Center for Civic Engagement & Public Trust
Public Trust Begins With Conversation.
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Illinois Public Safety, Privacy & Technology Forum Series
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Moderated community conversations on automated license plate readers (ALPR), privacy and public safety, led by Antmound Foundation founder Anthony McIntyre.
In the room.
Residents, officials and law enforcement at Center forums.
Past forum
Past Forum: Aug 11
August 11, 5:30 to 7:30 PM, 228 N County St, Waukegan, IL. Public Safety, Privacy & ALPR Technology. 'Who has seen your vehicle today, and where were you?' Featured: Sen. Adriane Johnson, Rep. Rita Mayfield, attorney Jacob Goldwater, Deputy Chief Sweeting.
Past forum
Past Forum: Aug 26
Wednesday, August 26, 6:30 to 8:00 PM, Cook Memorial Library, Vernon Hills. Hosted by Lake County Board Member Sara Knizhnik. Panelists: Chief Patrick L. Kreis (Vernon Hills Police), attorney Jacob Goldwater, Park District Commissioner Vance Wyatt, Lake County State's Attorney Eric Rinehart, Khadine Bennett (ACLU of Illinois).
Past forum
Past Forum: Sep 21
Monday, September 21, 6:00 to 8:00 PM, Barrington Library, Zimmerman Room. With Safe Illinois. Panelists: State Rep. Nicole Grasse, attorney Jacob Goldwater, Khadine Bennett (ACLU of Illinois).
Past forum
Past Forum: Sep 23
Wednesday, September 23, 6:00 to 8:00 PM, Lake Forest, 1905 W. Field Ct. Free and open to the public. In partnership with Indivisible Highland Park and Safe Illinois. Panelists: Khadine Bennett (ACLU of Illinois), attorney Jacob Goldwater, Lake County Board Member Paul Frank, Commander Sean Curran (Highland Park Police), Dan Murdoch (Flock).
Past forum
Past Forum: Oct 21
Wednesday, October 21, 6:00 to 8:00 PM, 2300 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive #A, North Chicago, IL 60064. With Safe Illinois. Moderator: Anthony McIntyre. Panelists: Mayor Leon Rockingham Jr., Khadine Bennett (ACLU of Illinois), Dan Murdoch (Flock), attorney Jacob Goldwater, Marc Jones (Waukegan Township Supervisor), Chief Lazaro Perez (North Chicago Police).
Past forum
Past Forum: Oct 22
Thursday, October 22, 6:00 to 8:00 PM, Zion Police Dept. Administration Building, 2101 Salem Blvd, Zion, IL 60099. With Safe Illinois. Moderator: Anthony McIntyre. Panelists: Khadine Bennett (ACLU of Illinois), Dan Murdoch (Flock), attorney Jacob Goldwater, Zakee Darr (Executive Director, Black Lives Matter Lake County), Deputy Chief Chris Sweeting (Zion Police Department).
Outcomes we track.
At forums, attendees can scan a code to take a short survey before and after the conversation, so we can measure what people learned and how their views changed.
Survey results, attendance and policy follow-up will be published here once they are compiled and verified.
Programs
Center for Civic Engagement & Public Trust
The Foundation's focal point for public forums, civic education, community dialogue, and accountability.
AMBIII: Ant Mound Incorporation Incubator Initiative (Entrepreneurship & Career Pathways)
Business education and career exposure. High Class Epoxy is the partner delivering flooring instruction: young people gain hands-on exposure to flooring preparation, installation, workplace safety, and professional expectations, while connecting those skills to entrepreneurship through AMBIII.
Violence Prevention
The Antmound Foundation’s Violence Prevention Program works to interrupt violence, resolve conflicts, and build safer communities in Waukegan, North Chicago, and Zion. Through street outreach, trusted relationships, mentorship, and direct intervention, we engage individuals and families affected by violence and help those at risk find a safer path forward.
Our approach draws on lived experience and an understanding of the communities we serve. We mediate disputes, address gang-related tensions, discourage retaliation, and help individuals recognize the lasting consequences of decisions made in anger. By encouraging people to recognize their shared humanity, we create opportunities for communication, accountability, and peaceful resolution.
Prevention also means expanding opportunity. We connect participants with youth advocacy, education, entrepreneurship, and vocational mentorship to help them build confidence, purpose, and economic stability. Our work with families, schools, community organizations, and public safety partners strengthens the support surrounding each participant.
Our goal is to help people move beyond immediate conflict toward lasting personal growth, and to build communities where safety, opportunity, and respect for human life are shared responsibilities.
Youth & Family Advocacy
Helping young people and families navigate schools, services, and institutional barriers.
Financial Literacy
The Antmound Foundation’s Financial Literacy Program equips participants with the knowledge and practical skills to make informed financial decisions, build stability, and work toward financial independence. In partnership with Baxter Credit Union, we bring accessible financial education to the communities we serve.
The program focuses on everyday money management, including budgeting, saving, understanding credit, managing debt, and using banking services. Participants learn how their financial choices affect both their immediate needs and long-term goals, such as purchasing a vehicle, securing housing, pursuing education, or starting a business.
We recognize that people begin with different financial circumstances and levels of experience. Our approach encourages participants to ask questions, identify achievable goals, and develop healthier financial habits in a supportive environment.
By connecting financial knowledge with practical action, we help individuals and families strengthen their economic foundation and create greater opportunities for the future.
Upcoming: Trucking pathway
Upcoming. Introduces transportation careers, dispatching, logistics, maintenance, and business ownership, with age-appropriate learning opportunities. Starts with career exposure and mentorship, then expands into formal training or employment partnerships as capacity grows.