Thanks for asking! We can post something more concrete to the groups
page, but I thought I would offer a quick rundown:
In February, Idealist.org's website allowed individuals from around
the world to find each other and organize meetings to discuss issues
facing their communities and visions for a better world.
Here in Chicago, a number of meetings have taken place so far that
brought together all kinds of folks (150+) -- all seeming to have a
common desire of affecting the community and seeing what they can
bring towards realizing those visions. Some have promoted new
projects, discussed issues in their neighborhoods, or networked, and
others came just for fun!
This google group's page was set up as a collective way for
individuals from all of these meetings to faciliate discussion around
issues/events and act as a pool of resources for members to get
involved and solicit involvement. There's also a blog at
http://chicagoidealist.blogspot.com, which was used more in the
beginning, and a facebook.com group.
It's been a bit vague, formulative, and base-building in nature so
far, but people are jumping on board and we're looking to harness the
potential of the group. Where are we going? Not sure! But some
interesting connections have been made so far and things seem to get
more interesting as we go: people are connecting with jobs, finding
volunteers for their organizations, volunteering themselves,
considering career changes, marching in rallies together, holding
workshops, etc. As the group grows and becomes more organized I
imagine our presence could be more forceful, and useful! Next up some
are looking to organize social/speaker events, march at the Sudan
Freedom Walk together, trek to the US Social Forum, and strengthen
Chicago nonprofits in general. Members are also sharing info about
interesting events and making friends, which I think is great. Our
mission is so-far undecided, but is being discussed. What are your
thoughts?!
Personally, my hope is that this organization of sorts can be a
dynamic and open resource to the Chicago community- a large pool of
members from which to draw support, insight, and energy for specific
actions on certain interests and collective actions for others. Also
that it draws interest and use from people of many ages and cultural/
professional backgrounds who are interested in community change to
connect those missing links -- between younger folks and
professionals, this culture and that culture, those who can offer help
and those in need, etc.
I'd love to hear other thoughts on hopes for the group..
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