"United We Stand, Divided We Fall"
Who can argue with that? The ancient Greek storyteller Aesopo had it right: We are social animals and thrive most when we share and grow together … as a community.
The word community certainly gets thrown around a lot these days. While it’s a buzzword that evokes varied emotions, I think most of us understand (at least conceptually) the importance of community and its potential to positively impact lives. Especially today! No matter your politics, most people recognize the value in bridging social and economic gaps and fostering a sense of connection within our own communities and beyond.
May 21 TEDx Event Shines a Light on Chicago Communities
… And Creatix is happy to be a part of it. TEDx Grant Park Community is an independently organized TEDx event that brings together an eclectic group of 100 community leaders from diverse areas around Chicago. These are people willing to cross borders and share ideas in order to help Chicagoans work together to build a better, stronger city. And what better place to stage the event than one of the most unique meeting places in town, the Stagg Court of the Chicago Athletic Hotel.
Speaking at the event are some of Chicago’s most inspiring civic leaders, people who walk the talk when it comes to giving back to the community:
- Alex Niemczewski, CEO and co-founder of BallotReady, works relentlessly to make us an informed citizenry.
- Mawi Asgedom, President of Mawi Learning, inspires young people around the globe to get a good education and become leaders.
- Joel Hamernick, Executive Director of Sunshine Gospel Ministries, is a tireless advocate working to eradicate violence in our communities.
- Graham Aden, a software engineer, writer, and comedian, is an innovator who uses technology to encourage human connection.
- Adam Walls, founder and CEO of the 5812 Group, shares his breakthrough approach to address housing issues in under-served communities.
- Ruthie Fuller and Brittany Garber, co-founders of TwentyTwo|FortyFour, demonstrate their passion to mesh the worlds of fashion and art with community and social justice.
- Chuck Anderson, Creative Director of Design at Havas Chicago, shares his vision for mentoring young design talent.
Most of us living in urban and suburban neighborhoods don’t always feel like we are actually part of a community. While we live near each other, the feeling of a tangible community that brings people together just isn’t there. And, the feeling of a cohesive Chicago-wide community is even more abstract.
While I’ve always appreciated the TEDx mantra “Ideas Worth Spreading”, I particularly value the spirit of this event. When all is said and done, we can all grow by looking beyond our circle of friends and finding ways to contribute and give back to the communities we live in.
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