new to Chicago, trying to get involved locally... any ideas

hey guys. I'm pretty new to Chicago (well I've been here for a few months but have been so busy with work) but I'm trying to get involved locally for the new year. I live in the near north area of the city and was wondering if anyone had some ideas about local political clubs, democratic organizations, GOTV groups, etc. that you or someone you know may be involved, that you would recommend checking out. Any suggestions or resources would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

you have the city establishment. heading towards oblivion, depending on shakman. that litigation is on the hot seat right now. A sea change may be in the offing.
you have a county system, corrupt as all hell, depending on which part. Todd stroger is not exactly an inspiring figure anymore.
you have the state system, which has some serious corruption problems, starting with the governor. watch for his indictment soon.

You might want to start with your local aldercritter office, depending on who it is. Find out who your ward committeeperson is, and offer to do signs, calls, voting registration. They always need more soldiers. Unless you happen to be too liberal for them.

Rahm may be your local congressman, and unless you love thee DLC, the numbers of other opportunities are sparse. unless you want to start with some anti Rahm movement. I understand there are growing numbers of disenchanted.

unbelievable control by the machine. Local activists groups are more receptive. Have you
registered yet. Do you know what congressional district your in?

if you are in the first, i think that manny torres is a good guy. and the new kids should all be receptive to grassroots. like howard dean says- show up. you will be surprised.
but that bus is parked for 3 more years. lot of the state level offices have a race going on, and a couple of county ones are also in play.

You can meet some people socially, and they can suggest other ideas for involvement.

My daughter used to go to the Chicago events. Now she goes to the one in Evanston.

there is a loop dfa, and a northside dfa, both of which work their little tushies off for progressive candidates, in chicago, and the suburbs, and up and down the ballot. go here, and put in your zip.
http://www.dfalink.com/index.php

just pet candidate-wise, do you know your state senate district?
http://www.suzanneelder.org/ can really use the help. she is a real grassroots candidate up against the hand picked product of a manipulated process. tell her mo sent you.
edited to add-
http://www.jaypaulforcook.org/Home.html
this guy is an exciting candidate, striking at the heart of fairness vs cronyism in cook county. he has an uphill fight on his hands.

Lots of nice, smart, folks drinking... drinking... drinking...