About

Third Act focus’ on climate action and saving democracy.  Our three major goals for 2026 are: Divest from Fossil Fuels, Stop Authoritarianism, and provide Affordable Clean Energy for All. Here’s how we are organized to accomplish our goals:

Climate Finance

• Third Act Illinois’ #1 Goal for early 2026 – pass the Fossil Fuel Divestment Act during the Spring legislative session.
• Co-chairs: Jack Swenson and Elliot Rossen
  Meetings – 3rd Wednesday at 9:30 am

Democracy & Voting

• Goals for 2026: Flip the House and maybe… the Senate! Support pro-democracy actions (No Kings, boycotts, etc.), Create a rapid response team
• Co-chairs: Peg Dublin and Meg Evans
  Meetings: 4th Wednesday at 9:30 (starting Feb.)

Power Up Communities

• Goals for 2026: Keep utility rates low; Data centers and transmission issues; Home decarbonization through our Navigators program
• Co-chairs: Mardi Klevs and Susan Cotton
  Committee Meeting – 4th Friday at 10:45 am
  Navigation Team Meets – every other Friday at 9:30 am

Outreach and Communications

• Goals for 2026: Expand outreach beyond Chicagoland, Deploy Action Network, engage members in small groups and in person events
• Co-chairs: Catharine Schutzius, Laurie Bunkers, Jean Bryan
  Meetings – 3rd Tuesday at 3 pm

The Coordinating Committee

The Coordinating Committee oversees, makes connections, keeps in touch with other Third Act working groups throughout the country and Third Act Central.

• Goals for 2026: Support actions and membership beyond Chicagoland, training & development, engage TAIL potential leaders, and encourage voter turnout for key legislative districts.
• CC meetings are held the 2nd and 4th Thursdays at 9 am.

Coordinating Committee members include: Jean Bryan and Susan Cotton, Co-facilitators. Jim Applegate, Laurie Bunkers, Peg Dublin, Meg Evans, Diane Fager, Mardi Klevs, Elliot Rossen, Rich Rutschman, Catharine Schutzius, and Jack Swenson.