A participant speaks during a public education meeting. Photo by U.S. Department of Education / CC BY 2.0 Education The biggest misconception about Local School Councils? They don't do anything. Local School Councils remain the most direct way West Side residents can influence decisions at their neighborhood schools. But participation remains a challenge. By Nel Afenya • 4 min read
Illustration by Lydia Smithey. Civic Engagement Beyond Campaign Promises: What State Representatives Actually Do on the West Side From school funding to constituent services, state representatives shape policies that directly affect West Side residents, but many people remain unclear about what those officials actually control. By Nel Afenya • 5 min read