Don't miss these opportunities to get to know the people who make REACH thrive, including our staff and board members, refugee youth leaders, and families, while also learning something new or taking care of our local environment.
On Saturday, May 13, 2023, REACH will again serve as a Site Captain at the Lincoln Village Shopping Center location (6075 N. Lincoln Avenue) on the North Branch of the Chicago River during the Annual Chicago River Day. Volunteers are needed to help clean up a block of land along the river as part of a larger initiative coordinated by Friends of the Chicago River. Starts at 9:00 AM and ends by 12:00 PM.
Every year, thousands of volunteers come together to build community around our local waterways and learn about the harm litter causes their neighborhood, wildlife and water quality. There are more than 70 sites throughout the watershed from as far north as Lincolnshire, Lake Forest and North Chicago in Lake County and south and southwest including Dolton, Riverdale, Palos and Summit.
REACH Chicago River Day 2023
We also hope to meet many of our community members at our upcoming youth-led, "Rules of War" simulation exercise on Sunday, May 21st. Refugee youth leaders from Afghanistan, Iraq, Myanmar, and Sudan will lead you through an outdoor obstacle course that teaches you about the "rules of war" and environmental protection during times of conflict. This is fun simulation exercise that was created and designed by refugee youth as part of the American Red Cross International Humanitarian Law Youth Action Campaign initiative. Through “play,” REACH Peer Mentors will educate and inform you about how decisions made during conflict affected them and still impact others they care about, as well as the natural environment.
This is an educational event that puts you in the scenario of war if it were to come to the US. What natural environment would we hope was protected by international law? It’s a message about the beauty around us and the privilege we have to access these places and appreciate the plants, wildlife, and people in our own backyard.
This public event is made possible in partnership with the American Red Cross and the Forest Preserves of Cook County. Starts at 11:00 AM and ends at 3:00 PM.
Buses will be available to transport interested refugee community members. Please contact us at reachinchicago@gmail.com for more information.
