Ward Service Office
1447 W. Morse Ave
Chicago, IL 60626
Youth Advisory Council
The 49th Ward Youth Advisory Council is a group facilitated by Alderwoman Maria Hadden’s office to uplift young voices and develop youth leadership within the community. Led by youth, members have the opportunity to provide input and feedback on legislation as well as create programming that meaningfully impacts the community.
Open to all youth ages 14-18 that live or go to school in the 49th Ward, members come together over Zoom once a week to check-in with each other, receive legislative updates, and develop community projects.
Since launching in August 2020, the 49th Ward YAC has made the @youthofthe49th Instagram page, is currently running a food drive to benefit the United Church of Rogers Park, and is hosting 49 Expressions, the office’s first ever virtual art gallery. You can learn more about these projects below.
If you or a local youth you know are interested in joining the 49th Ward Youth Advisory Council, please contact the office’s Coordinator of Constituent Services and Youth Engagement Grayson Alexander at grayson@49thward.org.
49 Expressions: A Virtual Art Gallery
The 49th Ward Youth Advisory Council is hosting a virtual art gallery to highlight the best art the community has to offer and to bring the community closer through the mutual appreciation of the 49th Ward’s comfort and community through artistic expression.
We’re looking for artists of all ages and skill levels to submit their work that highlights what we all love about our community. All forms of artistic expression, including visual art, music, and performances, are encouraged. All submissions should be PG-13. Submissions are open until March 29th.
All submitted art can be seen here on the Ward website and featured in a video presentation, with Council favorites highlighted.
If you or someone you know would be interested in submitting work, visit bit.ly/49Expressions21. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact YAC Facilitator Grayson at grayson@49thward.org.
Land Acknowledgement
In March 2021, members of the 49th Ward Youth Advisory Council joined the Roman Susan Art Foundation to record narration for the Land Acknowledgment the Roman Susan Art Foundation created with the American Indian Center and Rogers Park/West Ridge Historical Society.
The 49th Ward Youth Advisory Council is honored for the opportunity to lend their voices and to help recognize that our community is located on the traditional homelands of the Odawa, Ojibwe, Potawatomi, Miami, Ho-Chunk, Menominee, Sac & Fox tribes.
New Years Food Drive
The 49th Ward Youth Advisory Council is currently running a food drive to benefit the United Church of Rogers Park’s weekly hot meal through the end of February. In a time where many of our neighbors are hungry, we hope to help our neighbors in need.
Everyone is welcome to donate non-perishable goods to Devon Market and Rogers Park Fruit Market. Thank you to our partners at Cermak Market and Morse Market for giving direct donations from their inventory!
@youthofthe49thward Instagram
Created as a one stop shop for everything 49th Ward, the @youthofthe49thward Instagram features local artists, small businesses, student opportunities, and much more!