Citizen Leaders
Asset Building in the Community

The following projects were designed and implemented by participants in the Citizen Leaders training program. For further information on the Citizen Leaders Program click here.


The Projects:

Ashburn Direct Action Coalition (ADAC)
Located in Ashburn on the southwest side of Chicago

Organizing community youth. The Ashburn Direct Action Coalition is a model for creating positive youth activities.

The leader organized ADAC in response to several hate crime incidents in their community involving young people in the early 1990âs. ADAC addresses the problems caused by the negative publicity and develop proactive programs for the areaâs youth. An example of this is the 18th Ward Aldermanâs Summer Basketball Tournament and the open gym at Hayes Park, the site of the most serious hate cases. Today 30 to 50 young people show up for each open gym and more than 200 youth play in the tournament.

There is also a chess/checkers club for the young people that do not play contact sports. The chess/checkers club met at three different parks, two libraries and a couple of schools. All of the locations helped to make sure that every youth could attend if they wanted.

During this time, the leader heard about the Citizen Leaders program sponsored by Imagine Chicago. "I felt that with the Citizen Leaders program I would be able to begin networking to make it easier for all the kids to receive all the services available to them. Imagine Chicago gave a name to the steps that I had been following and helped me to focus my goal into a realistic plan. I wanted to eventually create what I called the Total Quality Network."

The leader gathered a team to use the Citizen Leaders program to form the Total Quality Network and turned his attention to networking for specific events and programs as a way to bring independent organizations into collaboration.

The leader created summer programs for children to play sand volleyball, basketball, jump rope and other activities. In 1997 he began a back to school rally. The rally aimed at getting kids excited for the up coming school year and helped to end summer with a bang. The rally had games, prizes food and entertainment. It has grown in size, attracting about fifty people in its first year to around 900 in 1999.

These strategies have helped build many different collaborations on the Southwest side- the Council of Southwest Side Youth Organizations, which includes the Southwest Side Youth Collaborative and ADAC -collaborations of more than 30 community partners trying to make a difference for youth.

Who got involved and how they got involved:
The leader brought together community representatives, private institution representatives, public institution representatives, business representatives, and neighborhood volunteers such as the First Bank of Chicago and YouthNet. All of these groups brought to the table their specialty or service, whether it was time, money, ideas, space, or supplies.

How this project has made a difference:
There have been two major benefits of this project. The first is the fact that many kids have now been given the chance to do something positive. There are now more opportunities for youth to participate in events that they enjoy. The second benefit has been that it has brought together a variety of community partners into networks and collaborations.

What was learned:
The leader learned that it is necessary to focus on smaller goals that can be used as a step to something larger, instead of initially pursuing a broad, vague vision and the power of networking. To quote the leader, "The status quo can be changed when people band together in a commitment to make a difference."

Key things to know if trying to create a similar project:
The leader said that going though the Citizen Leaders program was very helpful. Gaining a focus and name to what he was doing greatly improved his ability to accomplish his goals, especially when they were vague visions. It was very important to go through each step; it changed abstract into reality.

The cost of the project:
To date (end of 1999) ADAC projects have cost a total of $8,000. Most of the necessary materials were provided by the different organization working in coalition with ADAC, such as the space donated by the First Chicago Bank or the supplies donated by the Department of Public Health. The contributions made by organizations totaled three to five thousand dollars and private donations total approximately $1,000. The leader would like ADAC to grow larger and have contributions of $12,000 to $14,000 dollars a year.



The Miracle Center
Located in the Humboldt Park district

In 1998, the Miracle Center was started as an organization focused on helping children develop talents, trust, and relationships through the performing arts. It was developed out of a children's summer camp program called Kings Kamp. It seeks to provide children a place where, according to their motto, "Children's Dreams Become a Reality."

The Story:
Mary grew up in the Humboldt Park area in a family of 10. Throughout her childhood, her family would perform plays in empty parking lots. Mary has said that the performing gave her an outlet for her feelings and the confidence that she would need later in life.

In 1993, a deep faith inspired Mary to begin giving back to the Humboldt community. A year later she quit her job at a publishing company to start a childrenâs summer program called Kings Kamp. "Every time I look at these kids, I see myself. I feel as a survivor of the streets I have the ability to help them to do more with their life."

Mary began Kings Kamp in 1994 by handing out fliers at Maranatha Church where she worships. The fliers advertised that the program would take the kids on many different field trips. She began by charging $55 for a six-week program. The children went to different museums, theaters, and the lake.  She was also able to get free tickets to take the children to different sporting events.

"Yet, I had a bigger vision than Kingâs Kamp.  I wanted to create a more comprehensive program based on faith that used the performing arts as the method to teach the kids skills they need to be successful in life. In 1998, she was able to start exploring that dream with the Citizen Leaders program at Imagine Chicago. Citizen Leaders took Maryâs current program and started to combine it with the dreams she had. After putting her dream on paper, Mary wrote down goals and the steps to achieve those goals. ãImagine Chicago helped me put my vision down on paper. And once you write something down, then you can run with it."

What resulted was the Miracle Center, an organization that runs programs aiming to teach kids the performing arts at different partner organizations, like schools and churches.  The instructors teach a class based on the particular talents they have in the arts.  The programs vary in size and length, some being once a week lesson, while others are every day.

The first session held at San Lucas Church was a six-week program where kids learned mime, drama, ballet, and hip-hop.  The children came once a week and received instructions from adults who were already in the performing arts.  At the end of the program, the students put on a performance for family and community members.

During this time, Mary was discussing ways to continue the work of the Miracle Center with other possible partners and organizations.  In addition, Mary sat down with all of her instructors and began to plan strategically about where the Miracle Center should be going and how it can get there.  The process was that of discussing and talking with as many different people as possible about ways to continue and expand the program.  ãOne key is to go and talk to any name someone drops you.  I ran into somebody that I met three or four years ago, and they told me to talk with someone who has helped us continue the work.  You never know what will happen.ä

Mary talked to a person at the Coalition of Latin American Ministers who connected her with an opportunity to run the Miracle Center at Lafayette Elementary School. The Chicago Public School System co-sponsored the Lafayette program. The Miracle Center began toward the end of the school year as an after-school program. It extended as a summer program to the end of July 1999 and provided an opportunity for the kids to learn drama, tap dance, hip-hop, or arts and crafts. In addition, two Miracle Center programs are scheduled to begin at the end of the summer, and others organizations are inquiring about whether the Miracle Center can be run there.

On a typical day, the Miracle Center fills the Lafayette Elementary playground with laughter and smiles.  Over by the garbage dumpster some girls are doing double-Dutch jump roping while others are talking and playing hand games. Boys are calling that they are open for a touchdown in a football game with instructors.  Other boys are girls are giggling and chasing each other around the park.

Later in the day, the kids begin to work in their classes. Like all other kids they are running around the makeshift classrooms in the school auditorium.  Then one of the instructors stands in front of the room and starts to talk. He does not start yelling at the kids to calm down and be quiet.  Instead, he continues to talk about what the plans are for the day.  Quickly, the 50 kids have stopped running, quieted each other and are listening to the instructions.  Afterwards, the kids break off into their respective groups.

Mary has three goals with the kids.  The first is to help them develop their talents so that it might help them to grow up into something bigger. The second is to build relationships with each child.  Too often, according to Mary, these children have never had anyone they can talk to and depend on. Finally, Mary wants to develop a trust with the children.  She knows that if she is transparent with the kids, they will slowly begin to trust her.  With all three of these goals, Mary feels that she can really give these kids the advantage they need to do great things with their life.

ãIt is hard to work with these kids sometimes.  Many of them come in cold and hardened by their experiences on the street. They do not place much trust in people.  To help deal with the childrenâs problems, the instructors go to counseling classes. ãMany times the children soften quickly under the guidance of the adults. I have seen kids who are very wild when they first come in but by the second week they give their instructor a big hug and tell them they love them.ä

The reward for the instructors many times comes at the end of the day or performance when one of the kids or parents comes up and says a heartfelt thank you. After one performance put on by the Miracle Center a mother came up to Mary with tears in her eyes and a large smile. ãMary, Iâm the twinsâ mom, what youâve done is amazing, Both of my girls have been diagnosed with learning disabilities and it has really hurt their work at school and their confidence in themselves.  But over the past six weeks, I have really seen a difference. I think that the Miracle Center has truly performed a Miracle. When I saw my daughters on stage, I began to cry because you have allowed them to do things that they could never have done before.  Thank you so much, you are an angel.ä

Who got involved and how they got involved:
The original instructors involved with the Miracle Center were friends of Mary Santana.  They became involved because they wanted to help youth.  Each had a specialty in the arts, which they taught to the children. As the program has grown larger, some of the instructors are people who have approached Mary and asked if they could instruct a class.  In addition to instructors, some parent and neighborhood volunteers have helped out in running the time in between classes, and preparing materials for classes. In addition, the Miracle Center has been working with Latin Ministers Coalition. They have aided in providing materials, funding, and staff.


How this project has made a difference:
This project has helped many youth to develop further talents in the performing arts.  It has also aided childrenâs self-esteem and confidence.  The children in the arts and crafts class made a poster that said, ãI love the tutors. Some children who come to the program and will not allow anyone to touch them, are eagerly giving hugs to their instructors by the end.  Also, many parents have approached Mary after performances and thanked her for the things she did with their child. ãOne childâs disabled cousin came to me and wanted to be in class.  He needed a chairlift to participate, but he was able to.  Things like that mean a lot,ä said Mary.

What was learned:
There are many important lessons learned from working with the children.  One is to appreciate life. ãYou are only a child once. You are only an adult once. I want to see them smiling.ä

Also, in working with youth, adults need to be transparent.  It is necessary to let them know how you feel.  They are very good at sensing when something is not right. They many times interpret that feeling as a threat to them, unless it is explained.  Another key is to build a relationship with the children. When they know and respect the adult, they are much more likely to listen.  It makes each session more productive for each party.

In organizing the project, one key is to use time well.  Organize everything, have a schedule, and plan the right classes at the right times. This has to be balanced.

What are the key things we should
tell someone trying to create a similar project:
The key to getting any program started according to Mary is to make partnerships and networks.  Anytime that a name is dropped, you should call the person to introduce yourself and talk to them.  Many times that person could be crucial to the next phase in a plan.  In addition, it is very important not to procrastinate.  If you wait until the end, it will not happen.

Contact Information:
Mary Santana 6322 N. Minnehana Chicago, IL 60646 (773) 903-8074


Community Garden and Gazebo

Project goal is to expand the garden at 4423 W. Maypole and build benches and a gazebo. This project will involve nearby residents in the planning and building of the expansion as well as providing space for neighborhood residents to meet once completed.

The story:
Ms. Minnie Smith and Ms. Mary Burns like flowers ÷ so in 1994 they planted flowers in front of each neighborâs house on the block.  With each neighborâs approval, they installed flower boxes around the front trees of all of the houses, and planted 3-4 different kinds of flowers, both perennials and annuals. This was a start for each neighbor to take pride in cleaning and taking care of their own property. ãWe wanted to make the neighborhood beautiful,ä they said.

The neighbors welcomed the efforts to plant the flowers and they thought that the flowers made the neighborhood pretty. Many neighbors, however, said that they could not take the flowers. Some did not have time, some did not know how to care for flowers, and some were not physically able to do so. While some of the neighbors watered, weeded and replanted the flowers, Ms. Burns and Ms. Smith continued to care for the majority of flower boxes on the block, because their owners did not do so.

ãWe thought that planting these flowers would get more people to participate on the block and in the block club.Over the last five years, some people participate more ö a little more, but many people never started participating in the block. We were surprised that that more people donât get involved.  About 10 ö 12 people come to the typical monthly block club meeting.ä

In 1995 and 1996, a couple abandoned buildings were torn down leaving two vacant lots on the block.  ãAbandoned cars and garbage began accumulating on these lots. Thatâs when we started our community gardens. We got the cars taken off, and we got woodchips laid on the lots. We bought truckloads of dirt and spread them on the lot. And we joined the Green Corps program which helped us turn the lots into gardens. We now have three gardens on the block, the latest of which we started last year.ä

Yet, both Ms. Smith and Ms. Burns planned for the garden to be a community meeting place. "We decided we needed a gazebo in the middle of the garden. A gazebo would turn this garden into a community meeting place. Parents could sit in it and watch their children play. We could also hold block club meetings, birthday parties, and weddings.  Our garden and gazebo would be open for different people on the block in the community to use."

ãOur block club helped plan the layout of the gazebo. We negotiated with Home Depot for a deal on the materials, and we built the gazebo with help from mild spells during the winter. A neighbor who was good with buildings took the lead, and several people helped built the gazebo in November, 1998. An autumn storm later blew off the roof, but a couple people helped rebuild the roof by the end of the month.

The opening celebration of the gazebo was held in May, 1999. ãThis celebration is the first time we have invited people to the gazebo. It is now open for birthday parties, meetings, and weddings!ä proclaimed Ms. Smith and Ms. Burns.

Who got involved and how they got involved
Ms. Burns and Ms. Smith have been the main people caring for the flowers and the gardens.  ãWe have had help from the block club and a few of the neighbors on the block.  We can always count on the kids to help us out, especially if we have hot dogs and chips available. A couple times volunteer groups from a corporate insurance company have come to help us. Most of the work we do on our own. I knew more about gardens, so I taught Ms. Smith.  She learned a lot and is real dedicated. Now, we both know quite a bit about gardens. The two of us have always been the main people involvedä.

How the project has made a difference
ãOn a personal level, I have always visualized having a flower garden and a beautiful neighborhood.  This is the fulfilliment of a dream. I would talk about it with Ms. Burns, and we would get excited, and then we would have to go out there and work on the garden. Itâs been real important to have someone to talk to about this to keep us both going. She also gives good advice.ä

ãI have always liked to garden. I retired first and was so glad when Ms. Smith retired so that she could help me with the garden. Sheâs a good worker. These efforts help beautify the neighborhood.  There is no more trash and abandoned cars. It makes the neighborhood better, safer. There are less places for people to get involved with drugs. We always thought that the gardens would get more people involved in the well-being of the neighborhood. A few people participate a little bit more, but the flowers and the garden havenât really gotten the block involved. People always seem to have some excuse why they canât help. Iâve stopped asking now.ä

What we have learned
ãThe key to getting kids involved is having barbeques and hot dogs and chips and block club parties.  It been very difficult to get the adults more involved. Some of them are not physically able to help. Iâve also learned that mulch can turn into beautiful grass after a couple of years.ä

What we would tell someone trying to create a similar project
ãWe didnât know how to start a garden. Green Corps helped us quite a bit. They taught us some of the basics and they gave us shrubs and even helped put them in for us. Talk to people on the blocks.  They may not come out, but you have to keep talking and continuously asking. Sometimes they surprise you. t takes a lot of work, and some of your own money.ä

How much the project cost
ãTo maintain a garden, you have to buy dirt, flowers, shrubs, and the fence around the lot.  This takes a lot of money to start, and less to maintain every year. The fence around the lot was $600 when we first installed it.

ãThe gazebo, picnic table, and bench cost about $800. We had to get some of the materials twice because the storm blew the roof off the first time.ä

Contact information
Ms. Minnie Smith
4426 W. Maypole
Chicago, IL 60624
773-261-2413

Ms. Mary Burns
4415 W. Maypole
Chicago, IL 60624
773-379-4589


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