The Public Square and Chicago Public Radio invite you to a special Café Society discussion…

How are charter schools and Renaissance 2010 helping or hurting Chicago’s youth? Are school closures directly linked to youth violence?  Should teachers working in charter schools form unions?

Join us for a lively discussion that examines these questions and explore ways that school reform is affecting the quality of education and community connectedness for the city’s youth. Special guest James Thindwa, Civic Engagement Coordinator for Chicago Alliance of Charter Teachers and Staff, will help kick-off this community dialogue.

This program is free and open to the public. Reservations are required and can be made online, at events@prairie.org, or by calling 312.422.5580.

Read the complete topic write-up here.

More about James Thindwa
James Thindwa is a 28-year veteran of political activism. He is the Civic Engagement Coordinator for Chicago Alliance of Charter Teachers and Staff (or Chicago ACTS Local 4343), which is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers and Illinois Federation of Teachers. His work involves building community and political support toward the effort to organize charter school teachers. Prior to that, James served as executive director of Chicago Jobs With Justice, a labor-community coalition that promotes workers rights. During the 1970s and 1980s James was a student leader in the anti-apartheid movement. His other endeavors include serving on the boards of Illinois Labor History Society, In These Times magazine, where he is also a writer, and CAN TV. On March 27, 2009, James’ organizing work was featured on PBS’s Bill Moyers Journal. 

This event is presented by The Public Square and Chicago Public Radio-WBEZ 91.5FM.

For more information, call 312.422.5580.