Joliet Township Proclaims International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People 2025

At the November 18, 2025 Board Meeting, the Joliet Township Government Board unanimously passed a proclamation recognizing November 29 as the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. This proclamation acknowledges the ongoing efforts toward peace, justice, and the realization of the rights of the Palestinian people, as well as reflects on our shared responsibility to uphold human dignity and hustice everywhere.

The full text of the proclamation is as follows:

“Proclamation: International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People 2025

WHEREAS, the United Nations General Assembly, through resolution 32/40 B of 1977, established November 29 as the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People to acknowledge the ongoing efforts toward peace, justice, and the realization of the rights of the Palestinian people; and

WHEREAS, this date also marks the anniversary of the General Assembly’s adoption of resolution 181 (II) in 1947, which addressed the future governance of Palestine, and serves as an annual reminder of the need to advance peace and justice in accordance with international law; and

WHEREAS, the observance of this day highlights the continuing humanitarian challenges faced by Palestinians and reaffirms the global commitment to human dignity, equality, and the pursuit of lasting peace; and

WHEREAS, communities around the world are encouraged to reflect on the importance of compassion, solidarity, and shared responsibility in supporting those affected by displacement and conflict; and

WHEREAS, Joliet Township Government values human rights and the pursuit of peace for all peoples, and joins the international community in recognizing the Palestinian people’s enduring strength, resilience, and hope for a just and secure future;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Joliet Township Government hereby proclaims November 29, 2025, as International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People in Joliet Township, and encourages residents to learn more about this observance and to reflect on our shared responsibility to uphold human dignity and justice everywhere.

ADOPTED this 18th day of November of 2025.”

To view this and all other proclamations from Joliet Township Government, please visit the Proclamations and Ordinances page.

En la reunión del 18 de noviembre de 2025, la Mesa Directiva del Municipio de Joliet aprobó por voto unánime una proclamación para reconocer el 29 de noviembre como el Día Internacional de Solidaridad con el Pueblo Palestino 2025. Esta proclamación reconocer los esfuerzos por la paz, la justicia y los derechos del pueblo palestino y reflexiona sobre nuestra responsabilidad de apoyar la dignidad humana y la justicia en todas partes.

A continuación se encuentra el texto completo de la proclamación:

“Proclamación: Día Internacional de Solidaridad con el Pueblo Palestino 2025

CONSIDERANDO que la Asamblea General de las Naciones Unidas, por medio de la resolución 32/40 B de 1977, estableció el 29 de noviembre como el Día Internacional de Solidaridad con el Pueblo Palestino para reconocer los esfuerzos por la paz, la justicia y los derechos del pueblo palestino; y

CONSIDERANDO que esta fecha también recuerda la resolución 181 (II) de 1947, que trató sobre el futuro de Palestina, y nos llama cada año a seguir trabajando por la paz y la justicia según el derecho internacional; y

CONSIDERANDO que este día destaca los desafíos humanitarios que todavía enfrentan los palestinos y reafirma el compromiso mundial con la dignidad humana, la igualdad y la búsqueda de una paz duradera; y

CONSIDERANDO que se invita a las comunidades de todo el mundo a reflexionar sobre la importancia de la compasión, la solidaridad y la responsabilidad compartida para apoyar a quienes viven situaciones de desplazamiento y conflicto; y

CONSIDERANDO que el Municipio de Joliet valora los derechos humanos y la paz para todas las personas, y se une a la comunidad internacional para reconocer la fortaleza, la resiliencia y la esperanza del pueblo palestino por un futuro justo y seguro;

POR LO TANTO, SE RESUELVE que la Mesa Directiva del Municipio de Joliet proclama el 29 de noviembre de 2025 como el Día Internacional de Solidaridad con el Pueblo Palestino en el Municipio de Joliet, e invita a los residentes a aprender más sobre esta fecha y a reflexionar sobre nuestra responsabilidad de apoyar la dignidad humana y la justicia en todas partes.

ADOPTADO este día 18 de noviembre de 2025.”

Para ver esta y otras proclamaciones del Municipio de Joliet, por favor visite la página de Proclamaciones y Ordenanzas.

Joliet Township Proclaims Transgender Day of Remembrance 2025

At the November 18, 2025 Board Meeting, the Joliet Township Government Board unanimously passed a proclamation recognizing November 20 as Transgender Day of Remembrance. This proclamation honors the memory of those whose lives were lost to anti-transgender violence, and to reaffirm our collective commitment to dignity, safety, and respect for all people.

The full text of the proclamation is as follows:

“Proclamation: Transgender Day of Remembrance 2025

WHEREAS, Transgender Day of Remembrance is observed annually on November 20 to honor the memory of those whose lives were lost to anti-transgender violence, and to reaffirm our collective commitment to dignity, safety, and respect for all people; and

WHEREAS, this observance was founded in 1999 by advocate Gwendolyn Ann Smith in remembrance of Rita Hester, a Black transgender woman whose 1998 murder in Boston inspired a movement to raise awareness about violence faced by transgender and gender-expansive people worldwide; and

WHEREAS, the term transgender refers to people whose gender identity or expression differs from the sex they were assigned at birth, encompassing a diverse community that has existed across cultures and throughout history; and

WHEREAS, transgender and gender-expansive individuals continue to face alarming levels of violence, discrimination, and exclusion, particularly impacting transgender women of color who experience intersecting forms of racism, sexism, and transphobia; and

WHEREAS, recent years have seen increased public discussion and debate surrounding the rights and recognition of transgender people, with many facing barriers to healthcare, public participation, and safety in their daily lives; and

WHEREAS, despite these challenges, the transgender community continues to demonstrate extraordinary courage, resilience, and leadership, contributing immeasurably to our workplaces, schools, families, and neighborhoods; and

WHEREAS, allyship begins with listening, learning, and treating every person with respect, such as using people’s chosen names and pronouns, challenging misinformation, and supporting inclusive policies that protect the rights and well-being of all; and

WHEREAS, Joliet Township Government recognizes the importance of visibility, education, and compassion in creating a community where everyone can live authentically and without fear;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Joliet Township Government hereby proclaims November 20, 2025, as Transgender Day of Remembrance in Joliet Township, and encourages all residents to honor the lives lost, support those who continue to face discrimination, and commit to building a community rooted in understanding, compassion, and equal opportunity for all.

ADOPTED this 18th day of November of 2025.”

To view this and all other proclamations from Joliet Township Government, please visit the Proclamations and Ordinances page.

En la reunión del 18 de noviembre de 2025, la Mesa Directiva del Municipio de Joliet aprobó por voto unánime una proclamación para reconocer el 20 de noviembre como el Día de la Memoria Transgénero. Esta proclamación honra la memoria de las personas que han perdido la vida a causa de la violencia contra personas transgénero, y para volver a afirmar nuestro compromiso con la dignidad, la seguridad y el respeto hacia todas las personas.

A continuación se encuentra el texto completo de la proclamación:

“Proclamación: Día de la Memoria Trans 2025

CONSIDERANDO que el Día de la Memoria Transgénero se conmemora cada año el 20 de noviembre para honrar la memoria de las personas que han perdido la vida a causa de la violencia contra personas transgénero, y para volver a afirmar nuestro compromiso con la dignidad, la seguridad y el respeto hacia todas las personas; y

CONSIDERANDO que esta conmemoración fue creada en 1999 por la activista Gwendolyn Ann Smith en recuerdo de Rita Hester, una mujer transgénero afroamericana cuyo asesinato en 1998 en Boston inspiró un movimiento para crear conciencia sobre la violencia que enfrentan las personas transgénero y de género diverso en todo el mundo; y

CONSIDERANDO que el término transgénero se refiere a las personas cuya identidad o expresión de género es diferente al sexo que se les asignó al nacer, abarcando una comunidad diversa que ha existido a lo largo de las culturas y de la historia; y

CONSIDERANDO que las personas transgénero y de género diverso siguen enfrentando altos niveles de violencia, discriminación y exclusión, especialmente las mujeres transgénero de color, quienes sufren múltiples formas de racismo, sexismo y transfobia; y

CONSIDERANDO que en los últimos años ha aumentado el debate público sobre los derechos y el reconocimiento de las personas transgénero, y muchas de ellas siguen enfrentando barreras en el acceso a la salud, la participación pública y la seguridad en su vida diaria; y

CONSIDERANDO que a pesar de estos desafíos, la comunidad transgénero continúa mostrando gran valentía, fortaleza y liderazgo, contribuyendo de manera importante a nuestros lugares de trabajo, escuelas, familias y vecindarios; y

CONSIDERANDO que allyship begins with listening, learning, and treating every person with respect, such as using people’s chosen names and pronouns, challenging misinformation, and supporting inclusive policies that protect the rights and well-being of all; and

CONSIDERANDO que el Municipio de Joliet reconoce la importancia de la visibilidad, la educación y la compasión para construir una comunidad donde todas las personas puedan vivir con autenticidad y sin miedo;

POR LO TANTO, SE RESUELVE que la Mesa Directiva del Municipio de Joliet proclama el 20 de noviembre de 2025 como el Día de la Memoria Transgénero en el Municipio de Joliet, e invita a todos los residentes a honrar las vidas perdidas, apoyar a quienes aún enfrentan discriminación y comprometerse a construir una comunidad basada en la comprensión, la compasión y la igualdad de oportunidades para todos.

ADOPTADO este día 18 de noviembre de 2025.”

Para ver esta y otras proclamaciones del Municipio de Joliet, por favor visite la página de Proclamaciones y Ordenanzas.

Toys for Tots Toy Drive Through December 12, 2025

Joliet Township Government is proud to support this year’s Toys for Tots campaign by serving as an official drop-off location. Community members are encouraged to donate new, unwrapped toys to help bring joy to children in need this holiday season.

Donations can be delivered to our office at 175 W. Jefferson St., Joliet, IL, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. We will be accepting toys through December 12, 2025.

Together, we can help make the holidays magical for children in our community.

Colecta de Juguetes de Toys for Tots hasta el 12 de diciembre del 2025

El Municipio de Joliet se enorgullece de apoyar la campaña de Toys for Tots este año como un lugar oficial de donación. Invitamos a la comunidad a donar juguetes nuevos y sin envolver para llevar alegría a los niños que lo necesitan durante esta temporada festiva.

Las donaciones pueden llevarse a nuestra oficina en 175 W. Jefferson St., Joliet, IL, de lunes a viernes de 8:30 a.m. a 12 p.m. y 1 p.m. a 4 p.m. Aceptaremos juguetes hasta el 12 de diciembre de 2025.

Juntos, podemos hacer que estas fiestas sean especiales para los niños de nuestra comunidad.

November 2025 Board Meeting

The regular scheduled town board meetings for Joliet Township Government are held at 5:00 p.m. in the town hall meeting room, Joliet Township Government Offices, 175 W. Jefferson Street, Joliet, Illinois.

  • Entrance to the Meeting Room: Located at the north end of the building, via the stairway adjacent to the parking lot.
  • Handicap Accessible: Parking located at the north end of the parking lot and access to the building via a ramp located at the north end of the parking lot.
  • Agenda, Minutes, and Recordings

Las juntas regulares del Municipio de Joliet son a las 5:00 p.m. en la sala de reuniones del ayuntamiento, Oficinas del Municipio de Joliet, 175 W. Jefferson Street, Joliet, Illinois.

  • Entrada a la sala: Está en la parte norte del edificio, por las escaleras junto al estacionamiento.
    Acceso para personas con discapacidad: Hay estacionamiento en la parte norte y una rampa para entrar al edificio en el mismo lugar.
  • Agenda, notas y grabaciones

November 2025 CREW Meeting

Joliet Township Government is hosting the next Community Response Engagement Workgroup (CREW) meeting on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at 1:00 PM. The meeting will take place in person at the Ozzie & Peggy Mitchell Center, located at 172 S Chicago St., Joliet, IL 60432. This monthly gathering includes a Comprehensive Training Module designed to strengthen community response and support systems.
If you have any questions, please contact Joliet Township Government’s Community Convener, Gabriel Garcia, at GGarcia@joliettownship.net.
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El Municipio de Joliet organizará la próxima reunión del Grupo de Trabajo CREW el miércoles 19 de noviembre de 2025 a la 1:00 PM. La reunión será en persona en el Ozzie & Peggy Mitchell Center, en 172 S Chicago St., Joliet, IL 60432. Esta reunión mensual tendrá un entrenamiento para fortalecer la respuesta comunitaria y los sistemas de apoyo.
Si tiene preguntas, por favor contacte a Gabriel Garcia, Coordinador Comunitario del Municipio de Joliet, al correo GGarcia@joliettownship.net.

Joliet Township Government Partners with Kankakee & Chicago Heights regions to Deliver Victim Assistance

Joliet Township Government, through its Violence Prevention Community Convener (VPCC) program, partnered with Inner City Empowerment Community Development Corporation (CDC) and Kankakee Forgives to provide $15,000 in Flex Payment assistance to families affected by firearm violence. The support offered critical relief and helped promote stability and healing within the communities of Chicago Heights and Kankakee. 

To address the increase in firearm violence, the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) is providing resources to support Joliet Township Government’s Community Violence Intervention efforts. The Community Convener oversees the Emergency Victim Flex Fund, which gives short-term financial help and supportive services to victims of firearm violence and their immediate family members through the Reimagine Public Safety Act (RPSA) Violence Prevention Services program. 

The support to Inner City Empowerment CDC was provided after a recent incident in Matteson, Illinois, where a 13-year-old was injured in a shooting involving another minor at a local recreation center. The incident underscores the ongoing need for community-based support and timely resources for victims and their families. 

“This partnership ensures individuals and families have access to the resources they need during difficult times,” said Pastor Kisia L. Coleman, Executive Director of Inner City Empowerment CDC. “Thanks to our Flex Fund Manager, Gabriel Garcia, and the Joliet Township Government staff for helping the family through this challenging period.” 

Kankakee Forgives also assisted two families in separate gun-related incidents. In one case, a 13-year-old boy was injured during a large altercation at a local apartment complex. In another, a mother and her children were displaced after their home was struck by gunfire. In both instances, Kankakee Forgives provided immediate emotional support, safety planning, and relocation assistance, then worked with Joliet Township to secure Flex Fund assistance to help the families regain stability and peace. 

“Joliet Township’s commitment to supporting victims of violence has been a lifeline for families in crisis,” said Portia Cephus, Interim Executive Director of Kankakee Forgives. “Working together allows us to bring healing, compassion, and real solutions when people need them most. This partnership shows that when local organizations unite, we can respond faster, prevent further harm, and help restore safety and hope in our community.”  

“The fact that our partnership and coordination serves communities across a wide region, from the Illinois-Indiana state line to the Illinois-Wisconsin state line, is an honor and a blessing,” said Gabriel Garcia, Community Convener for Joliet Township Government. “We are grateful to work with so many passionate partners who strive to create safer communities within their respective regions.” 

Locally, Joliet Township Government has approved three applications for victims of a recent shooting in partnership with Illinois Youth & Family Services and is in the process of distributing up to $15,000 in assistance for Joliet residents impacted by gun violence. 

For assistance or more information, contact Gabriel Garcia, Joliet Township Government Community Convener, at Ggarcia@joliettownship.net or 815-593-3363.