Community Organizing

Since 1997, the Community Organizing Initiative has taken a lead role in the North of Howard neighborhood's revitalization efforts. Consistent with Family Matters' vision of the community as the mobilizing force for positive change, we support an organizing model that develops the leadership gifts of neighborhood residents and program participants. Family Matters engages issues that affect the entire community: strengthening our educational institutions, promoting safe, healthy recreational alternatives, and expanding housing opportunities for residents.

Leadership development is the foundation of community organizing. Family Matters' Community Organizing Initiative approaches leadership development by combining the Principles of Leadership with the proven fundamentals of organizing training.

In an organizing campaign, our first step is to respond to an issue articulated by the community. This could be sparked by an incident, through the identification of a long-term community need, or an opportunity that energizes residents. We make use of a number of established tools and techniques in our organizing, including the strategy chart developed by Midwest Academy to analyze goals, resources, tactics, allies, and targets. Family Matters and community residents used this strategy chart in both the campaign for the Gale Park Community Center and the 2002 Local School Council elections.

In addition, we consistently develop leadership through on-going trainings. Before important meetings and forums, we hold pre-meetings to plan agendas and role-play outcomes. Through role playing, we teach residents to maintain a positive focus even as conflict and confrontational situations arise.

Finally, we always approach issues collaboratively and seek to build coalitions among area organizations to address issues. Recent examples of such collaboration include the Community Center campaign, community response to the threat of the North of Howard post office closing, and an affordable housing rally.

Community Organizer: Emily Gruszka
emily@familymatterschicago.org

© Family Matters 2005. All Rights Reserved.
Planting hope so that joy may abound.