<p><strong>Click on the calendar links </strong>and sign up for each event! <br>You'll get reminders and meet-up location details from a platform called Mobilize</p>

<h2>Upcoming Activities</h2>

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<p><span style="color: var(--color-bg2-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-bg2-text);"><strong style="color: var(--color-bg2-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-bg2-text);">Running for 45th Ward Alderperson. </strong></span><strong><br></strong><span style="color: var(--color-bg2-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-bg2-text);"><strong style="color: var(--color-bg2-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-bg2-text);">Right for you. Right for Chicago. Right now.</strong></span></p>

<h1><span style="color: var(--color-bg2-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-bg2-text);">Join Team Pouw!</span><br></h1>

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<h4>Edgebrook 4th of July Parade!</h4>

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.

<h4>Event Title Here</h4>

Event Title Here

<p><strong>Vibrant neighborhoods are the heartbeat of the 45th Ward. </strong>Our business corridors are not getting the support it needs. We’re seeing empty storefronts. Struggling businesses. Lifeless commercial corridors. I'll change that with a plan to help business owners succeed, bring energy back to our neighborhoods, and make the 45th Ward a place where local entrepreneurs can thrive.</p><p><br></p>

<h2>Boost Small Business</h2>

<h4>Leah Pouw: Why Chicago’s block parties matter in a time of anger and disconnection</h4>

<p>Vibrant neighborhoods are <strong>the heartbeat of the 45th Ward</strong>. Our business corridors do not get the support they need. </p>

Write a short blurb about an issue your campaign is highlighting. Try to keep the text a similar size between the various issue blurbs.

<h2>Boost small businesses</h2>

<h4>July 6 Newsletter - Updates &amp; Celebrations from the Campaign Trail</h4>

<p>Property taxes keep going up, but the streets are full of potholes. <strong>You're paying for basic services — you should get them.</strong></p>

<h2>Improve infrastructure</h2>

<p><strong>Chicagoans are getting squeezed from every direction. </strong>It's all too much. Three generations live under one roof. People work 2-3 jobs to get by. Families struggle to find quality public schools. Friends put off critical medical care. Leah knows the ins and outs of city government, and will use that knowledge to connect you to supports and help put money back in your pocket.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Increase affordability</h2>

<h4>Oct 1 Newsletter - Caring for the 45th Ward Caregivers (Plus a Haunted Salon)</h4>

<p>Division and disrespect to constituents has gone on for too long. I'll make decision-making open, accessible, and responsive <strong>without fear or favor. </strong></p>

<h2>Restore civility and trust</h2>

<h4>Sept 4 Newsletter - Leah in the Tribune, Great Hot Dogs in the 45th, and More!</h4>

<h4>Leah Cunningham Pouw Announces Candidacy for 45th Ward Alderperson</h4>

<h4>Pouw Kicks Off Summer Campaign With Community Event At Tatas Tacos</h4>

<h4>Sept 17 Newsletter - The good (tacos!), the bad (potholes!), and the ugly (taxes!)</h4>

<p><strong>Property taxes keep going up. </strong>Streets are full of potholes, basements flood when it rains, and neighborhoods don't always feel safe to navigate. That's unacceptable. You're paying for basic services — you should get them. Leah will fight for the funding and accountability we need to make the 45th Ward safer, more walkable, and easier to get through every day. It starts with us.</p><p><br></p>

<h2>Improve Infrastructure</h2>

<article class="nl-wrap" id="nl-content">

  <p class="nl-kicker">Issue #10 &middot; October 29, 2026</p>

  <a href="https://www.leah45.com/join-us"><img src="https://img.mailinblue.com/11321044/images/content_library/original/6ae35735d9e09980152c32d8.jpg" alt="Leah Cunningham Pouw for 45th Ward Alderperson: time to step into action" width="570" loading="eager"></a>

  <h2>Leah&rsquo;s Priorities: Time to Step into Action!</h2>
  <p>We all know Halloween is around the corner, but you know what&rsquo;s really spooky and keeps me up at night? In Chicago&rsquo;s last city election three years ago, less than <strong>36%</strong> of registered voters cast a ballot. That means nearly two-thirds sat it out!</p>
  <p>Why does that matter? Because when we stop showing up, we lose our voice in what happens on our own block.</p>
  <p>I&rsquo;ve heard the arguments: &ldquo;Nothing ever changes.&rdquo; &ldquo;Nobody listens anyway.&rdquo; &ldquo;Why bother? Politicians are all the same.&rdquo;</p>
  <p>I get it &mdash; but I don&rsquo;t buy it. Here&rsquo;s why: When people tune out, we end up with the kind of leadership we have in the 45th Ward today. Too many people tell me our alderperson isn&rsquo;t listening to them &mdash; or worse, they feel they risk retaliation if they disagree with him.</p>
  <p>That&rsquo;s not how it should work. An alderperson should represent <strong>EVERYONE</strong>, regardless of who they voted for.</p>
  <p>Here&rsquo;s the good news: We can all take part in making our community better. First, voting on or before Tuesday, Nov. 3, is a perfect start, but it can&rsquo;t stop there!</p>
  <p>Volunteering is one of the best ways to get involved, meet your neighbors, and make a difference right where you live. (Plus, it&rsquo;s fun. I swear!) And here&rsquo;s a bonus: <a href="https://www.apa.org/monitor/2026/07-08/volunteering-kind-acts">Helping others is good for you</a>, too.</p>
  <p>So if you&rsquo;ve been thinking about getting more involved, why not start now? Here are some great opportunities to volunteer right here in the 45th Ward.</p>

  <h3>Volunteer opportunities in the 45th Ward</h3>
  <ul>
    <li><strong>Friendship Community Place:</strong> This nonprofit community hub provides resources and public programming for our neighbors. Want to help out in their kitchen? <a href="https://www.friendshipcommunityplace.org/volunteeropportunities">Visit their website here</a>.</li>
    <li><strong>Edgebrook Community Association:</strong> This local group helps maintain and improve public property and services in the Edgebrook community. Here&rsquo;s your chance to get your hands dirty and tidy up a beautiful part of Chicago.</li>
    <li><strong>Irving Park Food Pantry:</strong> Provides food for people in need on Chicago&rsquo;s Northwest Side. They&rsquo;re always looking for more helping hands &mdash; <a href="https://www.irvingparkfoodpantry.org/get-involved">sign up here</a>.</li>
  </ul>

  <h2>Last-Minute Q&amp;A Guide for Voting in Chicago</h2>
  <p>Tuesday is Election Day, and it&rsquo;s important that you go out and vote. But it can feel complicated, and you probably have plenty of questions. Here are some of the common ones, with answers:</p>

  <h3>I&rsquo;m not sure if I&rsquo;m registered! Can I find out?</h3>
  <p>Yes! Go to <a href="https://www.vote411.org/check-registration">Vote411</a> to check your registration status.</p>

  <h3>I&rsquo;m not registered to vote! Can I still sign up?</h3>
  <p>Yes! <a href="https://chicagoelections.gov/voting/your-voter-information">Visit this page</a> to learn how, find ID options, and get yours!</p>

  <h3>Can I still vote early?</h3>
  <p>Yes! Find <a href="https://m.chicagoelections.gov/voting/early-votingvote-centers">your location here</a> &mdash; in the 45th Ward, our site is the <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Catholic+Kolping+Society/@41.987194,-87.7756744,17z/">Catholic Kolping Society</a>, 5826 N. Elston.</p>

  <h3>I don&rsquo;t know who to vote for! What should I do?</h3>
  <p>I can&rsquo;t tell you who to vote for, but here are some sources that have great insight:</p>
  <ul>
    <li><a href="https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/09/24/illinois-voter-guide-november-election/">The Chicago Tribune</a></li>
    <li><a href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/10/02/how-to-vote-in-chicago-2026-midterm-election-mail-register-early-polling">Axios</a></li>
    <li><a href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/elections/2026/graphics/voter-guide-midterm-election-illinois/">The Chicago Sun-Times and WBEZ</a></li>
    <li><a href="https://www.chalkbeat.org/chicago/school-board-elections-2026/">Chalkbeat&rsquo;s guide</a> to the first election of the full Chicago School Board</li>
    <li><a href="http://bluevoterguide.com/">BlueVoterGuide.com</a> and <a href="http://ballotpedia.com/">Ballotpedia.com</a> for information specific to your ballot</li>
    <li>The <a href="https://www.isba.org/judicial-elections/reports/alliance">Alliance of Bar Associations</a> and <a href="https://2026retention.injusticewatch.org/">Injustice Watch</a> for the judicial candidates</li>
  </ul>
  <p>I still think Election Day should be a national holiday, but that&rsquo;s a conversation for another time!</p>

  <h2>Small Business Focus: Delightful Pastries</h2>
  <a href="https://www.delightfulpastries.com/"><img src="https://img.mailinblue.com/11321044/images/content_library/original/6ae357649e5aeb1975f16054.jpeg" alt="Delightful Pastries on Lawrence Avenue in the 45th Ward" width="564" loading="lazy"></a>
  <p>If you&rsquo;re in the 45th Ward, you undoubtedly know <a href="https://www.delightfulpastries.com/">Delightful Pastries</a> &mdash; they&rsquo;ve been doing their thing on Lawrence Avenue for 28 years, and their sweet and savory treats are mouth-wateringly delicious. (Probably because they don&rsquo;t add chemicals or preservatives to any of their products, but maybe it&rsquo;s just because they rock!)</p>
  <p>Anyway, they have awesome cakes, brownies, and bread &mdash; and this is the place to be for Paczki Day.</p>
  <p>But there&rsquo;s more! They are also a strong member of the community &mdash; they donate food and pastries to <a href="https://www.friendshipcommunityplace.org/">Friendship Community Place</a> (FCP), where my family volunteers. This partnership came about when Delightful Pastries hired someone who attended the weekly Thursday community meal service at FCP. The new hire saw an opportunity to share leftover pastries and now everyone wins!</p>

  <h2>It&rsquo;s official: Leah is on the ballot</h2>
  <a href="https://www.leah45.com/"><img src="https://img.mailinblue.com/11321044/images/content_library/original/6ae35b9ad9e09980152c35fd.jpeg" alt="Leah Cunningham Pouw after filing her petitions to run for 45th Ward Alderperson" width="286" loading="lazy"></a>
  <p>Last week, I turned in my petitions &mdash; with almost 1,700 signatures &mdash; to the city, and I&rsquo;m officially on the ballot. Hooray!</p>
  <p>I&rsquo;m excited, nervous, proud, grateful, humbled&hellip; but most of all, I&rsquo;m ready to get to work! Let&rsquo;s do this!</p>

  <h2>In Our Prime: Women&rsquo;s Health Event</h2>
  <a href="https://secure.actblue.com/donate/leah1102"><img src="https://img.mailinblue.com/11321044/images/content_library/original/6ae3494bc005eab7b925b0c5.jpeg" alt="In Our Prime: a women&rsquo;s health and wellness event hosted by Leah Pouw" width="570" loading="lazy"></a>
  <p>Join me for In Our Prime, a conversation centered on women, wellness, and community as we explore and engage with every stage of our journeys.</p>
  <p>This casual event will feature experts who will share practical insights on sexual wellness, making space for movement and self-care, and navigating the realities of perimenopause and menopause.</p>
  <p>Together, we&rsquo;ll challenge common misconceptions and create space for honest, empowering conversations about women&rsquo;s health and well-being.</p>
  <p><a href="https://secure.actblue.com/donate/leah1102">Get tickets here!</a></p>

  <h2>Get Involved and Bring Change to the 45th Ward</h2>
  <p>We have several opportunities to pitch in, so sign up for just ONE action this week to make the 45th Ward the best it can be.</p>

  <h3>1. Let&rsquo;s have a party this fall!</h3>
  <a href="mailto:info@neighborleah.com?subject=I'd%20Like%20to%20Host%20a%20Meet%20%26%20Greet"><img src="https://img.mailinblue.com/11321044/images/content_library/original/6abe6c44d30ec205d9d11f9b.jpg" alt="Host a Meet and Greet with Leah" width="270" loading="lazy"></a>
  <p>Help me meet your friends and neighbors! Meet and Greets are casual events where I come to your house! Just invite a few friends over and we can chat. <a href="mailto:info@neighborleah.com?subject=I'd%20Like%20to%20Host%20a%20Meet%20%26%20Greet">Reach out to the team today!</a></p>

  <h3>2. Calls, postcards, lit drops, and more</h3>
  <a href="mailto:info@neighborleah.com?subject=I'd%20like%20to%20Help%20with%20a%20Project"><img src="https://img.mailinblue.com/11321044/images/content_library/original/6aab02581dd2d08eff03e5a0.jpeg" alt="Volunteer for a campaign project: calls, postcards and lit drops" width="270" loading="lazy"></a>
  <p>Do you need to stay close to home, or enjoy an early morning win to check off your list before the day starts? <a href="mailto:info@neighborleah.com">Contact us here</a>, and we will get you set up with a project! <a href="mailto:info@neighborleah.com?subject=I'd%20like%20to%20Help%20with%20a%20Project">Help with a project!</a></p>

  <h3>3. Canvass in November</h3>
  <a href="https://www.mobilize.us/neighborsforleah/event/1000916/"><img src="https://img.mailinblue.com/11321044/images/content_library/original/6a9ad768b5b356656c6e073b.jpeg" alt="Canvass with the Leah Pouw campaign in November" width="270" loading="lazy"></a>
  <p>On Saturdays and Sundays starting Nov. 7th we will meet to knock doors at <a href="https://www.mobilize.us/neighborsforleah/event/992388/">various locations across the ward</a>.</p>
  <ul>
    <li>Saturday, Nov. 7 &mdash; 10 a.m.&ndash;2 p.m.</li>
    <li>Sunday, Nov. 8 &mdash; 10 a.m.&ndash;2 p.m.</li>
  </ul>
  <p>We meet every Tuesday and Thursday at <a href="https://www.westonscoffee.com/">Weston&rsquo;s Coffee and Tap</a>, 4872 N. Milwaukee Ave. for weekday canvassing.</p>
  <p><a class="nl-btn" href="https://www.leah45.com/volunteer">Volunteer &rarr;</a></p>

  <h2>About Leah Cunningham Pouw</h2>
  <img src="https://img.mailinblue.com/11321044/images/content_library/original/6ae35eb29e5aeb1975f165a9.jpg" alt="Leah Cunningham Pouw, candidate for 45th Ward Alderperson, on the campaign trail" width="570" loading="lazy">
  <p>Fourth-generation Chicagoan, a proud CPS parent, public servant, and community leader. For 25 years, Leah has worked tirelessly to be the voice for people who need someone to stand up and fight for them. Now she&rsquo;s stepping up to do it for the 45th Ward.</p>
  <p>Please chip in today to help our campaign reach more people!</p>
  <p><a class="nl-btn" href="https://secure.actblue.com/donate/leah-pouw-1">Donate &rarr;</a></p>

  <h2>Around the 45th Ward: Community Calendar</h2>
  <p>Upcoming events and ward happenings.</p>

  <h3>Wednesday, October 28</h3>
  <ul>
    <li><strong>Trick or Treat at Clarendale Six Corners</strong> &mdash; 4:15&ndash;5:15 p.m., 4715 W. Irving Park Rd.</li>
    <li><strong>Six Corners Ghost Tour</strong> &mdash; 6:00&ndash;7:00 p.m., City News Cafe (4018 N. Cicero Ave.). Tickets are $12 per person.</li>
  </ul>
  <h3>Friday, October 30</h3>
  <ul><li><strong>ESCC Halloween Happenings: Trick or Treat in the Business District</strong> &mdash; 4:00&ndash;6:00 p.m., Business District of Edgebrook Sauganash</li></ul>
  <h3>Saturday, October 31</h3>
  <ul><li><strong>Scary Business Saturday</strong> &mdash; 11:00 a.m.&ndash;2:00 p.m., any Six Corners business</li></ul>
  <h3>Monday, November 2</h3>
  <ul><li><strong>Nature Oasis: Community Bonfire at Roberts Square</strong> &mdash; 5:00&ndash;7:00 p.m., Roberts Square Park (5230 W. Argyle St.)</li></ul>
  <h3>Tuesday, November 3</h3>
  <ul><li><strong>Election Day!</strong></li></ul>
  <h3>Friday, November 6</h3>
  <ul><li><strong>Paws and Petals BYOB Public Sip and Paint Class</strong> &mdash; 7:00&ndash;10:00 p.m., Chicago Sip and Paint (4412 N. Milwaukee Ave.). Tickets are $42 per person.</li></ul>
  <h3>Saturday, November 7</h3>
  <ul><li><strong>Cranksgiving Chicago 2026: Annual Bike Ride and Food Drive</strong> &mdash; 11:00 a.m.&ndash;6:00 p.m., Cosmic Bikes (4641 N. Milwaukee Ave.)</li></ul>
  <h3>Saturday, November 14</h3>
  <ul><li><strong>Holiday Craft and Vendor Fair at St. John&rsquo;s Lutheran School</strong> &mdash; 10:00 a.m.&ndash;2:00 p.m., St. John&rsquo;s Lutheran School (4939 W. Montrose Ave.)</li></ul>
  <h3>Sunday, November 15</h3>
  <ul><li><strong>Puzzle Exchange at Jefferson</strong> &mdash; 12:00&ndash;3:00 p.m., Jefferson Park (4822 N. Long Ave.)</li></ul>

  <p class="nl-small">Paid for by Neighbors for Leah, 6348 N Milwaukee Ave Ste. 142, Chicago, IL 60646.</p>
</article>

Issue #10: Why turnout matters in the 45th Ward, a last-minute Chicago voting Q&A, ways to volunteer, and the ward community calendar from Leah Pouw.

Chicago Voting Q&A and Ways to Help | Leah Pouw, 45th Ward

<h4>Oct 29 Newsletter - Why We Need to Step Up, All Your Voting Questions Answered, and more!</h4>

<p>Join me for my launch announcement! </p>

<h4>Campaign Launch</h4>

Campaign Launch 

<h4>July 21 Newsletter - Big Campaign News, and Scenes from the Ward</h4>

<p><strong>Investing in both training, prevention and rapid response creates real results. </strong>I'll fight for funding that make everyone safer.<br></p>

<h2>Make neighborhoods safer</h2>

<h4>June 16 Newsletter - Leadership That Shows Up</h4>

<h4>August 20 Newsletter - House Party: Democracy, Community… and Snacks</h4>

<h4>What 9/11 Taught Me About Showing Up</h4>

Leah Pouw on how ICE enforcement has left 45th Ward neighbors living in fear, why Ald. Gardiner’s silence matters, and how her office would help.

The Deep Damage ICE Does to Chicago’s 45th Ward | Leah Pouw

<h4>The Deep Damage ICE Does to Our Communities</h4>

<h4>August 7 Newsletter - Here's what people want in the 45th Ward</h4>

<h4>Oct 16 Newsletter - Your Voice Matters (budgeting!), Be a Helper (shop local today!), and more!</h4>

<p>The city is underwater in debt. <strong>Our credit rating takes money away from funding pensions. </strong>I will prioritize pensions, and public health and human services.</p>

<h2>Represent taxpayers</h2>

Canvass

meet and greet

Op-Eds

Press Release

Images

45th Ward Candidate

For 25 years, Leah Pouw has worked tirelessly for people who needed someone to fight for them. She is ready to bring that spirit to the 45th Ward. Leah Pouw will represent hardworking Chicagoans and make sure our ward thrives for all of our neighbors — especially those who need it most.

leah45

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