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Like most political parties, the United Progressive Association of Alsip was formed by a group of concerned residents coming together to actively work for the benefit of their community. These residents were not happy with the lack of developmental planning which led to apartments being built on prime commercial property and industries ending up in residential backyards. When the “Clay Hole” (Cicero Avenue, near 120th St. ) was rezoned and planned to be a landfill, three separate political parties decided to join forces.

In 1968, three members from each local party (Action Party, Greater Alsip Party and People’s Party) were selected to make up a newly formed board and the new political group was called the United Progressive Association of Alsip (UPAA). The group voted on a symbol for the UPAA and thus, the “birth” of the four leaf clover. Three leaves on the clover represented the original parties who banded together and the fourth leaf represented the new party. The white UP letters stood for the new party name.

Members of the UP, past and present, are as varied as the residents who live in Alsip, but have a consistent desire to be active in their community and work for its prosperity. Over the years, UP members have been elected to Alsip municipal offices as well as the library, school, and park boards.

UP members have donated thousands of volunteer hours to Alsip activities and groups, such as the long-running Summerfest, adult and youth sports, service agencies and local churches. In addition to volunteer hours, the UPAA has donated thousands of dollars to Alsip groups from scouts to social service agencies. In the past few years, the UPAA was able to provide Dyno-Jumps to Alsip resident block parties.
UP members have pride in Alsip and want to remain active in building the future of their community.

 "A leader takes people where they want to go.
A great leader takes people where they don't
necessarily want to go, but ought to be."