After a week and a half, I think I've finally caught up on enough sleep to post about Project 43!
Our members trekked through a blizzard (though to hear the weatherman tell it, it was more like 2 inches of snow) on the way from Champaign to UNITE Headquarters in Chicago. There, we met up with UNITE members from Illinois State University and Indiana University, as well as with current Chicago Public School teachers.
On Friday night we spoke with Greg Mitchie, our keynote speaker. Performing members from Second City taught us various improv comedy games. We learned our mission for the weekend was to create an action plan for a Chicago high school that is scheduled to be closed. It seemed crazy to us that after such a busy evening, people were able to stay awake most of the night! Illinois must be a sleepy school, because we were all in bed by 2 am.
Saturday focused on neighborhood exploration. Unfortunately, this required something like three trains, five buses, and two miles of walking in freezing Chicago weather. We broke up into groups and went to various neighborhoods to interview community members about their experiences with schools that were to be shut down. Half of Illinois members realized it would be a good day to scour indoor stores and restaurants to beat the cold...the other half were not quite as lucky. We also learned more about AUSL turn-around schools and were able to hear UNITE Headquarters speak about their experience in Ted-style talks. The night was spent working in our groups on our proposals and painting a mural at UNITE headquarters!
Sunday, we presented our proposals, napped, watched the Illini game (which we, of course, lost), and said goodbye to our new friends! I know that I personally learned so much about what went into deciding to shut down a school and why the decision is so difficult and controversial. I also had a great time exploring areas of Chicago I wouldn't have otherwise visited.
My favorite part though? Bonding with all the awesome UNITE members! I think we now have enough inside jokes to last the semester.
Peace, love, and Red Lobster.
