Illinois Poverty Action Council

The Illinois Poverty Action Council (IPAC) is an affiliate organization of the Illinois Association of Community Action Agencies (IACAA). IPAC conducts research and engages in research to better understand the causes and conditions of poverty in Illinois and advocates for public policy changes to reduce the economic impact of poverty.

IPAC engages in targeted poverty studies and disaggregates poverty demographics to identify income disparity in Illinois. Poverty’s economic impact is far-reaching and affects all communities. Policymakers often use the official poverty measure when setting policy, even though the official poverty rate has many shortcomings and oversimplifies the complex and interrelated aspects of poverty in Illinois. IPAC works to include other poverty indicators, using quantitative, qualitative, and geospatial methods to improve understanding.

Low-income people and communities have historically struggled to engage in the political process. IPAC advocates with and on behalf of lower-income Illinoisans to ensure they have a voice in the political and regulatory processes that result in policymaking.

Action Center

Find your elected officials, register to vote, track key anti-poverty legislation, and make your voice heard.

Get Involved

You are welcome to join our research and advocacy efforts. Use the contact form to connect with us. There are many ways to add your voice to IPAC’s work.

Assist with poverty research projects and focus groups

Engage in grassroots policy advocacy

Complete witness slips on key legislation

Connect with your local, state, and national legislators

Visit your local Community Action Agency