Honoring Our People, Celebrating Our Strength, Rising Toward Our Future

Every year, WSCO’s Annual Meeting is a time for our community to come together, reflect on the work of the past year, and envision what’s ahead for the West Side. It’s where neighbors, business owners, teachers, faith leaders, and community builders of every kind gather to celebrate our shared accomplishments and honor those who make them possible. This year, we gather under the theme Hummingbird Rising—a reflection of the extraordinary warrior spirit, strength, and loving warmth that carried our community through a year of unprecedented hardship.

Sunday, November 15th, 4PM – 7PM, Harriet Island Pavilion

Each year, WSCO Board of Directors honors a West Side resident whose spirit and dedication reflect the best of our community. The “West Sider of the Year” award celebrates those who:

🌟 Contributes their time, talents, and resources to benefit the West Side community

🌟 Promotes justice and equity in their daily life

🌟 Acts with a neighborly spirit and goes out of their way to connect with others

The 2026 West Sider of the Year is nominated by community members and will be announced at WSCO’s Annual Meeting on November 15. Please note: past recipients, current WSCO staff, and board members are not eligible. The award is given to an individual, not a business or organization.

The WSCO Board of Directors will also recognize a local business whose commitment to community reflects the heart of the West Side. More than just a place of business, this institution reflects the mission of WSCO by building collective power, advancing justice, and promoting equity for all people in our community. Through their leadership, dedication, and pride in our community, they show what it truly means to be West Side Strong.

The “West Side Business of the Year” celebrates establishments that: 

🌟 Uplift the West Side by aligning its work with family and community values

🌟 Invests in community well-being through charitable initiatives and partnerships with other neighborhood institutions

🌟 Creates opportunities for connection and growth through mentorship, employment, and community engagement

The 2026 West Side Business of the Year is nominated by community members and will be announced at WSCO’s Annual Meeting on November 15.

There are 4 open seats for WSCO’s Board of Directors beginning in 2027. If you're an innovative thinker who is passionate about sustaining grassroots organizing on the West Side, we encourage you to run for the WSCO board and step into leadership.

A WSCO Board Member:

🌟 Attends monthly board meetings consistently and makes time to participate in WSCO campaign gatherings and events when possible

🌟 Brings creative ideas and thoughtful input on how to strengthen our community

🌟 Demonstrates natural leadership by listening and collaborating with respect and integrity

🌟 Contributes to WSCO's financial sustainability through fundraising and opens doors to sponsors and partners

Please note: To serve on the board, you must live, work, or be a formal representative of a West Side business or non-profit organization by the start of your term in early 2027.