Chicago Votes: Powering Inclusive Democracy Through Youth Leadership and Community Engagement
As we approach the November 5th presidential election, we spotlight one of Grand Victoria Foundation’s key partners, Chicago Votes, and their efforts to engage and empower young people across Chicago. Since its founding in 2012, Chicago Votes has been at the forefront of building a more inclusive democracy in Illinois, focusing on elevating the voices of those historically excluded from the electoral process. Through innovative programs, youth leadership development, and strategic advocacy, Chicago Votes has reshaped what civic engagement can look like, especially in communities that have often felt disconnected from traditional political systems. We sat down with Stevie Valles, Executive Director of Chicago Votes, to explore their mission, unique programs, and vision for a more just democracy.
When I met Stevie, he was sporting a Chicago White Sox baseball cap —a true sign of his resilience and capacity to endure hardship because let’s face it, the Sox didn’t exactly make it easy on their fans this season— a brown short-sleeve t-shirt with “Oakwood” emblazoned in gold letters, and his tattoo sleeves visible—a look that underscores both his connection to his roots and his commitment to authenticity. Stevie Valles, a graduate of Oakwood University, a historically Black university (HBCU), brings a unique blend of political experience, community insight, and a deep understanding of the systemic barriers that face marginalized communities. His background spans political campaigns, legislative work, and nonprofit leadership, providing him with a comprehensive view of how power functions within and outside of election cycles. This experience equips him to think beyond traditional voter turnout strategies, focusing on embedding civic engagement into community culture.
Moreover, Stevie’s workspace offers a glimpse into his worldview and inspirations, with a carefully curated collage of framed historic African American photographs behind him. Among them are images of Martin Luther King Jr.’s mugshot and the iconic photo of three African American Olympians raising their fists in a Black Power salute. This backdrop serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of civil rights and social justice that informs his work. His ability to authentically connect with young people and his commitment to cultural relevance allow him to engage his core demographic—young Black and Brown Chicagoans—in a way that resonates.
Navigating the challenges of running a Black-led organization, including fundraising anxieties and organizational sustainability, Stevie approaches his role with resilience and transparency, demonstrating his commitment to both the mission and his team’s well-being. Finally, his leadership style reflects a deep respect for his community. By prioritizing relationship-building and trust, especially in partnerships with funders, Stevie models a vision of collaborative power-building that aligns perfectly with Chicago Votes’ and Grand Victoria Foundation’s missions to make democracy accessible to all.
Breaking Down Barriers to Civic Participation
For over a decade, Chicago Votes has mobilized young people from diverse backgrounds, bringing them into the fold of civic engagement through three core programs: Unlock Civics, Give a Sh*t, and Reimagining Democracy. Each initiative serves a specific role in helping Chicago’s young residents take ownership of the democratic process. As Valles explains, “Our goal is not just to turn out voters, but to create a culture of civic pride and empowerment in communities that have been marginalized.”
Chicago Votes primarily target people ages 16 to 35, with a specific emphasis on Black and Brown individuals in neighborhoods with high youth populations and low voter turnout. This focus includes engaging those who are re-entering society after incarceration, many of whom are older but have had their youth disrupted by time in the criminal justice system. By centering youth leadership, Chicago Votes works to build an environment where young people feel connected to, and capable within, the civic landscape.
One of the standout initiatives, Unlock Civics, works to inform and engage individuals within the criminal justice system, ensuring they know their civic rights and responsibilities. This includes bringing civic education into prisons, training people as peer educators, and turning Cook County Jail into a polling place—the first of its kind in the nation. “We want democracy to be something that everyone can see themselves in and be a part of,” Valles shared, emphasizing Chicago Votes’ commitment to make the system accessible, even for those often overlooked.
A Creative Approach to Youth Engagement
Chicago Votes has also gained recognition for its distinctive approach to engaging young people through creative expression and cultural events. Its “Give a Sh*t” campaign combines civic engagement with Chicago’s vibrant arts scene, hosting events like fashion shows, open mic nights, and even a blog that gives young people a platform to discuss pressing issues in their own voices. This unfiltered and sometimes edgy language reflects a strategy rooted in authenticity, which Valles describes as “culturally relevant and real.” This language isn’t just about catching attention; it’s a way to break down the political walls that have often kept young people from engaging.
A Partner in Grand Victoria Foundation
Since becoming a grantee partner of Grand Victoria Foundation in 2022, Chicago Votes has benefited from critical financial support and collaborative guidance that has amplified its reach. With a $250,000 general operating grant and additional project funding, Chicago Votes has been able to distribute nearly 1.7 million voter guides and coordinate voting days at Cook County Jail, providing thousands of individuals with the tools to participate in the democratic process. Yet, as Valles notes, there are ongoing challenges associated with relying on foundation funding. “The reality is, as a Black-led organization, I have to manage both the pressure to deliver and the constant worry about sustaining our work long-term,” he shares. “We need funders who understand the complexities we face and are committed to walking this path with us.”
The partnership between Chicago Votes and GVF has evolved into a uniquely supportive relationship grounded in GVF’s commitment to trust-based philanthropy. This approach, led by Steve Moon, GVF’s Interim VP of Programs, focuses on building authentic partnerships that value open communication, flexibility, and mutual understanding. Reflecting on this collaborative approach, Valles noted, “Grand Victoria’s support feels like a true partnership, not just a transaction. I had a two-hour long conversation with (GVF president) Sharon Bush last week. Steve and I talk regularly about our goals, challenges, and dreams for the future of civic engagement in Chicago. They (GVF) genuinely understand our work and our community.”
When Chicago Votes faced an unexpected budget shortfall after losing its largest grant, Moon and the GVF team stepped up. Instead of a typical funder-grantee relationship, Moon offered strategic guidance, open dialogue, and financial support that allowed Chicago Votes to continue its mission. “The team at Grand Victoria Foundation didn’t just support us financially,” Valles shared. “They showed up with a willingness to understand our needs on a deeper level and adapt their funding approach to help us through a difficult time.”
“Chicago Votes represents a vision for civic leadership centered on Black & Brown youth,” says Moon. “Our relationship is rooted in mutual respect, where we support the organization’s vision by listening, adapting, and trusting in their leadership. By prioritizing trust and long-term investment, we aim to build lasting change together.”
Looking Forward: Building a Legacy of Youth Civic Power
Looking ahead, Chicago Votes is preparing to expand its work even further. The organization plans to establish a court-watching fellowship, advocate for restoring voting rights to incarcerated people, and build a youth policy agenda that centers young people’s voices on issues from healthcare to environmental justice. “It’s about playing the long game,” Valles emphasized. “We’re building a generational movement. This work requires time, investment, and a commitment to see it through.”
This partnership represents a model for how philanthropy can actively support organizations working at the grassroots level. By embracing trust-based philanthropy, GVF continues to foster meaningful, lasting relationships with grantees like Chicago Votes, ensuring that the work of building a just and inclusive democracy can flourish across Illinois. As election day approaches, we are proud to stand with Chicago Votes in its mission to create a democracy that values every voice. By supporting youth-driven advocacy and policy change, Chicago Votes is leading the way in making Illinois a model for inclusive, accessible civic engagement.
Get Involved
Interested in supporting Chicago Votes? Whether by volunteering, joining their Creative Collective, or becoming a monthly donor
https://chicagovotes.com/donate/, your involvement can make a difference. For more information on how to participate in this critical work, visit
Chicago Votes.
November 1st
Loop Supersite Takeover
Join Chicago Votes on 11/1 for “Loop Supersite Takeover” from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, where schools will come together to cast their ballots for the 2024 General Election and Chicago’s first ever elected school board members. Sign up by 10/21, by emailing [email protected].
November 1st
Statewide Webinar and Community of Participation
Statewide Voter Education and Voter Engagement Community of Practice and Webinar. RSVP
November 2nd
GOTV Fashion Show
Strut your way to the polls this election season with Chicago Votes! Mark your calendars and join us on Saturday November 2nd for our Fall 2024 Give A Shit (G.A.S.) Fashion Show! With this show and all of Tre King and Brian X’s events for G.A.S. weekend, the mission is to celebrate and uplift our growing creative collective while merging art and civic engagement, leading up to the 2024 General Election.
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November 13th
GOTV Fashion Show
Join us on November 13th in Springfield as we rally for the RACE Act as we work to expand civics in prisons, and end felony disenfranchisement in Illinois. It’s time for a truly inclusive democracy #FreetheVote
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