Conference for Community
For a quarter century I have worked with universities and diverse non-profits bringing neighborhood and academic communities together for practical problem-solving. I conduct interviews, focus groups and meetings organizing conferences that bring stakeholders together for action. Leaders, activists, clients, supporters and donors actively set the direction, agenda and multiple venues. Creative outreach attracts those confronting numerous challenges and whose participation promises useful results.
Public Housing
Twenty-five years ago the Chicago Housing Authority was failing to provide safe, affordable residential communities. Many residents, community activists, and professional service providers wanted change. As an organizer for Women United for a Better Chicago, I created and worked closely with a Conference Coordinating Committee that hosted The Women & Public Housing: Hidden Strength, Unclaimed Power conference. More than 400 people attended the two day event that besides reviving hope for reform inspired publication of A Resource Directory Supplement for Residents in Public Housing (1987) and an advocacy organization: “CHA Residents Taking Action” (CHARTA)
Twenty-five years ago the Chicago Housing Authority was failing to provide safe, affordable residential communities. Many residents, community activists, and professional service providers wanted change. As an organizer for Women United for a Better Chicago, I created and worked closely with a Conference Coordinating Committee that hosted The Women & Public Housing: Hidden Strength, Unclaimed Power conference. More than 400 people attended the two day event that besides reviving hope for reform inspired publication of A Resource Directory Supplement for Residents in Public Housing (1987) and an advocacy organization: “CHA Residents Taking Action” (CHARTA)
Politics and Culture
A 1999 exhibit of Spanish Civil War Posters at the Harold Washington Library provided stimulus for me to organize a committee of academics, activists and artists to host a series of events publicly communicating the Lincoln Brigade’s participation in the war and commitment to international democracy. More than 25 authors, speakers and Brigade veterans participated in eight days of classes, seminars and cultural activities in the multidisciplinary program: Americans in Spain—The International Brigade: Retelling the Story.
A 1999 exhibit of Spanish Civil War Posters at the Harold Washington Library provided stimulus for me to organize a committee of academics, activists and artists to host a series of events publicly communicating the Lincoln Brigade’s participation in the war and commitment to international democracy. More than 25 authors, speakers and Brigade veterans participated in eight days of classes, seminars and cultural activities in the multidisciplinary program: Americans in Spain—The International Brigade: Retelling the Story.
Community Noire
Who would think of the university as a social community whose members read and use fiction as part of their lives? Uncommon Detectives: Gender, Multiculturalism and Detective Fiction was a semester long cavalcade of 45 events celebrating detective fiction written by women and persons of color. Fifteen authors from near and far headlined the panels, discussion, meetings and exhibits. Three faculty offered parallel for credit classes. Events took place across Chicago including: the DuSable Museum, the Mexican Fine Arts Museum, and the Newberry Library. Sponsors included the Illinois Humanities Council and NEIU.
Who would think of the university as a social community whose members read and use fiction as part of their lives? Uncommon Detectives: Gender, Multiculturalism and Detective Fiction was a semester long cavalcade of 45 events celebrating detective fiction written by women and persons of color. Fifteen authors from near and far headlined the panels, discussion, meetings and exhibits. Three faculty offered parallel for credit classes. Events took place across Chicago including: the DuSable Museum, the Mexican Fine Arts Museum, and the Newberry Library. Sponsors included the Illinois Humanities Council and NEIU.
Teaching Old Dogs New Tricks
Sociologists study society, but often fail to speak to the social problems that shape current public concerns. Elected by my peers as President of the Midwest Sociological Association I invited us to speak to a wider public audience during our annual 2008 conference. Making Sociology More Public invited community speakers and turned member attention to focus on emerging social problems and social action shaping public life. For instance, Chicago’s LGBT About Face Youth Theatre Ensemble performed and local activists introduced conference goers to social challenges in nearby East St. Louis.
Sociologists study society, but often fail to speak to the social problems that shape current public concerns. Elected by my peers as President of the Midwest Sociological Association I invited us to speak to a wider public audience during our annual 2008 conference. Making Sociology More Public invited community speakers and turned member attention to focus on emerging social problems and social action shaping public life. For instance, Chicago’s LGBT About Face Youth Theatre Ensemble performed and local activists introduced conference goers to social challenges in nearby East St. Louis.
