Democracy is Running, Even if You Don’t Win

Kimberly Brown came in third place because the country’s toughest political groups - the Chicago Democratic machine and the Chicago Teachers’ Union. We’re so proud for our experience and showing that ANYONE can run for local office and make a difference.

Democracy isn’t about running only when you know you’re going to win. It’s about running because we have the right and obligation to offer our expertise and service. The more local and regular people who run, the better off our communities and country will be.

Keep Your Journalists & Elected Officials Accountable! Democracy is Running, Even if You Don't Win If you only run for office when you're guaranteed to win, you're not in a real democracy. We had parent AND students high five us on Wednesday morning for showing that doing the work - even if you don't "make the team" - is still worth celebrating and being proud.  Big Wins: Had first-ever school board forums! Watched Ellen and Karen (first and second place finishers) evolve their opinions based on the forums and other candidates' experiences / answers Showed powerful groups that parents with young kids in CPS will run and do well because we're a force Learned how to run for a huge local office district to do it again and teach other local professionals and parents to do it smarter, better, and for less money Created conversations around public education in our neighborhoods and journalism Watched news media hire and run more stories on CPS, which needs to continue District 4 Vote Totals Visualization The Chicago Board of Elections let's anyone export the vote totals by precinct and by candidate. Below are the unofficial vote totals for all of District 4 (exported Nov 6).  As you can see, Ellen received more than half, followed by Karen, then Kimberly in third.  If you combined the votes for Kimberly, Thomas, Andrew, and Carmen (the most independent of the candidates), you would see the Chicago Democratic elected endorsed candidate, Ellen, still carried the race, followed by Karen (CTU), then CPS parent candidates. Kimberly Brown's predication is that Karen Zaccor will secure the mayor's required board appointment.  Download Excel Data Yourself Winning is the Beginning: Hold Your Elected Representatives Accountable The key word here is "representative". They represent you and your interests.  The election ending means the real work begins.  We forget that local officials respond to the 'squeaky wheel'. If you can't find them or access them, that's a red flag. But most local officials live near you and are available to you. So tell them what you want. Call, email, and show up. If their meetings don't work for you, ask them to record and go hybrid. Send a neighborhood representative to make sure your voice is heard.  Our day-to-day life is functionally managed by local politics and elected officials. Stay involved - even an email or hone call once a week or month makes a difference.  If not you, then who? If not now, then when? Find ALL Public Officials that Serve You Meet Your New BoE Member, Ellen Keep up with Kimberly on Instagram & TikTok!  We're not stopping... We've learned too much and been asked to help on items that are still in progress.  Kimberly is staying involved, even if that looks different than a formal Board of Education seat! Follow us on social media to hear what we're going to be up to next! Follow on Instagram Follow on TikTok YOU ARE OLD SCHOOL COOL We believe public schools create a strong economy, safe community, and vibrant society for every human.  This community crowd-sourced design is meant to inspire and celebrate education AND be something you want to wear! Shop Now Join Our Movement Voter outreach in local elections matter, and Chicago is a global city with far-reaching impact when our policies work. If you can volunteer to send an email or a text, post on social, or make a call, we want you! Everyone in the U.S. is invested in the success of Chicago Public Schools.  Support Independent Candidates Paid for and authorized by Friends of Kimberly Brown. A copy of our report filed with the State Board of Elections is (or will be) available on the Board’s website, or for purchase from the State Board of Elections, Springfield, IL 62704. Friends of Kimberly Brown 521 W. Belmont Ave, Unit 3 Chicago, IL 60657 United States If you believe you received this message in error or wish to no longer receive email from us, please  (Unsubscribing is not supported in previews).