League of Awesome Possibilities

CHALLENGE

How can we make the neighborhood planning process more human? How can we spark collective imagination and invite neighbors to see and share their hopes for their communities in new ways?

How might we create vibrant economic neighborhood corridors through participatory urban design?

INITIATIVE

Founded in 2011, The League of Awesome Possibilities (Active 2011-2015) was a neighborhood collaborative in Chicago's 47th Ward. The league uses a mix of delightfully and strategically designed experiences to engage neighbors, support small businesses, and promote healthy local economies. The signature "Possibility Potluck" program has activated five storefronts and engaged nearly a thousand neighbors directly and inspired many more indirectly. These pop-ups are a combination of dinner party meets design charrette that gather insights for economic investment, engage neighbors, and have sparked numerous partnerships and friendships. A partnership with Neighborland brought to life our original "What's Possible?" installation and collected data central to local real estate and small business decision making.

We also participate in a variety of local events and are always asking ourselves:

"Will this make our neighborhood more awesome?"

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HIGHLIGHTS

Awesome Foundation Grant
GOOD Maker Grant
$20,000+ in-kind sponsorship secured
Authored winning corridor improvement grant for $15,000 planning funds from City of Chicago
3 storefronts filled facilitated through events
40+ local partners and 20+ volunteers engaged
Collaboration with Neighborland citizen engagement platform
Presentation to EPIC Chicago

ROLES + COMPETENCIES

FOUNDER • CURATOR • PARTNERSHIP BUILDER • BRANDING + ENVIRONMENTAL GRAPHICS • EXPERIENCE DESIGNER • INSTIGATOR + HUSTLER•GRANT WRITER

Collaborator of:

Signature Programs

Click on a thumbnail to see more photos or stories.

Possibility Potlucks & Highlights

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Our favorite neighborhood inspiration:

Core collaborators include Lindsey Muscato, Joe Tighe, Jenny Beorkrem, Marco Chavarry, Ravenswood Community Council, 47th Ward, and Orange Beautiful. Additional photographers include Adam Geremia, Rebecca Sims.