Northeastern Illinois University may become home to the newest chapter of the Rainbow Push Coalition should SGA approve its appointment on October 25, 2007. Student Jesse Nicholson initiated the charter in an effort to “expand social awareness about community issues” among NEIU students. Nicholson wants to use Chapter 798 as a “forum for discussion and political participation engaging in such activities as voter registration and fundraising.”
Founded in 1997 by the Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, the Rainbow Push Coalition has established its mission “to protect, defend, and gain civil rights and to even the economic and educational playing field in all aspects of American life” according to its website. Most recently, the organization staged protests in defense of the Jena Six students as well as addressed disparity within the Chicago Public Housing Project. Nicholson believes these are the types of issues that require a Rainbow Push Coalition Chapter on campus. “It’s a nationally recognized organization that would expand [students’] opportunities.”
One benefit afforded would be scholarships. According to its website, the Rainbow Push Coalition awarded over 450 scholarships in 2006. Nicholson believes it will be one of the selling points in the upcoming SGA committee hearing. He also believes the advent of Chapter 798 provides NEIU “an opportunity to host keynote speakers such as Rev. Jesse L. Jackson” as well as other local political figures.
If approved, Nicholson will need to fill several positions within the chapter before the school recognizes it as a legitimate club. Chapter 798 is seeking a Public Relations Speaker, a Secretary, a Treasurer, a Fundraiser Coordinator, and a Membership and Volunteer Coordinator. Currently there are four members including Vice President Amy Shah, a junior who is expected to head the project once Nicholson graduates in December 2008. Chapter 798 has already satisfied the criteria set forth by the RPC Constitution as well as initiated NEIU’s new club orientation program which trains officers on school policies and procedures.
Students interested in joining need only provide a one-time $15 fee which satisfies Rainbow Push’s annual membership requirement. Nicholson expects the club will meet bi-monthly and has already developed a website designated strictly for NEIU students (www.rainbowpushchapter798.com). A discussion forum is already active, and Nicholson has established an email link within the “contact us” page for students interested in joining.