The Rizal Center is more than a building. It’s a revitalized way of thinking about who we are and how we engage with our community, our neighborhood, and our city. Our presence in the global diaspora. It is a welcoming, dynamic place for people of all backgrounds to come together, to foster bridging, appreciation, and understanding of the Filipino and Filipino American experiences in Chicago and our place in American society, as well as intersections with diverse cultures.
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 will also serve 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 city government. We will continue to build our presence through cross-cultural dialogues, collaborative partnerships, and participation in municipal and state events.
Our Vision and Mission
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. Today, as we stand at the threshold of a new era, we reaffirm our commitment to our mission: To uplift the community through transformative cultural, social, and economic programming rooted in our core values of: bayanihan (people working together), kapitbahayan (neighborly concern), and damayan (compassionate mutual aid). We do this through relevant programming in arts and culture, civic engagement, public policy, pedagogical education; equity development; meaningful service to promote environmental stewardship, alleviate food insecurity; and empower people to be stewards for the future. As we look to the future, we envision a more inclusive and empowered community. The vision of FACGC – a home away from home matters – a safe and vibrant space where our kababayans (compatriots) can be their authentic selves. We aim to expand our services and programs, 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.
For a PDF of our Vision & Mission: FACGC Mission and Vision 2024.pdf.