Communities First

 

Just South of Chicago is the small city of Sauk Village.  The residents of Sauk Village consist of families who have been there for generations and those who have recently moved South after being pushed out of Chicago. The word around town is that the youth of the city are bored and lacking in guidance. 

 

There are many different sectors of the city that would like to “fix the problem,” many who believe they have the answers.  There are politicians, police officers, those in the religious community, community groups, concerned citizens and NPOs who all have ideas for starting programs for the youth. 

 

In many cities these groups would each start their own individual programs addressing an issue, not really aware of what the others are doing.  Sauk Village is different. 

 

While recognizing that there is a need they also acknowledge that they have great resources in each other and in Sauk Village itself to address this need.  Instead of working individually, representatives from each of these sectors of the city have agreed to come together and listen to each other, to the youth and to the community. 

 

I was privileged to be invited to the table as the group met for the first time two weeks ago.  The excitement in the room grew as each person shared assets they see in Sauk Village.  Each person had a unique perspective to give and had fun sharing it with the group.  When the suggestion was made that they meet again in a month the group decided that a month was too long and are now meeting every two weeks. 

 

Sauk Village is at the beginning stage of transformation.  They are beginning to understand the power of community listening and ownership.  It will be exciting to watch this city work together to bring about their desired future.