Community Voices Beatrice Bonner , Randy Eccles, Vanessa Ferguson

Maritza Bandera, Healing Illinois program manager, Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), joins Community Voices to share how this grant program works to increase equity, understanding, and engagement between all races in Illinois.

The UIS Center for State Policy and Leadership, the Institute of Government and Public Affairs and the Illinois Innovation Network are co-hosting two days of presentations, discussion and networking around policy and social innovation. Interim director of the U of I Institute of Government and Public Affairs (IGPA) David Merriman, Associate Vice President at the University of Illinois System Jeannette Tamayo, and Executive Director for the Center for State Policy and Leadership at UIS Molly Lamb spoke to Community Voices about the many offerings during the two days.To register visit: https://appserv7.admin.uillinois.edu/FormBuilderSurvey/Survey/center_for_state_policy_and_leadership/conferences/cspl_events_april2024/Survey

Lauren Gleason, volunteer coordinator, Illinois State Historic Sites; and Jenn Edginton, interim director, Illinois State Museum joined Community Voices to provide more information about the Illinois History Day experience for students and volunteers. Judges and other volunteers to facilitate the event are still needed.

Lance Tawzer is the Director of Exhibits and Shows at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. His love of music led to his start in Material Issue then The Lupins, to museums, and now to Petersburg and the ALPLM where he brought it all together for the highly attended State of Sound exhibit.

Juliana Stratton is the 48th lieutenant governor of Illinois. In December 2023, the office of the Lt. Governor launched a new initiative called We Thrive, which focuses on women and financial freedom. In February 2024, Governor Pritzker announced a new initiative that focuses on maternal health care called the Birth Equity Initiative. Lt. Governor Stratton spoke to Community Voices about how Chicago shaped her life, the challenges women have faced, and how the whole state will benefit from the two new initiatives. The Lt. Governor also talks about traveling throughout the state hosting "We Chats" to hear from a variety of different women.

The Capital Area Concert band is an all-volunteer organization that provides opportunities for life-long band musicians to perform long after they've graduated from high school. The organization is celebrating 50 years and has several upcoming concerts. Band members Jan Zepp and Tom King spoke to Community Voices about the history of the organization, the music performed over the years and how others can participate in the band, too.With the exception of the April 27 concert, performances are free and open to the public. Upcoming concerts include:April 16 - 7 p.m. - concert, First United Methodist Church, SpringfieldApril 27 - 7 p.m. - UIS Concert Band concert, Sangamon Auditorium, UIS(UIS Concert band has invited CACB to be part of its concert. Tickets are available at https://uispac.com/uis-honor-band-festival-and-uis-band-concert/)April 30 - 7 p.m. - concert, Trutter Center, Lincoln Land Community CollegeJune 14 - 7 p.m., - concert, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum Theatre, Springfield