Policy and AdvocacyAdvancing Human Rights in Illinois through Policy and Systems Change
Poverty Fact:
In Illinois, more that 1 out of every 4 people live at or near poverty. Children are particularly vulnerable. Of all the people living in poverty in Illinois, 1 out of every 3 is a child under the age of 17.
Our Projects
Heartland Alliance is a leading voice throughout the state of Illinois and nationally on issues impacting those in poverty. We advance our policy priorities through engagement and leadership on a number of coalitions. In addition, we staff and lead the From Poverty to Opportunity Campaign and the Illinois Asset Building Group.
From Poverty to Opportunity
The From Poverty to Opportunity Campaign: Realizing Human Rights in Illinois is a grassroots, human rights campaign to end extreme poverty in our state. Staffed by Heartland Alliance, the Campaign has created a comprehensive vision grounded in human rights standards to halve extreme poverty in Illinois by the year 2015. We facilitate conversations across parties and community interests in order to identify solutions, and leverage our collective human rights commitment to press for real change. Learn More.
Illinois Asset Building Group
IABG is a diverse statewide coalition invested in building the stability and strength of Illinois communities through increased asset ownership and asset protection. Our policy agenda has expanded to include work on financial education, creation of a statewide Children’s Savings Account program, predatory lending reform, and quality banking and savings products tailored to meet the needs of lower-income individuals. Our work across these issue areas includes examining barriers and solutions to the growing racial wealth gap. Learn More
Learn More about our other Coalition Partners
