Candidates Meeting @ The Lab
Category: About Civic Engagement
CivicLab Joins The INN
CivicLab is delighted to announce that we have become a member of the Investigative News Network. “In 2009 journalists from 27 nonpartisan, nonprofit news organizations gathered at the Pocantico Center in New York to plan the future of investigative journalism. The result of that meeting, the Pocantico Declaration, established the Investigative News Network and laid a foundation of collaboration among a new cohort of nonprofit newsrooms dedicated to serving the public interest. Today INN has grown to more than 80 organizations in North America and soon worldwide. Members share content and resources, connect with professional- and business-development services, and lead the evolving practice of journalism in the public interest.”
We are proud to be part of this organization and plan to add our own “special sauce” to the mix!
I, Citizen Activist Design Session
The CivicLab is helping to build the “I, Citizen Project” with the folks from the Museum of Contemporary Phenomena. This interactive experience will be unfolding at the Columbia College Glass Curtain Gallery in April.
I, Citizen – The Activist Game MAKERS Workshop from Helen Slade on Vimeo.
Planning In Chicago
Thanks to Prof. Brad Hunt from Roosevelt University for this amazing presentation on the recent history of planning efforts in Chicago. You can’t get this knowledge anywhere else this easily and this cheaply! Here are our current class listings.
Full House For Campaign Training
The amazing Kitty Kurth and Kevin Lampe give democracy training all over the world. This morning they are at the CivicLab giving a workshop on how to run for local office. We have people from all over the city here seeking civic knowledge. Some will run and others plan on helping others to run.
Some comments from attendees: “Thanks to all!! It was an honor to work with such a talented smart and committed people!” said Kevin. “Awesome day!” said Greg. “I learned a lot today. Thanks!” said Bruce. AnnMarie said “Thank you. Great day. Lots of things to implement.” Sam said “Thanks for a wonderful day! Onwards all!” Michael said “Thank you CivicLab. Kitty and Kevin’s class was intriguing, captivating and extremely informative. The environment for questioning was open and comfortable. The discussion provided experience based education. The Lampes have much to share. It was an honor to be in the same room with the Lampes. The attending classmates were also talented.” “Thanks so much for a great class!” said John.
CivicLab Covered In NBC Chicago’s “Ward Room”
Check out this profile of the CivicLab from “The Ward Room.”
Tom Explains The CivicLab & The TIF Illumination Project
Check out this great video shot by the folks at the Progressive Democrats of America. It’s 28 minutes long and lays out what the CivicLab is all about and how The TIF Illumination Project works AND reveals the details of the 12 TIFs of the 27th Ward. Whew!
The TIF Illumination Project Is One Year Old!
We launched the TIF Illumination Project at the Chopin Theater one year ago! What a wild ride it’s been. Here is an account of the work we’ve done. Comments are welcome.
CivicLab Launches Next Civic Illumination
On February 1 ten volunteer researchers braved the blankets of snow falling on Chicago to gather at the CivicLab to launch the next phase our our Civic Illumination work. We are now looking at the New Market Tax Credit Program and hedge fund activities in Chicago. This six minute video introduces the work and the reason for undertaking it. To get more details or to volunteer, contact Tom Tresser at tom@civiclab.us.
On The Commons. Are You In?
Check out this brief video from our colleagues at On The Commons.