Bickerdike Redevelopment Corporation (Bickerdike) was founded as a membership organization in 1967 by residents of Chicago’s near northwest side and representatives of local community groups who joined forces to fight widespread housing deterioration, abandonment and arson. Alarmed area residents and community organizations came together and formed Bickerdike to reverse the disinvestment and community decline.

1967 NCO Meeting

In the last 50 years efforts to engage more people in our work have consisted of the addition of an individual membership option and the expansion of our service area to include the Hermosa and Avondale neighborhoods.

While the number of people given a voice has increased in the last 50 years, what has remained a constant is that Bickerdike’s membership is the cornerstone of our work. It is how individuals in the communities we serve are connected to the work we do.

Our members still make up our largest decision-making body. At our Annual Membership Meeting, you will have the opportunity to be involved and engaged in guiding our direction. You will also be able to participate in the election of the open term seats for the Board of Directors, vote on Advisory Resolutions, and be updated on our current and future work.

You should have received an invitation and information on our 2018 Nominees for Board of Directors. We hope that you will take a minute to get to know them and join us on Saturday, December 1, 2018 at North-Grand High School to cast your vote and be part of the democratic process that is core to our mission. RSVP here.

“Being a member of Bickerdike has given me more opportunities than I could ever dream of. Over the years Bickerdike empowered me to use my voice to bring about change in our community and to take part in voting and decision making. Last but not least, membership has always given me a sense of community.”
~Margo Timberlake-Silva speaks at the 2017 Annual Membership Meeting