MEET THE HELPERS: Neighbors share stories about what they are doing to help make their corner of the world a better place

Karen Kring here.

Interesting times, we live in.

So many people are inflamed by the nature of our times. So much angst. With that comes a lot of well-meaning people who want to DO SOMETHING TO HELP. Some don't know quite how to start.

I’ve come up with an idea, one that can help soothe the inflamed, inspire and prime new community leaders, and encourage new ways of thinking about and starting new community initiatives in order to progress beyond the status quo.


It’s a speakers series called Meet the Helpers where neighbors share stories about what they are doing to help, from where they are, with what they’ve got.

The working title comes from Mr. Rogers’ mother, who told young Fred in times of crisis to look for the helpers. He was comforted by this, recognizing that there are so many helpers, so many caring people in this world. I think others will be comforted by meeting some helpers.

Numerous community projects I’ve lead or worked on recently, plus conversations with a variety of Chicago area community and business leaders, have influenced my thinking on this subject.

A team of organizers and supporters are being assembled. All are invited to get involved in ways that you find meaningful. A survey is being circulated that asks for nomination for speakers.

This all aims to be fun, inspirational and hopefully transformative for everyone involved.

We hope you'll find this initiative worthwhile and will participate.


✿*•.¸¸.•*✿*•.¸¸.•*✿*•.¸¸.•*✿


The Plan: Karen Kring with a team of neighbors will organize three speakers nights each featuring a panel of doers from the Chicago area sharing a bit about what they are working on, how and why they got involved, the ups and downs of their projects, plus some wisdom they’ve learned along the way.

The first speakers night is expected to take place in Evanston, where a few of the prospective speakers are based. Prospective audiences for the series are neighbors throughout the Chicago area. Outreach and promotion will include old and new school methods in order to be as inclusive as possible.

The Speakers: A survey is being distributed that asks for nomination for speakers. We're especially interested in featuring folks who have have founded projects or taken on volunteer positions outside their day jobs. Some of the nominated speakers who will potentially be invited to speak include:
  • The founder of ShoreFront Legacy Center, which collects and preserves artifacts, documents, photographs and family archives that depict the lives of Blacks on the Chicago suburban North Shore and answers the questions of educators and the general public who often reply with "I did not know…”.
  • A woman who has endured burns and scarring and since then has reclaimed her life, crushed stereotypes and speaks on the power of forgiveness and encourages others to transcend their personal barriers.
  •  Two collaborating photographers who use their images of Lake Michigan to provoke viewers into considering the sometimes hidden, sometimes obvious, profound threats to the health of Lake Michigan and the region.
  • Two collaborating moms who are concerned about the health and well being of families in Chicago's Englewood neighborhood and beyond. One is the founder of MASK, Mothers Against Senseless Killing and the other is a teacher and recognized leader in the Morton Grove and Niles Township community. 
Presenting partners: These are for-profit and non-profit entities who will have a presence at the speakers nights, might be part of the agenda, and have helped kick in some funds to make these events happen.
The Funding: We are asking backers to fund the first speakers night, which is expected to happen this in late 2019, if backed. After that we believe ticket sales, sponsorships and possibly a grant can cover the expenses for future talks.

The full budget for each speakers night is approximately $3000, $9000 total, but we think through in-kind contributions, our out-of-pocket expenses for the first speakers night can be as low as $1900, so that is what we’re asking for initially. A kickoff party will be announced immediately.

For the first and later speakers nights, we’ll need to cover the costs relating to the venue, AV assistance, a website, outreach and promotion, an intern's time, refreshments and speakers’ gifts, as well as recording the full series via video, audio and still photography.

The Media: The first speakers night will be covered by Evanston Live Productions via video. Audio and stills will be captured by the Evanston Media Group. Speakers featured through the series will be featured in The Local Tourist's publication. Video and audio will be displayed online on the project's website, YouTube and on other platforms.

The Personnel: Media strategist and journalist Karen Kring is the mastermind behind this initiative. Various committees are still in formation.

The organizing team helping make it happen include Chicago firefighter Cat Renar and a Creative Coworking intern, so far.

The host committee includes Kemone Hendricks, Mary Burke-Peterson, Bushra Amiwala, Dan Coyne, Lisa Litberg and Evanston Cradle to Career, so far.

Advisors include Evanston's Dick Peach, Skokie's Mike Reid, so far.

Presenting partners, underwriters and in-kind contributors: TBD

If you have any questions, please contact Karen Kring via email.

We’d appreciate your support.

No comments:

Post a Comment