Organizational History
In the bustling city of Chicago, amidst the vibrant tapestry of cultures, a remarkable journey began for Filipinos in 1953. It was a time when Filipinos, having just emerged from the label of U.S. nationals, sought a united voice, a beacon of hope, and a sanctuary of support. It was during this era that our nonprofit corporation was born — it was incorporated in Illinois on March 11, 1953 as Filipino National Council of Chicago (FNCC); the name was amended in 1965 as Filipino American Council of Chicago (FACC); and amended last in 1997 as Filipino American Council of Greater Chicago (FACGC). The organization obtained its federal income tax exemption status under the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Sec. 501(c)(3). It was classified as a public charity under IRC Sec. 509(a)(2) in 1998 under EIN 36-6124469. FACGC is also doing business as FACGC and Rizal Center.
Narrative of Purpose
With unwavering determination, the organization embarked on a transformative journey, tirelessly working towards providing a safe space – a community sanctuary that includes but is not limited to— Hospitality & Support (Create a welcoming space where Filipino immigrants and Filipino Americans feel at home —. Compassionate Programs (Offer food assistance, housing resources, healthcare access, mutual aid, and other social services aligned with bayanihan values) — Emotional Support (Organize counseling for those struggling with immigration, personal, and other hardships) — Community Advocacy (Advocate for immigrant rights, language access, Filipino WWII veterans’ benefits, and broader social justice advocacies in the spirit of kapwa (shared humanity) that would serve as a hub for empowerment and social change.
Building the safe space
In 1974, the goal of acquiring a safe space became a reality when it acquired a building, now called Rizal Center, which is located at 1332 W. Irving Park Road, Chicago, IL 60613, a physical embodiment of our commitment to building safe spaces and relationships in the neighborhood.
Rizal Center quickly became a cornerstone of the Filipino American community—a place where connections were forged, stories were shared, and dreams were nurtured. It became a hub, bustling with activities that celebrated the Filipino culture and promoted unity. From providing social services that cater to the needs of seniors and new immigrants to organizing collective actions and to enriching arts and cultural programs that ignite the spirit of creativity, our organization tirelessly strives to make a positive impact on the lives of Filipino Americans. Here is an article about the role of the Rizal Center in Uptown, Chicago. (https://exploreuptown.org/stories/)
Community
The Rizal Center is a welcoming place for our Filipino American, Filipino, and broader communities – to come together, to share, and to celebrate our vibrant, diverse connections. But you don’t have to live in Chicago to love us. Be part of our online and social media community.
Neighborhood
The Rizal Center is located in the Graceland West community of the Lakeview neighborhood. Our Rizal Center serves as a hub for our neighbors and local community organizations.
City
Filipino immigrants and their descendants have been part of Chicago’s fabric since 1906, contributing to the U.S. labor force and to the city’s government. We continue to build our presence through cross-cultural dialogues, collaborative partnerships, and participation in municipal and state events.
Mission and Vision
The Filipino American Council of Greater Chicago (FACGC) is guided by the Filipino traditions of pakiki-isa (solidarity) and pakikipagkapwa (embracing shared identity and caring for fellow beings). FACGC is committed to American ideals of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness and inquiry.
Mission: In fostering a cohesive Filipino American community in the Greater Chicago area, FACGC’s mission is to preserve and enrich the diverse Filipino cultural heritage, empower the community, and advance justice and social change. Those passionate first-generation Filipino nationals understood the challenges faced by immigrants: the struggle to find a sense of belonging and identity, and the need for a safe space that could nurture their cultural heritage, sustain their community, integrate with their newfound home, and participate in creating a just society.
Vision: As we look to the future, we envision a more inclusive and empowered community. We restate the vision of our organization –a home away from home matters – a safe and vibrant space where our kababayans(compatriots) can be their authentic selves in contributing to the cultural and social fabric of Greater Chicago. We aim to expand our services and advocacies, reach out to every Filipino American, and ensure that no one is left behind. We will continue to advocate for social change, address the unique challenges faced by our community, and champion the values of unity, resilience, and compassion.
Today, as we stand at the threshold of a new era, we reaffirm our commitment to enhance the quality of life for Filipinos and Filipino Americans in Greater Chicago through advocacy, cultural enrichment, educational support, economic development, and community-building initiatives.
The impact of the services provided by Rizal Center on the Lakeview and Uptown neighborhoods was recognized by the Chicago City Council. Two streets across the facility have been honorarily named as Carmelito Llapitan Court (https://www.honorarychicago.com/blog/carmelito-llapitan-chicago) and the stretch from Wayne Ct. to Southport Avenue is honorarily named as Dr. Jose Rizal Avenue (https://explore.chicagocollections.org/image/fahschicago/187/bc3vc3x/)
We will remain a steadfast ally for our kababayans (compatriots), immigrants, and citizens alike. Our facility will continue to be a sanctuary of support, a beacon of hope, and a vibrant hub for empowerment. Together, hand in hand, we will create a brighter future, celebrating the rich diversity of our community and weaving the threads of our heritage into a tapestry of strength and resilience.
Theory of Change
FACGC embraces the theory that art’s power can bring about social change. Our transformative arts and cultural activities will catalyze dialogue, understanding, and collective actions. We will showcase the richness and beauty of our heritage through vibrant performances, exhibitions, book clubs, language classes, tournaments (e.g., chess), and workshops, sparking a sense of pride among our community members while addressing the challenges facing immigrant communities.
Structure to Achieve the Mission: FACGC’s Bayanihan Circle Theory of Change
The concept of the Bayanihan Circle follows the Filipino values of Aksyon (Action), Bayanihan (people working together), Kapitbahayan (neighborly concern), and Damayan (compassionate mutual aid). We use the first 4 letters of the Filipino alphabet (ABaKaDa) as our mnemonic device to easily remember our guiding values. These values shall be used in evaluating the viability of all programs and projects coming out from each Circle. These values must be used as specific categories in all proposals.
The People Power Revolution in 1986 in the Philippines serves as an exemplary moment where Filipino values like Aksyon, Bayanihan, Kapitbahayan, and Damayan were showcased on a national scale. Here’s how each value can be tied to lessons from this historical event and used to guide our organization’s programs:
Aksyon (Action): The People Power Revolution was sparked by decisive, nonviolent action from millions of Filipinos. This shows how a clear and collective move toward a common goal can bring about change.
Aksyon can inspire proactive initiatives that address urgent community needs, such as organizing voter registration drives to ensure civic engagement, much like how Filipinos in 1986 acted to reclaim democracy. Programs evaluated under this category should focus on tangible outcomes, requiring immediate mobilization or solution-oriented approaches.
Bayanihan (People Working Together): The revolution succeeded because of the collaborative effort of citizens from all walks of life. It wasn’t just one sector—it was everyone coming together for a common cause.
Any community-building project, like launching a Rizal Center basement/parking lot cleanup, can be evaluated under Bayanihan. Projects under this category should require cross-sector collaboration, whether it’s partnerships between local businesses, community members, or other organizations, ensuring that everyone works together, as was the case during People Power.
Kapitbahayan (Neighborly Concern): During People Power, people cared for one another. Strangers helped strangers with food, water, and first aid on the streets as they peacefully protested. This concern for the well-being of others, especially within one’s immediate community, was essential.
Projects under Kapitbahayan could include mutual aid efforts such as food banks, housing support, or health and wellness checks for elderly neighbors. The lesson here is that even small, localized efforts of care and concern can build a resilient community, just as solidarity during People Power did.
Damayan (Compassionate Mutual Aid): Compassion was at the core of the revolution. People offered what they had to support each other, knowing that the collective good outweighed individual discomfort. Projects that address social services, mental health, or financial assistance would fit under Damayan. For instance, organizing a community-based healthcare initiative for low-income families or an emergency support system for struggling members, mirroring how the Filipino people in 1986 took care of one another in times of need.