United Way has 9% more to give

From a United Way of Chicago press release:

The United Way of Metropolitan Chicago announced this summer that $55.7 million of community investment funds for health and human service programs will be available beginning July 1st. This marks a 9% increase in community funding for the second year in a row.
Due in part to the recent consolidation of 54 United Ways into one regional system, United Way of Metropolitan Chicago increased community investment to a broad range of programs in the communities United Way serves.

“United Way funded programs undergo rigorous evaluation to show outcomes that benefit individuals and the community at large,” said W. James Farrell, ITW Chairman and CEO and chair of United Way of Metropolitan Chicago board of directors. “Our outcomes-based funding model is focused on supporting the programs that create lasting change. It is not about the number of children who go to an after school program, but on how many of those children stay in school to graduate and lead productive lives.”

2 great Chicago lists

If you want to see a list of organizations in the Chicago area, many of which are civically engaged, go to the Member and Partner Links of the Donors Forum of Chicago -- http://www.donorsforum.org/about/partnersac.html -- or try the Chicago Area Directory of Organizations -- http://www.chipublib.org/004chicago/clubs/clubsa.html -- compiled by the Chicago Public Library.

First Lady cheers Chicago's CeaseFire

First Lady Laura Bush traveled to Chicago and gave a thumbs up to a program called CeaseFire, which was started in 1995 and now has an outreach to 11 Chicago neighborhoods at high risk of being hit by gang violence. For more information, go to http://www.ceasefirechicago.org/. To read the Chicago Tribune's account of the First Lady's visit, go to http://www.edwoj.com/civic/FirstLady_Trib_060305.htm/.

Trib praises Project Safe Neighborhoods

The Chicago Tribune, in an editorial, cites the success of a federal-local initiative called Project Safe Neighborhoods for help in reducing the homicide rate in Chicago. For more information, go to www.psnchicago.org. To read the complete editorial in the Tribune, go to www.edwoj.com/civic/safe_05082005.mht .

"Civic engagement" or "social capital"?

There is a lack of clarity in concepts and terms in the scholarship of civic engagement, Ed Wojcicki (2001) concludes. For a scholarly look at the history of the terms "social capital," "civic engagement" and "civil society," click on the link http://www.edwoj.com/Articles/thesis3.doc.

El Valor

El Valor, located in Chicago, has one of the most fantastic stories of organizing on behalf of people in need. El Valor's mission is to support and challenge urban families to achieve excellence and participate fully in community life. Its programs exist to enrich and empower people with disabilities, the disenfranchised and the underserved. It has a special interest in education and other assistance for Hispanics. Go to http://www.elvalor.org.

Small groups and Willow Creek

It is no secret that "small groups" are emerging in many communities as a way for people to connect. The Willow Creek Community Church, a megachurch in the Chicago suburbs, is among the many religious groups promoting small-group activity for its members. To see how this church does it, go to http://www.willowcreek.org/smallgroups.asp.

Corporations help boost Chicago jazz

The Boeing Company, Bank One, Kraft Foods and The Chicago Community Trust announced in April 2005 the formation of an informal partnership to broaden participation in Chicago’s jazz music scene and increase awareness of the accomplished musicians and exciting jazz venues in Chicago. In forming the collaboration, the members have agreed to coordinate their existing efforts for greater impact where possible, while partnering to create other opportunities for people to learn about and enjoy Chicago jazz.For more information, go to http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/2005/q2/nr_050412a.html

List of Chicago community organizers

The Chicago Community Trust has compiled a list of organizations engaged in community organizing in the city. You can find it at http://www.newstips.org/commnews/chiorg2.html.

Mikva helps young people learn civics

The Mikva Challenge was founded in 1997 as a tribute to Abner and Zoe Mikva, who have fostered a dedication to community service in thousands of young people across the Chicago area. The essential philosophy of all Mikva Challenge programs is that the best way for young people to learn civics is to actively participate in the democratic process. Go to www.mikvachallenge.org for more information.