Issue Statement: The Southeast Chicago communities of Chatham, Avalon Park, Burnside, Greater Grand Crossing, Roseland, Southshore and Calumet Heights are recognized as thriving African-American communities. However, these communities, like many others across the nation, are experiencing a need to reevaluate and revitalize because of both external and internal factors.

These factors include a changing demographic – a growing senior leadership, increasingly newer residents that have different needs, and community business requiring new plans for sustainability. Residents, organizations, institutions, local businesses and elected officials are aware of their community's changing fabric and are seeking actions that can positively impact the future viability of these communities.

In the Spring of 2004, Extension presented a Community Leaders Breakfast. Twenty individuals representing several areas attended and provided information related to the concerns and issues in the communities in which they live and work. A preliminary report recorded the information obtained at this session.

Extension's Opportunities: Subsequent meetings with community leaders suggested the following opportunities for Extension to serve these communities:

• Serve as a synergist for change by facilitating group processes and providing educational resources that would support community capacity building
• Support activities that would develop current and emerging business
• Take an active role in building partnerships with community organizations, leaders, business which will lead to supportive actions for community building
• Implement educational programming that specifically addresses needs for leadership development and volunteerism and economic stability

As a result Extension has been initiated several new projects that are specifically designed to these targeted communities:

• The SE Communities Leaders Forum Series
• Master Gardener Volunteer Program
• The 87^th and Cottage Grove TIF Advisory Council
• Southeast Communities Strategic Plan: Vision to Action