What will our legacy be?
Chicago200
In 2037, Chicago will be 200 years old – how will you shape your city's future? What will be your legacy? Join the Chicago200...
The next Chicago200 program will run in October 2022. Dates TBC.
Chicago200 is an annual leadership program that convenes young diverse leaders from across the Chicagoland area to address the question: "How will we make Chicago a city for all?"
We have a moment for re-imagination! Instead of things going back to the way they were prior to the events of 2020, we can come together to tackle the issues that keep us divided.
Over ten years, Chicago200 aims to engage and develop 2,000 diverse leaders, who are committed to reshaping their city.
We are currently also running an online version of the program, find more information here.
"The program provided me with insight into Chicago’s young leaders and how those individuals were impacting change. I grow inspired at the thought of the program and am thankful to have had the opportunity to participate. I believe this will impact Chicago's future in significant ways.”
Why Chicago200?
Boundaries are everywhere: between sectors, specializations, geographies, generations, backgrounds and beliefs. Chicago is replete with boundaries, and will not reach its true potential unless we break through these boundaries. Chicago200 aims to do this by convening the next generation of leaders to establish diverse relationships, facilitate crucial conversations, and collaborate around future solutions.
What happens on the program?
Over three days, Chicago200 participants will brainstorm, test, refine and present their visions for Chicago. In the process, these young leaders will explore different perspectives of the city and learn from established public, private, and non-profit leaders. They will investigate key issues, hold difficult conversations, and collaborate around tangible solutions for Chicago.
Success
The initiative launched in 2019 as a pilot. The goal is that over the next ten years, a diverse alumni group of 2,000 leaders will emerge from the program who can think beyond today to forge Chicago's path for tomorrow. As advisors to established leaders in the city, the 200 will express their vision for the city through local media and help shape Chicago’s future. By 2037, ten big ideas will have emerged, which these leaders will be supported to make a reality. Furthermore, Chicago200 alumni will lead the initiative moving forward and cultivate the next 2,000 young leaders with the same charge to look beyond Chicago turning 200.
"Chicago200, in my view, is an enormous opportunity to bring together youth leaders in a bold and equitable manner."
Program outcome
"How will we make Chicago a city for all?" We are delighted that these four innovative ideas were developed by participants on the program:
- H.O.M.E. – Housing Outreach and Mediation Enterprise: H.O.M.E. aims to provide support to shelters in an effort to improve living and resources for homeless youth across Chicago. By 2037, we hope to provide support to Chicago shelters through direct community training and an ecosystem of support for our homeless youth.
- Chicago Police – Creating a greater sense of transparency and improving the relationship between public, Chicago Police Department and public officials. With Chicago being one of the most violent and corrupt cities, this initiatives will hope to create community involvement with decisions and tactics being made by departments. This will be achieved through engagement of community meetings, awareness of data and information, and through community-police training. Training can include mental health assessments, diversity and inclusion, biases, and other factors that can create barriers in protecting our neighbourhoods.
- Social Emotional Learning Program (SELP) – To develop a 9 week program that will assist students in developing empathy, compassion, and regulating emotions through art, mentorship, and workshops. This program will take CPS youth between 5th and 8th grade and pair them with mentors to help foster healthier lifestyles for youth as they go through key developmental years.
- The Promise Project – Through thoughtful curriculum, community connection, and networking opportunities, The Promise Project will address the gaps in education and opportunity that exist for young people transitioning into adulthood. This will include professional etiquette, financial literacy, housing, vocational skills, and planning for success. We seek to make Chicago known for a true city of promise and opportunity by the city’s 200th birthday for any young person by providing needed and missing curriculum from our schools.
Assessment Results:
I am more able to lead or work within diverse teams of people
I feel more connected to my city
The network I built on Chicago200 will enable me to make a difference in Chicago
The application process for Chicago200 involves answering three questions about your passion for leadership and your city. These questions can be answered by whichever means feels most comfortable to you, be it written, video submission, a piece of artwork, song or photograph – however you best feel you can express your desire to take responsibility for the legacy of Chicago.
This piece was a response by a participant from our first cohort, to the question: "What do you think Chicago is known for now?"
Saúl Alejandro Zamora Jr – Chicago, Illinois
"Chicago200 brought together different groups together from communities I don't normally interact with. I learned to open up my mind and listen to those speaking who have lived different realities across the city."
Partners
Chicago200 is a partnership between The Chicago Community Trust and Common Purpose; it is supported by the following organizations: City Colleges of Chicago, The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, University of Chicago, Northern Trust, Chicago Public Media, 1871 and Civitas Child Law Center, Loyola University to ensure this program is reflective of the city
The Chicago Community Trust is a community foundation dedicated to improving our region through strategic grant making, civic engagement and inspiring philanthropy. We are here to serve the nonprofit organizations, the generous donors and the thoughtful residents who strive to make a difference, helping their bold vision create lasting community change. We work with a number of partnerships and initiatives to accomplish this work.
As businesses, local governments, and organizations strive to solve pressing challenges, the Trust brings these key actors together. Working together, we leverage collective knowledge, creativity and resources for a greater impact than any of us can make alone.
Common Purpose is a leadership development organization that specializes in cross-boundary leadership. A not-for-profit, we run programs in over 100 cities worldwide. Founded in 1989, we have over 105,000 alumni globally. Our leadership development programs inspire and equip people to work across boundaries. This enables them to solve complex problems in organizations and in society.
“Chicago200 has developed me as a leader by challenging me to have deeper conversations with people who don't look like me.”
Andrew Merz
Andrew Merz
Chicago200 Steering Committee
Apply
When? October 2022. Dates TBC.
Where? All sessions are in-person
How much? FREE
Who can apply? Young leaders aged 18-25
"Chicago 200 has given me many new insights into what it takes to be a leader, that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. I have gained long-lasting relationships through the program and it helped to open opportunities for me."
Program images courtesy Andrew Merz