The week began with a visit to the Chicago History Museum, providing us with a little background on Chicago http://chicagohistory.org/ .
Students also visited the Mark Bradford Project exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art.
“Bradford uses the neighborhoods as his works of art.” Chicago Works
"Deeply influenced by his experience growing up in South Central Los Angeles, the titles of his works often allude to stereotypes and the dynamics of class, race, and gender-based economies that structure urban society in the United States, specifically those of Los Angeles where he lives and works. “ http://themarkbradfordproject.org/
“You want me to twist my body into the letter… what??!!”
Students were challenged and had a hilarious time acting outside their comfort zones as they were treated to an improv olympics workshop led by Jason Shotts, instructor and member of the iO Theater.
Jason taught us moment to moment listening and how to build on what we just heard. We learned to act and respond quickly and creatively -- to make up sounds, stories, gestures and body movements. We also learned to support and help each other out on stage, the philosophy of the iO Theater http://chicago.ioimprov.com .
Vivian brought in delicious mooncakes in honor of the Chinese Moon Festival this week. The festival is for lunar worship and moon watching. Mooncakes are offered between friends or on family gatherings while celebrating the festival. Yumm! Thanks for sharing, Vivian! 
Chicago is a hot-bed for entrepreneurs and start-up businesses. This week students met with the founder of Sleepyhead, a drink “formulated to help you fall asleep pronto. We’re not an intense prescription pill or pain killer that will leave you groggy in the morning. We’re refreshing, rejuvenating, ice cold (or piping hot), toffee/caramely goodness… and we’re at your fingertips.” Sweet dreams, CP students!
“Chicago is the capital of the world in terms of inventing ways to make change.”
That's what John (Jody) Kretzmann told CP students this week. Jody is one of the founders of the ACM Urban Studies Program, which had its first semester in 1969. As a founder and Co-Director of the Asset-Based Community Development Institute at Northwestern University, Jody has been at the forefront of a movement to re-focus community development efforts in the U.S. and internationally.
Jody gave us a little history of community development and organizing in Chicago, starting with the work of Jane Addams and Hull House. Then he entertained us with stories of creative tactics used by Saul Alinsky, the father of modern urban community organizing, to empower people to get their voices heard.
Jody challenged us to use the approach of Asset-Based Community Development as we examine Chicago’s neighborhoods this fall. He encouraged us to “try on a new pair of glasses,” that allows us to see more than the neighborhood’s problems, it’s crime and decay. He persuaded us to look for the resources, the gifts, the skills, the assets, the potential interest a community has to offer. The goal is to move from charity to communities to investment in communities.
“I hope Chicago grabs you and doesn’t let you go,” Jody told CP students. “We need your energy and dedication.”
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