Equity & Empowerment - Lessons from Bronzeville
Updated: Sep 6, 2018
Saathi has been in several years of partnerships and work to design a practice that empowers residents build solutions in new ways. It has been a beautiful opportunity to #collaborate with an amazing group of powerful, tireless, and #innovative leaders from around #Chicago to test solutions in response to the problem:
How can we build resilient livelihoods for young people in #Bronzeville?
On Sept 11, we shared a warm and energetic #community space to celebrate this work.
Teams shared the ideas they have designed and prototyping - including a "hire local" campaign, a restorative justice hub, and an entrepreneurial bike and urban garden program.
The work doesn't come from a strategic plan or a boardroom - it comes from getting out into the neighborhood, learning from and understanding young people and the context, and importantly - taking the first step at activating an idea.
These folks gave their time and hearts to this project - and are creating real opportunities for young people in a few short months.
A few of the lessons learned:
- Stand back so others can stand up
- Ask, not tell
- Try, not plan
I love my job. I am grateful to partner with amazing folks and clients.
Written by Bina M. Patel.
