CIOP empowers low and moderate income families and their congregations and organizations to become full partners in decision-making process on justice issues. Issues are addressed by member groups and are organized around: Living Wage; Affordable housing; Banking Reinvestment (CRA); Access to Transportation; Neighborhood Safety; Predatory Lending; and Saving Family Farms. For more information on these issues and to learn more about CIOP, please visit our "About Us" page here...

On Monday, August 11th, CIOP leaders and friends held a celebratory rally at Withers Park in downtown Bloomington and then marched to the Government Center to deliver the, nearly 1750, signatures of Bloomington residents who believe that Bloomington city workers should be paid a living wage. The collection of these signatures will result in the people of Bloomington being given the opportunity to have their voices heard on the living wage issue when a non-binding resolution is placed on the ballot in the November election. This is a great success in the struggle for living wage! Read more about the living wage issue here...

Francis Irvin, a CIOP leader and long-time advocate for social justice, passed away on August 5th. A retired elementary school teacher of 32 years, Francis was an active participant in many of our campaigns over the years, including the recent action to help save the home of Vernell and Valeria Armour on June 19th. He was a highly recognized community leader and a great friend to CIOP. He will be greatly missed. Read the August 7th Pantagraph.com article on this extraordinary man, his accomplishments, and his lasting impact on Central Illinois.

After months of trying to get a Countrywide loan officer to return calls on a senior couple's loan with no success, CIOP staged an action to encourage negotiations. On June 19, 2008, over 100 CIOP members and friends came out to support Senior Citizens Vernell and Valeria Armour who were facing home foreclosure from Countrywide.

CIOP invited Countrywide to the public meeting in front of the Armour's home. When Countrywide failed to show up, CIOP leaders boarded a school bus and assorted vans and cars and took the meeting to the local Countrywide office. Full story...

One of our CIOP member organizations, FISA, recently launched a new website. Farmers Supporting Independent Agriculture (FSIA) is a faith-based community organization that was founded by local family farmers and community members to address issues facing family farmers and rural communities in Central Illinois. FSIA works to save family farms, preserve local economy, and promote sound stewardship. Learn more about saving family farms...