Proven Ways to Overcome Poverty

Thank you Nicholas Kristof! Check out his concise summary in the New York Times of the proven ways to overcome poverty. Chicago Commons is focusing its work in several of the directions mentioned... including high quality early childhoood education, ongoing educational support and jobs programs.

Sudden Movement on State Budget

Today, some sudden movement on the state budge crisis ... a bill passed both the Senate and House in one day to increase the retirement age on state pensions. It is a sign that responsible fiscal actions are starting to get some traction. However, this one action hardly solve the state budget crisis. In fact, while it reduces pension spending over many years, it does little to address the immediate payment back-log that is hurting Chicago Commons. More responsible fiscal actions will also be needed, a combination of spending cuts, new revenue and short-term borrowing.

Measuring Success

There is an interesting article in Catalyst on after school programs. The article quotes Chicago Commons’ Youth Director, Eddie Anguiano. We have long held that strong, positive relationships between youth and youth and adults is a key element to a young person becoming a responsible adult.

We are working in collaboration with four peer organizations to implement a performance tracking system called Efforts to Outcomes. This new tool includes surveys that are completed by young people to measure changes in their attitudes over the course of their time with us. Through this ongoing evaluation, we plan to show that there are practical ways to measure the impact of after school programs.

First Volley

Governor Quinn’s budget proposes significant pension reforms and $2 Billion worth of spending cuts. It proposes a tax increase that would be used to “undo” about $1 Billion worth of his proposed cuts to education.

Last year, the Governor’s budget threatened deep cuts in human services unless there was a tax increase. In the end, there was no tax increase, more limited cuts to human services and a stack of unpaid bills.

This year, it appears public education is being held up as the sacrificial lamb if there is no tax increase. The budget includes an 18% cut in state funding for all schools. This cut would affect Chicago Commons’ pre-schools since we do receive some public school funding. But will Governor Quinn actually follow through on this threat?

If Governor Quinn does not find a way to craft a budget solution with the legislature, then Chicago Commons’ unpaid state bills will rise and threaten our solvency along with many other organizations.

Powerful Art

Young people are so much more productive and successful when they feel a sense of pride and ownership over their community. It really is that simple.

Community art projects are powerful way to generate a sense of pride and ownership. Recently, one group of ten students met at Chicago Commons over 8 weeks and came up with creative ways to spread positive feelings in their neighborhood, Back of the Yards.

They agreed upon a simple message: "Chase your dreams."

Then they installed the message in a large fence using paper cups. Such a simple idea -- one that the students created and implemented themselves. We need to keep these ideas coming. Next up: students are creating portraits to be installed around the neighborhood. Keep your eyes peeled.