Near West Side Commercial Development

Neighborhoods Non-Profit Network

Parent Leadership Programs

Pilsen Commercial Development

Plain Talk

Project TELL

West Side Consortium Training Institute
for Family Childcare Home Providers
(formerly Community Union Day Care Center 1996-1999)

Project Description
This program was established with a focus on adult literacy and community health. The programs emerged out of feedback provided by public school principals, who felt that many parents would like to become more involved in school and community issues, but held back because they were self-conscious of their communication skills and knowledge of community issues. Parents and adult friends of children who attend a public elementary school met twice on a weekly basis in a writing workshop to write and discuss their experiences living in the community. More than 70 adults were involved in the program, and their writings were used to begin production of a magazine, "The Journal of Ordinary Thought." A faculty member from UIC's College of Education worked directly with program participants to the produce numerous editions of the magazine. A parent leadership program has also been implemented in both communities to increase parents' understanding of community issues and to develop their abilities to address them. In Pilsen, UIC's College of Education has worked with the Instituto del Progresso Latino, a program that has been operating in Pilsen for many years. Out of this program, a journal titled "Community Voices" has been established, which featured the writings of program participants.

Funding Source
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (COPC)

Contact
Nacho Gonzalez

Partners - UIC
College of Education

Partners - Community

Partners - Others

Project Dates
1994-1999