Chicago - Today, a diverse coalition of community members publicly launched the Lakeview Safety & Inclusion Coalition (LSIC) to provide concrete solutions to help make Lakeview - already one of Chicago's most vibrant neighborhoods - safer and more welcoming for all people.
The Coalition - representing business owners, youth, residents, clergy, social service organizations and others - posted an open letter on their website, www.centeronhalsted.org/LSIC, outlining their goals and plans for the months ahead.
"Though we have diverse perspectives and differing life experiences we all share one common vision: to make our community safer and more inclusive for all," reads the letter, signed by all LSIC members.
The Coalition was formed at the initiative of the Center on Halsted following a number of high-profile violent attacks in Lakeview and an ensuing public dialogue that was at time contentious and divisive. As one of their first acts, LSIC took an affirmative stand against both violence and divisiveness. The group states in the letter that their express purpose is to bring different voices to the table and find "collaborative, productive and concrete solutions" for the community.
Still early in their work, the coalition is growing and formulating both short- and long- term plans, including a robust public engagement program that will allow for a constructive public interaction. As part of this effort, community members are encouraged to provide their thoughts via the website. The coalition is also planning to attend many community events including Market Days on Halsted Street where they will be on hand to talk one on one with interested community members about their goals.
Current coalition members include young adults, business owners, residents and homeowners, social service providers, members of the clergy and concerned citizens. For a full list of members, please visit www.centeronhalsted.org/LSICmembers.html .
"Lakeview is a place for all of us," the letter concludes. "Working together we can help Lakeview become an even greater example of what a safe, diverse, welcoming neighborhood really can be."
For more information and a copy of the letter please visit www.centeronhalsted.org/lsicmain.html .
LSIC is a group of individuals and organizations representing our diverse and vibrant community committed to making Lakeview safer and more inclusive for all. We are currently housed at Center on Halsted, which is a founding and current member of the coalition.