Value

We Commit to Unlearning...

We Commit to Embracing...

Power-Sharing 

Imbalanced power dynamics where government members present predetermined solutions to communities.

One organization speaking for and representing all community members.

Shared decision-making between government and community representatives who are accountable to communities directly impacted by the issues at hand.

Communities as experts in their experiences and providing the resources to invest in their ability to organize and share that knowledge as a critical part of decision-making.

Civic Trust

Practices that contribute to civic trauma, where people disengage from government due to repeated experiences of exclusion, neglect, or unfulfilled commitments.

Strategies that rebuild civic trust by strengthening the systems that allow those most impacted by issues to shape solutions and publicly share progress.

Mutual Accountability

Blaming communities for conditions caused and perpetuated by failed systems and disinvestment.

Over-reliance on government alone to generate solutions to issues that communities are facing.

Collective responsibility for creating concrete, long-term strategies and implementation plans that address systemic racism and economic inequities.

Holding each other accountable for the progress and outcomes we set out to achieve.

Civic Education

A culture of information scarcity that hinders effective engagement and solution-building.

Our responsibility to educate each other:

Government representatives will educate community partners on city structures, processes, policies, and legal constraints so that people know how government works and can actively participate;

Communities will educate government members about their needs and the tools and resources that would have a meaningful impact.

Tangible Outcomes

A practice of one-directional engagement that leads to inaction, retrenchment, and lack of transparency.

Creating tangible outcomes that improve people's lives and fulfill our commitments.

Ongoing action that is not limited to a period of decision-making or an election.

Transparency and Broad Participation

Fears of sharing our challenges and constraints that block us from getting support and benefiting from collective wisdom and resources.

Going beyond engaging representatives of those most impacted.

Engaging directly with and providing clear, accessible updates to Chicagoans directly harmed by the issues we are addressing.

Theme

Pathway

Accessible, neighborhood-centered engagement 

• Get proximate by locating decision-making opportunities in the neighborhoods/communities that are most impacted by the policy, program, or initiative, not just downtown.

• Ensure engagement opportunities are at relevant times of the day for the audience you seek to engage (e.g., after 5 pm for working adults) and held at accessible locations (e.g., ADA-compliant)

• Ensure there are dedicated spaces to gather for regular co-governance meetings. Provide resources to hold meetings and conversations in those spaces (e.g., materials, interpretation services, and technological support) to enable inclusive participation.

• Engage communities in ways that are relevant to their lives to increase interest and participation in activities, including, but not limited to newsletters, online updates, social media engagement, and block-by-block engagement.

• Use jargon-free language that is accessible to people who speak languages other than English and to people of all ages and education levels.

Establish Clear Expectations and Goals

• Ensure that all parties understand the issues, processes, and goals at the outset.

• Provide education and resources to support informed participation.

Ensure Timely Implementation and Follow-Ups

• Recognize that delays can frustrate and erode trust. To maintain confidence in the process, set clear timelines, provide regular updates, and follow up on commitments.

Transparency and accountability

• Set clear agreements on who is responsible for making decisions and how those decisions will be made to promote transparency and accountability.

• Establish clear timelines and follow-ups while also preparing to be flexible in navigating delays and unexpected challenges that could undermine trust.

• Evaluate co-governance outcomes and processes by implementing practices for collective oversight, accountability, and reporting.