Community Activation Networks

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Community Activation Networks

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Beginning in May of 2022,  the Community Safety Coordination Center (CSCC), in partnership with community organizations, formed Community Activation Networks in an effort to conduct weekly violence reviews and identify the tasks necessary to address people and place-based issues driving violence. These teams represent a holistic and coordinated effort between the City and community partners to identify what is driving violence in each community area to identify what solutions we can quickly use to combat violence.

Coordination

The CSCC facilitates weekly meetings with partners in several community areas to identify what is driving violence in each community and discuss what immediate solutions can be used to reduce and prevent violence. These meetings allow for providers serving those impacted by violence to be in one room and discuss ways to streamline access to a variety of violence prevention and victim services.

Data Analysis

At each community meeting, we share weekly data regarding shooting incidents in the community areas that experience the highest levels of violence. With this data and feedback from providers and community leaders, we identify hot spot areas and examine the impacts that gun violence in these hot spot areas  has on local businesses, schools, parks, libraries, etc.

Implementation 

These connections allow for our partners to quickly mobilize referral pathways and implement violence intervention and prevention strategies discussed in our meetings. These pathways include access to victim services, street outreach, and referrals to an array of supports needed by individuals victimized and impacted by violence.

Chicago's Community Activation Networks

The Community Safety Coordination Center's 15 High Priority Community Areas are:

  1. Auburn Gresham*
  2. Austin
  3. Chicago Lawn
  4. East Garfield Park*
  5. Englewood*
  6. Greater Grand Crossing*
  7. Humboldt Park
  8. New City*
  9. North Lawndale
  10. Roseland*
  11. South Lawndale
  12. South Shore**
  13. West Englewood* (in coordination with Englewood)
  14. West Garfield Park* (in coordination with East Garfield Park)
  15. West Pullman

* Community areas where the Community Activation Networks are currently focused.

** Relaunching CANs in Fall 2024.

Chicago Community Action Network Map

The CSCC is open to and currently emerging and expanding CANs to other communities in Chicago within and outside of the priority community areas. There is a focused goal of CANs being a community-led initiative with CSCC support. If you or your neighborhood is interested in setting up a Community Activation Network team, please email us at CSCC@cityofchicago.org .

Community Activation Network Partners

Collectively, the CSCC, along with various City departments and community organizations, work together to deliver efficient, rapid, and sustainable services to these communities. Our partners include: 

  • Faith-Based Organizations 
  • Street Outreach Organizations 
  • Community-Based Organizations
  • Mental Health Providers
  • Victim Services Organizations
  • Chicago Police Department 
  • Chicago Mayor's Office 
  • Chicago Public Schools 
  • Other Community Stakeholders
  • Other Government Stakeholders

Community Action Network Partners