Throughout our history, Citizen Action/Illinois has played critical roles in the fight for social and economic justice. We are a movement that goes beyond advocacy; we combine policy and politics to create real change – and we can’t do it without you.
As we celebrate this monumental milestone in our organization's history, it's more important than to continue fighting at the federal level while protecting the rights of all Illinoisans at home.
We believe that we all do better when we all do better. Your contribution directly funds our work in grassroots organizing, uplifting progressive candidates, and advocating for legislation that will create progressive change in our communities.
Save the Date! Citizen Action/Illinois 50th Celebration @ Hilton Chicago, November 7th, 2025.
We are honored to announce that our founding Executive Director, Robert "Bob" Creamer, will receive the Egan-Evans Award. This accolade, named after two stalwart champions of Citizen Action/Illinois, recognizes Bob's pivotal role in our organization's inception and growth. Beginning his organizing career in 1970 with Chicago's Citizen Action Program, Bob co-founded the Illinois Public Action Council (later Illinois Citizen Action) in 1974. Under his leadership, our organization became Illinois's largest consumer advocacy group, influencing significant policy changes and pioneering grassroots electoral politics. ​
The Egan-Evans Award honors Monsignor John Egan, a social activist priest who marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Selma, Alabama, and co-founded our organization, and Congressman Lane Evans, a progressive leader from Rock Island, Illinois, and founding member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus.​
Betty Magness will be honored with the Lifetime Impact Award. Currently serving as Co-Chair of Chicago Women Take Action and Illinois Political Director of the National Rainbow PUSH Coalition, Betty's dedication to civic engagement is exemplary. Betty also serves as a Board Member for our public engagement arm, the Citizen Action Illinois Education Fund.
Congresswoman Delia Ramirez will be presented with the Rising Star Award. As the first Latina elected to Congress from Illinois, her steadfast dedication to progressive values and community advocacy have profoundly shaped the political landscape of our state.
This event promises to be a memorable evening, celebrating our shared history and looking forward to a future of continued progress. We look forward to commemorating this special occasion with you.