU CAN TAKE


WHAT WE’RE READING/ VIEWING/ LISTENING TO

  • Chicago’s Municipal Buildings Are Now Powered Largely by the Sun (Mother Jones)

  • New Illinois Laws in 2025: What Employers Need to Know (Gould Ratner Law Firm)

  • Video:  Planetary Health and Human Wellbeing in the Great Lakes Region (CGLR)

  • Costco Stands Its Ground, Asserts Business Case for DEI (Sustainable Brands)

  • Key climate and sustainability themes for 2025 (Oxford Economics)


WHAT WE’RE ATTENDING

An exclusive curated event list in date order.  Free and In-Person unless denoted otherwise as a webinar or online or virtual.  If payment is required, noted by “$$”.  Event type codes:  BIZ = Business/Career; CIV = Civic/Activism; CUL = Cultural/Arts; EDU = Education/Learning; SOC = Social/Entertainment .

Inclusion in this list does not always imply endorsement.  More info at the respective links, which are subject to change after publishing.  Please observe any applicable health and safety precautions.


--- JANUARY 2025 ----


January is National Blood Donor Month, Cervical Health Awareness Month, Mental Wellness Month, Poverty Awareness Month, and Illinois Muslim American Heritage Month.


Thu. 01/09

 - BIZ - CGLR Webinar [  Sustainability in Major Sports, w/ Cleveland Cavaliers case study ]  RSVP:  https://councilgreatlakesregion.org/event/implementing-sustainability-in-major-sports-the-making-of-a-green-team/ 

 - BIZ - Abundant Ventures talk [ The Coming Healthcare Revoilution ] @ River North.  RSVP:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-coming-healthcare-revolution-10-forces-to-cure-americas-health-crisis-tickets-1090249267909 

 - BIZ - Mazars talk [ Unmatched Customer Experience:  The Retention Revolution ] @ Loop.  RSVP:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/unmatched-customer-experience-the-retention-revolution-tickets-1115941694649 

 - CIV - UChicago IOP Politics talk [ Mayor Brandon Johnson on the hotseat ] @ Hyde Pk.  RSVP:  https://politics.uchicago.edu/speaker-series/upcoming-events 


Mon. 01/13

 - CIV - NwU Buffett talk [ Conflict Resolution in Turbulent Times ] @ Evanston, IL.  RSVP:  https://planitpurple.northwestern.edu/event/621920 

 - EDU - NwU Policy talk [ AI PolicyMaking  ] @ Evanston, IL.  RSVP:  https://www.ipr.northwestern.edu/events/upcoming-events/ 


Tue. 01/14 - CIV - UChicago IOP Politics talk [ Future of Israel & Palestine ] @ Hyde Pk.  RSVP:  https://politics.uchicago.edu/speaker-series/upcoming-events  


Wed. 01/15

 - EDU - ICOY Seminar [ Community Trauma and Resiliency ] @ Loop.  

RSVP:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/community-trauma-and-resiliency-tickets-1059966461219 

 - EDU - ASID lunch seminar [ Trauma Informed Design ] @ River North.  RSVP:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ceu-trauma-informed-design-tickets-1119056531209 

 - CIV - NwU talk [ Unmaking Segregation ] @ Evanston, IL.  RSVP:  https://www.northwestern.edu/mlk/ 

 - CIV - Urban Environmentalists/ Pro-housing advocates at a community input meeting @ Lincoln Pk.  RSVP:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/support-615-new-homes-in-lincoln-park-in-person-community-meeting-tickets-1123789979079 


Thu. 01/16

 - CIV - NwU Buffett symposium [ On AI & Geopolitics ] @ Evanston, IL.  RSVP:  https://planitpurple.northwestern.edu/event/621920 

 - CIV - (Economic) DeGrowth Institute talk [ Degrowth and social movements ] @ S. Loop  RSVP:  https://www.degrowthinstitute.org/events 


Tue. 01/21 - BIZ - Trellis / Sustainserv webinar [ EU CSR Directive in Action:  Insights, Lessons; Policy Developments ] RSVP:  https://trellis.net/webcasts/  


Wed. 01/22 - CUL - Diverse Designers/ Architects Book Signing by Pascale Sablan @ River North.  RSVP:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pascale-sablan-book-signing-tickets-1118285665529 


Thu. 01/23

 - BIZ - Matter seminar [ Cybersecurity in Healthcare ] @ River North.  RSVP:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cybersecurity-in-healthcare-continuing-forward-stronger-than-before-registration-1104885124149 

 - CIV - PowerSwith Action webinar [ Housing For the People: Exploring Social Housing Across the U.S.]   RSVP:  https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwtcu-ppjwtH9ziH8S1vwqHOQxwFOxeH_hi#/registration 

 - CIV - Xero talk [ City of Chicago CIO Nick Lucius et al  ] RSVP:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/empowering-innovation-in-chicago-tickets-1081032801209 

 - BIZ - UChicago Booth Rustandy talk [ Innovating for Social Equity: Fintech for Inclusion ] @ Downtown.  RSVP:  https://rustandy.fillout.com/t/nnygNV3F2uus?Event=recnOpe9EwBWK9P0a 

 - SOC - City Bureau's [local journalism] New Year Gathering @ Back of the Yards.  RSVP $$:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/city-bureaus-new-year-gathering-forward-together-tickets-1083319320249 


Fri. 01/24

 - CIV - IEC/ ELPC/ LVW Hybrid lunchtime seminar [ Civics for Environmentalists ] @ Loop.  RSVP:  https://act.ilenviro.org/a/civics2025 

 - CIV - NwU Buffett talk [ Reflections on COP29: Research Presentation Session ] @ Evanston, IL.  RSVP:  https://planitpurple.northwestern.edu/event/621920 


Mon. 01/27 - EDU - NwU Policy talk [ The Narrative of Racial Progress ] @ Evanston, IL.  RSVP:  https://www.ipr.northwestern.edu/events/colloquia/2025/kraus-the-narrative-of-racial-progress.html 


01/28 - 30 - MEEA Midwest Energy Solutions Conference @ Mag. Mile area.  RSVP $$$:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2025-midwest-energy-solutions-conference-registration-1015639203197 


01/28 - BIZ - AgeTech convening [ Chicago as an Aging/ Longevity Hub ] @ Edgewater.  RSVP:  https://lu.ma/cvh31hkg 


Wed. 01/29

 - BIZ - NwU & Sloan 'BuiltX' networking breakfast for arch/ engr/ bldg professionals @ W. Loop.  RSVP:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/built-environment-exchange-builtx-tickets-1096393154439 

 - CUL - DePaul 2025 'Year of the Snake' Lunar New Year Dinner and Cultural Celebration @ Lincoln Park.  RSVP:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/depaul-2025-lunar-new-year-gala-tickets-1109488944299 


Thu. 01/30

 - CIV - UChicago Webinar [ Regional Longevity Hubs ] RSVP:  https://leadforsociety.uchicago.edu/event/longevity-hubs/ 

 - SOC - Loyola U Baumhart Center, with Net Impact Chicago and others, hosts 'Reboot Your Network for a Better World' purpose-driven networking event @ Gold Coast.  Details & RSVP:  https://www.luc.edu/baumhartcenter/events/upcomingevents/ 



---- FEBRUARY 2025 ----


February is Black History Month.  Also marks the Lunar New Year of the Snake, celebrated by some Asian Cultures


Mon. 02/03 - CIV - LVW/ UChicago talk [ Chicago in Focus:  Freedom Seekers and the Underground Railroad in Northern Illinois ] @ Hyde Pk.  RSVP:  https://www.lwvchicago.org/calendar-of-events/cif-2025-02 


Tue. 02/04

 - BIZ - Urban Inst. Webinar [ Building a Climate-Resilient Manufactured Housing Stock for the Future ] RSVP:  https://events.urban.org/manufacturedforthefuture 

 - BIZ - BIZ - Trellis / Arbor Day Fndn. webinar [ How Corporate Leadership in Nature Initiatives Drives Consumer Loyalty ] RSVP:  https://trellis.net/webcasts/  


02/11 - 13 - BIZ - America’s Seed Fund Week is a free online event to connect entrepreneurs across the nation working on advanced technologies and allies.  Details:  https://americasseedfundweek.vfairs.com 


Wed. 02/12 - EDU - UIC talk [ Supporting Racio-Spatial Sense-making ] @ W. Loop.  RSVP:  https://cuppa.uic.edu/events/its-not-just-how-many-people-live-there-its-who-lives-there-supporting-racio-spatial-sense-making-using-agentic-environmental-justice-tools/ 


02/18 - CIV - NwU Buffett talk [ The Oslo Accords: Road to Peace or False Hope? ] @ Evanston, IL.  RSVP:  https://planitpurple.northwestern.edu/event/621920 


02/26 - BIZ - ACCP Webnar [ Partnering for Global Impact- Lessons from India]  RSVP:  https://my.accp.org/nc__event?id=a0lRo000000sQqLIAU 


02/28 - EDU - NSF/ UIC Monarch Butterfly Conference @ S. Loop.  RSVP:  https://today.uic.edu/events/crossing-borders-cultivating-futures-monarchs-conference 




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