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Phase two begins for Washington Park leadership training

By Richard Muhammad on Saturday, November 18, 2006

Some 20 neighborhood residents gathered in a community room at St. Edmund’s Episcopal Church Nov. 18 for phase two of sessions presented by the Washington Park Leadership Development Training Institute.

“Understanding Policy and Legislation” was the topic of a Saturday session led by John Paul Jones, of the Neighborhood Capital Budget Group. The bi-monthly training lasts six months and is expected to conclude in May, said New Communities Program director Tasha Baker, of lead agency St. Edmund’s Redevelopment Corp.

Leadership training is especially significant given Chicago’s bid for the 2016 Summer Olympics and proposed changes in Washington Park, said Jones, NCBD director of community outreach.

As the Olympic proposal and other developments move forward, there is an expectation and often a requirement for community input, he noted. Residents, in particular, and other community stakeholders must be engaged, Jones stressed.

Without engaged leadership, a neighborhood can easily be bypassed as decisions are made, he explained.

 Jones led the group through defining public policy, tracking legislation, examining the role of lobbyists, critiquing public subsidies, tax dollars and capital improvements, and similar topics. His presentation ranged from where to look for city money to install lighting and curb cuts to how to engage in democratic processes at the city, county and state level.

The idea is to broaden residents’ conversations with government officials about policy needs to protect their interests and to increase their wealth, Jones said.

Training provides definitions, possible strategies

Washington Park has often had a difficult time assembling leaders to talk things through, he noted. “This is a whole new ballgame, they are now ready to begin some policy work and legislation, and that should help them achieve many victories,” said Jones.

“Stakeholders have to assemble, they have to be clear about what they expect, from not only themselves but from others – and set the pace. Again, outsiders will be looking for a venue. I think people who work in good faith do want to communicate with the constituencies, but (Washington Park) will have to provide that venue,” Jones added.

Willie Cochran, a training participant, was struck by the topics presented and how much residents could learn. It was “a great meeting,” and very informative about legislation, lobbying and community organizing, he said.

“This session has given us the ability to increase the capacity of our local agencies. And our local agencies, if given the opportunity, working hand in hand with government could increase overall government and community effectiveness,” said Cochran.

“It was a wonderful morning and afternoon on gaining insights on how governments work,” added Edward Chaney, membership chair for the Washington Park Neighborhood Association.

Increased knowledge input and impact

“The more they become savvy about the items, the better they’ll be able to protect themselves from economic disruptions, or at least, compete with the new stakeholders that will be coming their way,” said Jones, in laying out the value of the training.

Jones hopes to come back to Washington Park to talk about putting together special funds, whether for college scholarships, home improvements for longtime residents or money to support other redevelopment. It’s more than someone just paying for pop at a block club party, he said.

“Washington Park is overwhelmed by new private investors, who need to know they must give something back to the community … not just to give to city hall, but to give to the community,” he said.

The Washington Park Leadership Development Training Institute is run by the Washington Park Neighborhood Association and the New Communities Program. The training was sponsored by LISC/Chicago and the Woods Fund of Chicago.

The goal is to empower residents and develop a core group of leaders, said Baker. Phase One of the training included community engagement and neighborhood relations, she said.

Mixed feelings about Olympic bid

Having attended five core group meetings about the Olympics, Baker has seen mixed reactions. “The residents have been told, no one has invited them to the table and gave them a thorough understanding” of the process, she said.

There are worries the city will mandate expensive improvements for home and condo owners, questions about who will pay for new developments, and whether there will be place for current residents, Baker said.

Others think the idea is wonderful and will bring jobs, she continued. But, Baker added, if residents don’t qualify for the jobs, training will be needed.

Getting residents to think through opportunities, problems and options is important given the assorted questions and mixed feelings. “This kind of training is crucial because it teaches people how to get involved step by step, without theatrics, knowing the core information. So when you go to the table you know what people are talking about and you can add to the process,” she said.