Equity & Empowerment | Lessons from Bronzeville

Saathi has been in several years of partnerships and work to design a practice that empowers residents to 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 have been 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 their context and most 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

Photo Credit: Bina M. Patel, 2017.

I love my job. I am grateful to partner with amazing folks and clients.