C.A.A.N. Community Alliance & Action Network: About Us

Welcome to the Community Alliance & Action Network! “We are here...” for you!

Our Mission is to build community and personal alliances to alleviate the effects of discrimination due to sexual orientation and/or gender identification.

Our Goals:

Hosting a community center (68 N. Chicago St. in downtown Joliet) where people can come together based on a common background based on sexual orientation and/or gender identification. Check our latest hours.
Providing programs, activities, and entertainments that educate and celebrate our community and our diversity. Check out our calendar of events and programs, and our news page for special notices, often.
Educating the LGBTQ community and the traditional community about issues impacting the lives of people with a differing sexual orientation or gender identification.
Advocating for those who are victims of discrimination because of their sexual orientation or gender identification.
Creating connections with myriad groups in Northern Illinois working toward similar goals.
Making the Northern Illinois LGBTQ community more visible in a positive, proactive way.

Learn more about C.A.A.N. Behind the Scenes:

Our History: C.A.A.N. began with six people sitting around a dining room table talking about how hard it is for LGBTQ people to connect in the suburbs. Learn more here about our history---and our (and your) future.
Our Board: C.A.A.N. has a Board of five directors who serve two-year terms. Meet us here.
Join Us!: We encourage you to become a member of C.A.A.N.; check out the ways in which your membership benefits you AND your community, learn about the various levels of membership available, even join right online! Also check out the opportunities for volunteering and our current projects.
Our Projects: C.A.A.N. has many activities that you can volunteer for. Check them out here and see what may interest you; if you wish to volunteer, just fill out the interest form.
Photo Gallery: Our photo gallery can give you a 'taste' of C.A.A.N. and its members working and playing.
Our Library: C.A.A.N. has a lending library where members can check out books and videos. This collection is growing (donations welcome); check out our latest listings in CSV form here.

Naturally, C.A.A.N. respects your privacy! Safeguarding your personal information on this website is extremely important to us; read about the steps we are taking to protect it in our Online Privacy Policy here.