2023 was Fun AF – Chapters Edition!
AF has had a fantastic year, and as we prepare to ring in 2024, we wanted to take some time to celebrate all the amazing things our community has accomplished in 2023. To start, let’s take a look at what our city-based chapters have been up to!
Austin: Veteran fundraiser and grassroots leader, Ivy El-Zaatari, has focused on local issues, culture, running for office, and entrepreneurship. She has featured speakers like local artists, JC Glancy, and Sam Sheetz.
Chicago: AF-Chicago Chapter Leader, entrepreneur, and business owner, Johnathon Bush hosted forums for candidates running for local office, including the recent Chicago Mayoral elections!
Dallas: AF-Dallas Chapter Leader Mason Morgan hosted a variety of high profile speakers this year on important topics. such as Venezuelan refugee and lawyer Jorge Galicia and Texas Rep. Kronda Thimesch. Somehow they also found time to take part in some local clean ups around the city!
Detroit: Our new Chapter Leader, Elijah Richardson, has a robust history of working in Detroit education and is the Executive Director of WHOH Detroit. Most of Detroit’s events this year have been on educational issues such as educational opportunity, challenges Detroit educators face, and the importance of community participation in education.
Jackson: AF-Jackson has had six different Days of Action on issues like finding common ground, visiting the Mississippi Civil Right Museum, local homelessness, a donation drive for local storm victims, and local HIV/AIDS awareness.
Milwaukee: Chapter Leader Kirsten Golinski points to their annual Ugly Christmas Sweater Party as a particular highlight of the year, specifically the officers from the MPD Mounted Unit who gave attendees a tour of the stables (as well as some photo ops with the horses!).
Nashville: Chapter Leader Jessica Darby has focused on local issues since coming on board. Jessica was especially encouraged by the feedback from their event on the Nashville Speedway, saying “I had so many attendees come up and talk about how they didn’t know anything about the racetrack before. They were wanting to know what they can do to help make sure this project actually happens!”
New York City: After hosting several events in New York City with our Northeast Hub, we’ve finally expanded our presence in the Big Apple with an official AF Chapter! After hitting the ground running with a fantastic kickoff event, Chapter Leader Dana Cichon is excited to continue to expand AF’s presence in the city!
Philadelphia: Beauty pageant winner and entrepreneur Shakira Jackson is our newest Philadelphia Chapter Leader! A particular highlight was their Relaunch Social, a gathering bringing together members, local leaders, and community enthusiasts in a celebration of our renewed commitment to positive change.
Raleigh: AF-Raleigh has been hosting conversations and events around housing affordability with faith communities all year. Chapter Leader Chris West points to being part of bringing together the Catalyst Concert for Affordable Housing as a main highlight, which helped bring 100 people together to help promote and provide affordable housing in Raleigh.