CRFC Annual Report

Strengthening Democracy One Classroom at a Time

Annual Report 2011-2012

Democracy cannot succeed unless those who express their choice are prepared to choose wisely.

The real safeguard of democracy, therefore, is education.

– Franklin D. Roosevelt

Constitutional Rights Foundation Chicago

Annual Report 2011-2012 1

Mission & HistoryThe Constitutional Rights Foundation Chicago (CRFC) strengthens American democracy by providing elementary and secondary students with hands-on learning about the Constitution to prepare them for informed civic engagement. Nonprofit and nonpartisan, CRFC develops and delivers interactive programming, classroom-tested professional development, and problem-based curricula that address rights, law, and policy. CRFC was founded in 1974 as part of the Constitutional Rights Foundation in Los Angeles and became an independent 501(c)(3) organization in 1990.

The 2012 election season served to remind us that the people of the United States disagree not

only about specific issues but also fundamental questions. What is the proper role of government?

What are the rights and privileges each of us should enjoy? What are our obligations to others in

society? Our strong convictions—and strong differences of opinion—are our birthright as a free

and diverse people.

The Constitutional Rights Foundation Chicago strengthens our democracy one classroom at

a time by helping students find their own answers to these important questions. CRFC works

with teachers to help their students learn about democratic institutions and hear the other side

of controversial issues. CRFC partners with hundreds of community volunteers—lawyers and

judges, legislators and policymakers, experts and advocates—who engage students as political

equals on constitutional issues. CRFC provides students with the knowledge, skills, and

opportunities to lend their voices to the American conversation.

This Annual Report details CRFC’s efforts with students, teachers, and communities this past year

and describes the impact of CRFC programs through the words of those who have experienced it

firsthand. It is also our opportunity to thank all of the many individuals and organizations who

have so generously donated time, talent, and money to help us further our mission.

In particular, we are grateful to our dynamic Board of Directors for their insights, wisdom, and

support. We also recognize the great contributions of the CRFC staff who carry out our mission

every day.

We invite you to join CRFC in strengthening our democracy—one classroom at a time.

Steven M. Elrod Nisan Chavkin Chairman of the Board of Directors Executive Director

Letter from the Chairman and the Executive Director

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Constitutional Rights Foundation Chicago2

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20,575elementary, middle, and high school students participated in CRFC programs

766 teachers

from 279 schools in 7 countries participated in CRFC professional development and/or student-led programs

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883 volunteers —lawyers, judges, and law students, legislators and policymakers, experts and advocates—engaged with students as community resource people

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CRFC Alumna: maria ardilaEach year, CRFC provides opportunities for thousands of students to engage in hands-on civic learning through interactive student-led programs. Maria Ardila, a 2012 graduate of Mather High School’s Law Academy, was an active participant in the Illinois Youth Summit and also served as an intern at CRFC. Maria knows firsthand what students can take away from CRFC’s hands-on civic education programs and she shared her impressions with us.

...every single one of my students will be citizens. There are rights and responsibilities that all students will share regardless of their academic standing, race, religion, or economic background. Equipping students with the skills of civic education such as detecting bias, decision-making abilities, and determining cause and effect relationships not only makes them good citizens but will enhance their adult lives.

– Hayley Lotspeich, 2011 Law-Related Education Teacher of the Year

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teachers of the YearEach year CRFC recognizes outstanding law-related education teachers by awarding the Edward J. Lewis II Award for Illinois Law-Related Education Elementary School Teacher of The Year and the Barbara O’Donnell Award for Illinois Law-Related Education High School Teacher of The Year. Both awards are given in recognition of teachers who are exceptional educators, are leaders among their peers, and who encourage students to think critically and act responsibly.

At the 2011 Illinois Law-Related Education Conference, CRFC presented the Edward J. Lewis II Award to Debra Liu, a 7th grade teacher at Solomon Elementary School in Chicago. The Barbara O’Donnell Award was presented to Chris Busse from O’Fallon High School in downstate Illinois and Hayley Lotspeich of Wheaton North High School in Wheaton, Illinois. Each awardee received a plaque and a monetary award to continue their law-related education activities.

What i have learnedMy involvement with CRFC has helped me understand the law and how I can use the law to make change. Participating in the Illinois Youth Summit helped me realize that every person has a voice and that everyone has the ability to affect change in their community. I also learned how to engage in constructive discussions. These discussions taught me a lot about leadership. I learned how to encourage others to voice their opinions, how to reduce conflict, and how to persuade opposing sides to look for alternative solutions.

What Others can learnI think that it is important for all students to participate in CRFC programs because they not only teach students about current issues, but they also teach them how to be critical thinkers and lead discussions with their peers. Most importantly, CRFC empowers students to be both daring and respectful when they are deliberating issues that affect them. Not only are CRFC’s programs educational, but they are also very interesting; and I personally know that you can gain and learn a lot from them!

Any time students have an understanding of their role as citizens, our democracy is better.

CRFC Teacher Participant: tony pughTony Pugh is a middle school (grades 6-8) social studies teacher at Granville T. Woods Academy located in the Englewood neighborhood of Chicago. Tony told us about the outcomes of his participation with CRFC over the last four years.


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Support for Our teachersCRFC professional development programs offer teachers of government, law, history, and social studies the resources they need to prepare young people for active, informed, responsible, and concerned participation in our democracy. Based on the latest research, CRFC workshops provide ongoing support, collaboration, and reflection needed to help teachers make a significant difference in the classroom.

improving teaching and learningParticipating in CRFC programs like the Edward J. Lewis II Lawyers in the Classroom (LIC) program and attending their professional development has allowed me to rejuvenate my teaching by enhancing my awareness of the importance of civics in middle school. Many of my students have a negative opinion of our legal system, and CRFC programs have allowed me to present them with a positive and informative look at their rights and justice. This has given them an understanding of how they can participate in the process of citizenship.

Developing Student Self-esteemParticipating in the LIC program has helped many students gain self-esteem and overcome some of their fears of public speaking. The mock trials, in particular, have been especially helpful. Working with our attorney team at McGuireWoods LLP the students prepare arguments, witnesses, and opening statements as a team. As a result, they grow tremendously in their understanding of team work, agreeing to disagree, and the importance of

everyone pulling their own weight. The mock trials have also improved parental involvement within the middle school, which has boosted student motivation.

reinforcing DemocracyAny time students have an understanding of their role as citizens, our democracy is better. Teaching and learning about our civic duties and rights helps reinforce the cornerstones of our democracy with teachers and students. CRFC is a catalyst for providing that information to young people, particularly minority students in low-income areas.

...makes the dream that they can attain such things that much more real.


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the Illinois Youth Summit helped One teacher Find her passion

Each year, the Illinois Youth Summit gives high school students an opportunity to realize that they have an important role to play in our democracy. One student, in particular, may have found her calling at the Summit. In 2003, Kelly Sarrels, a senior at Downers Grove North High School participated in the Illinois

Strengthening Democracy, Changing Lives

Attorneys from Baker & McKenzie LLP make regular visits to John T. McCutch-eon Elementary School in the Uptown neighborhood of Chicago to participate in the Edward J. Lewis II Lawyers in the Classroom (LIC) program. But this year, 20 third graders had a chance to turn the tables and visit the firm’s offices in downtown Chicago. McCutcheon teacher, Kalina Vnoucek, used CRFC materials

to engage her students in a unit called “Lawyers and the Law.” As a culminating event, her students explored the firm’s new offices where they engaged in a moot dispute settlement, interviewed attorneys, and ate lunch while gazing at Lake Michi-gan from 50 stories up.

This trip meant a lot to these young people who rarely see life outside of their own community. “To go inside a real law

firm and meet real lawyers makes the dream that they can attain such things that much more real,” said Ms. Vnoucek. “I also loved the fact that this was the first time some of my students realized that there are ‘girl lawyers’.” This fact seems to really have made an impression because as they were saying their good-byes one girl told the attorneys, “I’ll see you in 16 years!”

Firm Visit encourages 3rd graders to Dream Big

Youth Summit. Her personal essay topic that year was “Torturing Terrorists in a Post 9/11 World.” Kelly says that dealing with such a difficult and controversial issue was “one of the most rewarding and challenging experiences” of her high school career.

After high school, Kelly went on to major in History at the Uni-versity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Initially planning to go on to law school, Kelly ultimately changed her focus to secondary educa-tion. Kelly said, “When I think back on my switch now, the memo-ries I had at the Illinois Youth Summit were exactly the experiences I wanted to give to other students in the future—it truly cemented my desire and passion for education and civic engagement.”

Today, Kelly is a teacher at Glenbard East High School in Lom-bard, Illinois, where she brings her own students to participate in the Illinois Youth Summit. Kelly says, “I come back as an educa-tor to observe all of the wonderful lessons the Summit can teach high school students about getting involved in their community, in government, and in their schools. My experience with CRFC is unmatched in preparing me to teach civics and engage students in the democratic process.”


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Students Work together to cool their SchoolThe Action-Based Communities (ABC) Project engages students in grades 5-8 in “civic learning through doing.” Participating students identify a community problem and work to resolve it together. The program provides students the opportunity to present their efforts to policymakers and promotes civic participation among students, their parents, and members of the community.

identifying the problemThis year, Debra Liu’s 7th grade students at Hannah G. Solomon Elementary School located in the Peterson Park neighborhood of Chicago, decided that the lack of air-conditioning at their school was a problem they wanted to address. The students recognized that the heat negatively affected learning conditions for all, but they had special empathy for the many students with physical disabilities at their school who sometimes could not come to school due to the heat.

Working toward changeWorking together the students researched the topic, conducted interviews, and found articles, videos, graphs, and political cartoons to answer their questions on the effects of temperature on learning. They also discovered what level of government was responsible for making decisions on whether or not it was possible to have air-conditioning in their school. They wrote letters to their alderman and to Chicago Public Schools (CPS) operations to request help in their efforts, and came up with fund-raising ideas such as having a BIG CHILL dance at school.

Overcoming the challengesAs a result of their research, the students discovered that their principal had been

working on this specific issue for many years with varied success. She had applied for a grant, which the school received, but as time passed the cost of the project doubled, which was a big problem. They also learned that there are many decision-makers in capital improvement of a public school. As one student remarked, “I have learned that there are different levels of government and now I know where to go when we need to make a change in our community.” Ultimately, the students discovered that a big and costly project such as theirs takes time, patience, and perseverance.

achieving Success!In the process of preparing to present their project at the city-wide ABC hearings, the students were informed by their principal that funding was approved and that their school would be getting air-conditioning! Through her example they discovered that perseverance and determination pay off. The principal is retiring, but it was one of her top priorities to make sure that their school received the funding necessary to get air-conditioning. She promised the students she would come back for the BIG CHILL Dance once the air-conditioning is installed. By the end of the project Mrs. Liu said her “students have become more active citizens. Through The ABC Project they have explored the idea of common good and embraced the concept

By addressing a problem that my students collectively agreed upon, they were able to use critical thinking skills and be more responsible citizens.

– Debra Liu


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VISTA Volunteer ProfileAs part of his service, AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer Edgard Rincon worked with students in CPS' Summer Bridge program as they participated in The ABC Project. At Frank L. Gillespie Elementary School in the Rock Island neighborhood of Chicago, 8th grade students decided they wanted to rehabilitate a vacant lot adjacent to the school. The lot had housed a playground, until it was burned down by vandals. Since then it had become a haven for illicit activities and the Gillespie ABC students felt building a new playground there would make their school and community safer. Students and teachers are continuing to work on the playground project this year and plan to do so until they have realized their goal. Edgard spoke with CRFC about the impact this project had on him and the students.

...now I know where to go when we need to make a change in our community.

– ABC student

sincerely.” Some of the students even want to help other CPS schools get air-conditioning.

At the beginning of the project, most of the students had never had a real-life opportunity to express their ideas in a larger setting outside of the classroom and were reluctant to publicly take a stand on an issue. One student learned that “if we work hard for the common good we can accomplish something that really matters. I also learned how to research, be resourceful and how to use my communication skills.” In the end these students learned that determination and working together can result in positive change.

What was the most rewarding aspect of your participation in The ABC Project?As each day went by, I saw students becoming ever more excited about the prospect of being a part of positive change for their school and their community. I witnessed firsthand the transformation that can occur when young people are given the opportunity to consider societal issues that they are faced with, and what they can do to bring about change.

Why do you think this particular project was so transformative for the students?This type of hands-on civic learning provides students with a sense of ownership over their individual and collective

roles in public life. It also gives students the extraordinary opportunity to better understand and become a part of the democratic process that allows for positive social change to occur within a community.

Do you believe such projects affect the health of our democracy?Yes! By giving students the opportunity to identify prominent decision-makers within their community and realize their own power in the democratic process, they are given the practical critical thinking and social problem solving tools that can benefit them in future efforts to affect measurable change. That makes democracy stronger one classroom at a time.


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Deliberating in a Democracy in the americasFor democracy to thrive people must be able and willing to express ideas among themselves and with their representatives in government, even if they disagree. The ability to weigh opposing views, decide difficult questions, and accept majority decisions while honoring dissent are critical skills of democratic citizenship. Yet few of our nation’s young people have the opportunity to learn, develop, and regularly practice these skills.

Through a grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Safe and Healthy Students, CRFC partnered with the Constitutional Rights Foundation (Los Angeles) and Street Law, Inc. to implement Deliberating in a Democracy in the Americas (DDA). Deliberation honors freedom of expression—the right to be heard and the responsibility to listen respectfully to opinions that differ from one’s own.

In 2011-2012, the DDA project trained 130 teachers to facilitate deliberations in their classrooms using the Structured Academic Controversy method and provided them with balanced materials on a number of public controversies. As a result, 9,303 students in seven U.S. states and four countries in Latin America participated in deliberations of controversial issues with their classmates and with students in other countries.

The program has had resounding and far-reaching effects on the civic capacities of many students. Almost all teachers agreed that the deliberations helped their students:

• Develop a deeper understanding of the issues;

• Identify multiple perspectives; and

• Respect others’ points of view.

Additionally, over 80 percent of students said the deliberations increased their ability to state their opinions and made them more confident when talking about controversial issues with their peers. They were also significantly more likely to feel like they know more about political issues than most people their age.

We learn a lot from the ideas of our peers, because there are things that they know and you didn’t. And even if they don’t convince you, in the long run you end up knowing more about the topic.

– DDA student

I feel more comfortable guiding a class discussion on controversial topics. In the past, I avoided controversy.

– DDA teacher

www.dda.deliberating.org

Democracy is not just a question of having a vote. It consists of strengthening each citizen’s possibility and capacity to participate in the deliberations involved in life in society.

– Fernando Cardoso



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michael Scodro, Illinois Solicitor General“Understanding our system of government, and the rights our Constitution protects, is essential to informed leadership and citizenship. CRFC not only exposes students to a range of timely and important subjects, but it does so with a hands-on method that allows students to hone critical thinking, speaking, and other skills at the same time.”

community resource peopleCRFC programs depend on the generosity and expertise of hundreds of volunteers who serve as community resource people. They take the time to listen to the concerns, opinions, and efforts of young people and provide them with fair and constructive feedback. Giving students the opportunity to voice their thoughts with policymakers, community leaders, and decision-makers is one of the features that make CRFC programs so exceptional. CRFC asked a few of its volunteers to chime in about why they continue to participate in its programs.

Steven Schwinn, Associate Professor of Law, The John Marshall Law School“The particular kind of hands-on civic learning promoted by the Constitutional Rights Foundation Chicago is especially important, because it not only educates youth; it also empowers them. In particular, it gives students the tools, knowledge, resources, and confidence to understand the world they live in, and to change it.

I facilitated a lesson with a handful of John Marshall Law School students in a 7th grade classroom at May Elementary Community Academy in Chicago. We presented the facts of a U.S. Supreme Court case to the class, taught the students a little law, divided the class into small groups, and asked the students to prepare arguments for one side or the other. Then we facilitated a debate.

One 7th grade student just lit up, presenting some of the most thoughtful, smart, articulate, and passionate arguments I’ve ever heard from any student anywhere. This student later told me that he had never taken much to civic engagement and had never considered the law as a career path; and his teacher later told me that, but for his animated performance in the debate, he was shy and reserved.

Yet, here was this student, presenting these sharp arguments, engaging in the issues, and persuading his peers—in short, becoming a stronger democrat. All the while, he was gaining knowledge, skills, and confidence that would make him even stronger. He told me that the two-hour session opened his eyes to civic engagement and to the law, to his own talents, and to the possibility of pursuing law or civic engagement as a career.

This is an inspiring story, but it’s not unique. It seems to happen with at least one student—and likely many more—whenever we go into a classroom. CRFC programs strengthen democracy one classroom at a time; indeed, they do even better: they strengthen democracy one student at a time.”


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“CRFC provides great opportunities for youth to be engaged on topics that have a definite impact on their lives and futures. CRFC programs allow students to interact with resource experts who have definite positions on certain social issues and give them opportunities to see adults interact in a way that shows respect towards others while debating and having differing opinions on controversial subject matter—that it is possible to talk without yelling. CRFC programs are not about feeding information to young people, they are asking, ‘Now that you know about the issues, what do you think?’

I was able to be the observer who watched the students learn what the democratic process is and then engage in that democratic process: educating themselves on a topic, choosing a side, having the opportunity to voice their opinion and providing their reasoning, then having a conversation about it. CRFC is tackling the issue of engagement in our democracy by bringing democracy to

students at a time in which it can have great impact. Giving students the opportunity to participate in the democratic process in a safe and supportive environment can only mean good things for the future: communicating without violence, making informed decisions when they vote, voting, and being active participants in society.

I am hopeful from what I have seen and experienced that the students will see that they can have an impact on society and that their opinions are valued.”

mary Beth Szydlowski, Student Health Specialist, Office of Student Health and Wellness, Chicago Public Schools

pascale thomas, Attorney, Sidley Austin LLP“My experiences working with eight different classes of students in grades 6-8 at Kanoon Elementary School and the University of Chicago Charter School, Woodlawn Campus have given me some of my most rewarding experiences as a lawyer.

CRFC programs help students think critically about democracy by encouraging them to ask questions and engage in debate, teaching them to evaluate the strength and weaknesses of an argument, and giving them the confidence to both hold and express their opinion about the world around them. The hands-on learning promoted by CRFC is essential for developing adults who can think critically and will be eager participants and supporters in the political process and legal system.

The guided, yet open-ended nature of the exercises I present to the students during my visits allows students to form their opinions, develop their arguments, and defend their positions. By not focusing on leading students to a right answer, but encouraging a thoughtful analysis, CRFC programs engage students on a deeper level.”

thank You to Our Volunteers!CRFC would like to thank all of the wonderful individuals who volunteered their time to help support our mission. To see a full list of our volunteers, partners, and in-kind contributors, please visit our website. www.crfc.org


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constitutional rights Foundation chicago2011 2010

UnrestrictedTemporarily Restricted

Total UnrestrictedTemporarily Restricted

Total

revenueGrants $1,606,127 — $1,606,127 $1,197,183 — $1,197,183

Contributions 105,796 25,000 130,796 69,730 70,319 140,049

Dues and fees 60,138 1,500 61,638 53,409 1,200 53,409

Interest and dividends 983 — 983 2,254 — 2,254

Publication sales 629 — 629 374 — 374

Fundraisers 164,225 — 164,225 193,591 — 193,591

Donated services 278,600 — 278,600 310,900 — 310,900

Net assets released from restrictions 97,584 (97,584) — 168,263 (168,263) —

2,314,082 (71,084) 2,242,998 1,995,704 (96,744) 1,898,960

expensesProgram services 1,989,503 — 1,989,503 1,680,881 — 1,680,881

General and administrative 257,591 — 257,591 290,114 — 290,114

Fundraising 64,377 — 64,377 52,706 — 52,706

2,311,471 2,311,471 2,023,701 2,023,701

Revenue over (under) expenses 2,611 (71,084) (68,473) (27,997) (96,744) (124,741)

Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments (280) 3,540 3,260 47,004 45,945 92,949

Increase (decrease) in net assets 2,331 (67,544) (65,213) 19,007 (50,799) (31,792)

net assetsBeginning of year 713,689 959,440 1,673,129 694,682 1,010,239 1,704,921

End of year $716,020 $891,896 $1,607,916 $713,689 $959,440 $1,673,129

These financial statements were abstracted from the organization’s December 31, 2011 financial statements, which were audited by McGladrey & Pullen, LLP. Because the information does not include all disclosures required by the U.S. generally accepted accounting principals, it does not purport to present the organization’s financial condition or results. A copy of the audited financial statements will be provided upon written request at the organizational office.

Statement of Activities (Years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010)

revenue expenses

Grants

Contributions

Dues and fees

Interest and dividends

Publication sales

Fundraisers

Donated services

Program services

General and administrative

Fundraising


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Funders & contributorsThank you to our supporters, without whom CRFC could not do its vital work. Your investment ensures that children and teachers have access to high-quality civic education that strengthens democracy one classroom at a time.

$100,000 and overRobert R. McCormick FoundationU.S. Department of Education

$25,000 to $99,000Brinson FoundationGeneral Electric & the

GE FoundationKapnick FoundationEdward J. Lewis II Memorial FundPolk Bros. FoundationIllinois School District U-46 [U.S.

Department of Education]Spencer Foundation

$10,000 to $24,999Center for Civic Education

[U.S. Department of Education]Chicago Public SchoolsCorboy & Demetrio, P.C.Ingredion IncorporatedPaula J. Morency & Paul E. DengelSNR Denton US LLPWinston & Strawn LLP

$5,000 to $9,999American Bar Association Division

for Public Education [National Endowment for the Humanities]

Baker & McKenzie LLPChicago Tribune FoundationChicago Bar FoundationThe DBQ ProjectHolland & Knight LLPMotorola Solutions FoundationCarolyn & Peter PereiraReed Smith LLPSchiff Hardin LLP

$2,500 to $4,999Nisan & Sarah ChavkinJeffrey D. Colman & Nancy Loeb

Steven & Donna ElrodFoley & Lardner LLPMichael Freeborn and

Freeborn & Peters LLPShanin T. FullerW.W. Grainger, Inc.Hinshaw & Culbertson LLPHoogendoorn & Talbot LLPKatten Muchin Rosenman LLPKraft Foods Inc.John & Elisabeth LewisLexisNexisMcDonald’s CorporationGordon & Roseanne NashNavigant Consulting, Inc.Perkins Coie LLPSidley Austin LLPSkadden, Arps, Slate,

Meagher & Flom LLPThe PrivateBankThe Valorem Law GroupWaterville Advisors LLCJames S. Whitehead

$1,000 to $2,499Vincent C. Braband Insurance Inc.Scott & Mary Bruner Chicago Metro History

Education Center [U.S. Department of Education]

Renee & Frank CiteraGeorge J. and Theresa L. Cotsirilos

Family FoundationAlex & Jill DimitriefDrinker Biddle & Reath LLPGary FeinermanVictor P. Filippini, Jr.William J. GibbonsMartin A. GradmanDiana E. HessMargaret A. Hickey

IIT Chicago-Kent College of LawBernard M. & Kimbeth JudgeRachel Kaplan & Bob RiesmanAndrew & Susie KassofKirkland & Ellis FoundationMorgan, Lewis & Bockius LLPSonya D. NaarThe Northern Trust CompanyMartin T. O’DonnellJack & Carole SandnerMr. & Mrs. Thomas A. Silberman

$500 to $999Ronald J. AllenAnonymous [1]Ted BanksMichael J. Casey and

Ringler AssociatesDiane Green-Kelly & Geoff KellyJAMSJim & Helen LewisPatty McCarthyJulian & Sheila OettingerSteve & Joanne SchillerJeffrey R. ToneGeorgia L. VlamisDiane P. Wood & Robert L. SufitDavid Yellen & Leslie Richards-Yellen

$100 to $499William J. BauerJanice BelzowskiPaul P. BiebelDavid & Mena BoulangerRalph & Rona BrownMark Buettner & Elizabeth DengelChristopher BusseHon. Ruben CastilloBeverly & Morton ChethikDeborah B. Cole Israel Desierto

Judge & Mrs. Richard J. ElrodKaren FlaxDanielle ForchetteAudrey GodwinGraphic Solutions inc-chgoShawn HealyDavi HirschKevin HoranFay KatlinSteven KleinJustice Bertina Lampkin LaSalle Consulting Partners, Inc.Benjamin S. Mackoff Chipo NyambuyaMichael & Stephanie OettingerBarbara & Don RuhmanDonald W. SchaumbergerBarbara M. SchrayerLaurel SingletonRobert SpadoniStreet Law, Inc.Barry & Winnifred SullivanThomas P. SullivanWarren D. Wolfson

up to $99Janet M. BeaversBob & Lorie ChavkinDiane FarwickKelly PecakMr. & Mrs. David SmerlingJill & Alan SteinbergChuck ThomasonLynda & Alan WallisJune Winnie

If we have inadvertently omitted your name, let us know and please accept our apologies.

This list includes gifts received between July 2011 and June 2012.

OfficersSteven M. Elrod, Chairman Holland & Knight LLP

Sonya D. Naar, Vice Chair Attorneys’ Liability Assurance Society, Inc.

Donald L. Mrozek, Vice Chair Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP

Dennis F. Regan, Treasurer The Northern Trust Company

Victor P. Filippini, Jr., Secretary Holland & Knight LLP

DirectorsRonald J. Allen Northwestern University School of Law

Steven L. Bashwiner Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP

William J. Bauer U.S. Court of Appeals—7th Circuit

Myles D. Berman Foley & Lardner LLP

Paul P. Biebel Circuit Court of Cook County

Ruben Castillo U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois

Renee Citera ALM

Deborah B. Cole Hoogendoorn & Talbot LLP

Patrick M. Collins Perkins Coie LLP

Jeffrey D. Colman* Jenner & Block LLP

Thomas A. Demetrio Corboy & Demetrio, P.C.

Alexander Dimitrief General Electric Company

Gary S. Feinerman U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois

Thomas R. Fitzgerald

Karen H. Flax Tribune Company

Michael D. Freeborn Freeborn & Peters LLP

Shanin T. Fuller Ingredion Incorporated

Benjamin Ghess Human Resources Development Institute, Inc.

Diane Green-Kelly Reed Smith LLP

Diana E. Hess Spencer Foundation

Margaret A. Hickey U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Illinois

John J. Jemilo*

Bernard M. Judge Attorney Registration & Disciplinary Commission

Andrew A. Kassof Kirkland & Ellis LLP

James A. Klenk SNR Denton US LLP

John J. Lewis Nielsen

Robert T. Markowski W.W. Grainger, Inc.

Patricia L. McCarthy LexisNexis

David E. Mendelsohn DLA Piper LLP (US)

David A. Moes Navigant Consulting, Inc.

Paula J. Morency Schiff Hardin LLP

Gordon B. Nash, Jr. Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP

Julian A. Oettinger

Carolyn Pereira*‡

Craig A. Roeder Baker & McKenzie LLP

Gloria Santona McDonald’s Corporation

Stephen A. Schiller* JAMS

R. Ryan Stoll Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP

Thomas P. Sullivan* Jenner & Block LLP

Earl A. Talbot* Hoogendoorn & Talbot LLP

Jeffrey R. Tone Katten & Temple LLP

Hugh J. Totten The Valorem Law Group

Andrew W. Vail Jenner & Block LLP

Georgia L. Vlamis Motorola Solutions, Inc.

Dan K. Webb Winston & Strawn LLP

James S. Whitehead Sidley Austin LLP

Diane P. Wood U.S. Court of Appeals—7th Circuit

David N. Yellen Loyola University Chicago School of Law

* Life Director ‡ Founder

Board of DirectorsStaff Nisan Chavkin Executive Director

Margie Chan Executive Administrator and Human Resources Coordinator

Jessica Chethik Elementary and Middle School Programs Director

Gary T. Coleman Finance and Systems Director

Anne Kennedy Program and Communications Coordinator

Amina K. Majeed Elementary and Middle School Programs Coordinator

LaVerne E. Mathews Development Director

Kristy Poteete-Kriegermeier Program and Communications Director

Dee Runaas High School Programs Director

Constitutional Rights Foundation ChicagoStrengthening Democracy One Classroom at a Time

407 South Dearborn Street, Suite 1700 • Chicago, IL 60605-1119phone: 312-663-9057 • fax: 312-663-4321 • e-mail: [email protected] • website: www.crfc.org

Annual Report design Graphic Solutions inc-chgo www.graphsol.com

in memoriamScott V. Bruner

Philip H. Corboy, Sr.

Frank J. McGarr

Documents

CRFC Annual Report