C of C 1-10-15 CHANGE Illinois "Coalition for Honest and New Government Ethics"
Channel: Tim Bolger
Date: 2015-01-21

Meeting # 3,307 - Ryan Blitstein, CEO - "CHANGE Illinois is a coalition leading systemic political and government reform. CHANGE (the Coalition for Honest and New Government Ethics) includes a diverse group of civic, business, labor, professional, non-profit and philanthropic organizations that represent more than 2 million members. Guided by our Statement of Principles, the coalition addresses issues that currently undercut the viability of our democracy, including ballot access, competitive elections, increased citizen participation, government transparency, unethical lobbying and redistricting.

CHANGE launched in February 2009 as an informal broad-based coalition of groups and individuals intent on changing Illinois' culture of corruption. Our initiative resulted in the state’s first-ever law limiting campaign contributions. Since then, CHANGE has matured into a stand-alone, non-partisan organization that amplifies the efforts of our coalition members, and brings more innovative ideas into the reform movement.

Through public education, coalition-building, and policy development efforts, CHANGE engages Illinois residents in creating a government more transparent, accountable, and responsive to their needs. By reaching out to those whose voices have long been silent on governmental issues and providing a channel for their talents, vision, and influence, CHANGE has become a powerful coalition throughout the state. In the coming months, we will be setting forth an agenda of both immediate and long-term goals, including work on reforming Redistricting and Campaign Finance."  http://www.changeil.org/