If you are part of an active block club, you'll want to read this!
Last summer, My Block, My Hood, My City (M3) got the idea to help block clubs create new signs that communicate the values and hopes of their neighborhood. They created 10 new block club signs for selected clubs with the help of the The University of Chicago's Arts Incubator.
When we saw these beautiful new signs on M3's Instagram, we knew we wanted to sponsor Block Club Signs for Bungalow Blocks!
Click past the first picture of an old block club sign below to see the new signs!
Here's what M3 founder Jahmal Cole wrote about having the idea:
"When I'm out running I notice that a lot of these signs are illegible, most are outdated, and their message is obscure and can be construed as rules or warnings: No Smoking; No Loitering / Littering; We Call Police, etc. I don't believe signs are a deterrent to crime, littering, or looting. This summer I worked with ten community groups, UchiArts, and a bunch of teenagers to create new block club signs with positive messages. The biggest word should never be "NO." We created signs that say "YES" to sharing, respect, greeting each other, looking out for one another, solving differences face to face and peacefully before bringing others into it."
Now, My Block, My Hood, My City is partnering with us here at the Chicago Bungalow Association and the Design Apprenticeship Program at The University of Chicago's Arts Incubator to connect youth with block club leaders to create 10 more block club signs for selected clubs!
If your bungalow block needs a new block club sign, fill out this application:
The deadline for applications is March 30, 2018.
Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee. This program is not exclusive to bungalow blocks, but bungalow blocks will be given priority. Applicants in Wards 6, 8, 9, 17, and 21 will also be given priority.
If selected, all applicants are required to meet with the Design Apprenticeship Program to discuss their block club's culture and values at the University of Chicago Arts Incubator, 301 E. Garfield Blvd., and attend the Sign Reveal Party in August.
We know how many bungalow blocks have active block clubs. We've been to many of your meetings, talked to your leaders, and seen the positive change you've made in your neighborhoods.
These new block club signs will include information for new neighbors about how to contact the block club and get involved, and might even include a website or Facebook page that we can work with the leaders to help create. We hope this will encourage young homeowners to keep Chicago block clubs running!
Who knows, maybe more block clubs will form when people see the beautiful signs these local youth have created that reflect all the good block clubs do for our communities!
My Block, My Hood, My City provides underprivileged youth with an awareness of the world and opportunities beyond their neighborhood. They take students on explorations focused on STEM, Arts & Culture, Citizenry & Volunteerism, Health, Community Development, Culinary Arts, and Entrepeneurism.
The Design Apprenticeship Program at the University of Chicago Arts Incubator is a design-based mentorship and skills building initiative that encourages teens and young adults to invest in the improvement of the physical and social conditions of their community. By developing skills in carpentry, landscaping, and design, DAP leaders will aid in the positive transformation of Washington Park, Woodlawn and the Garfield Boulevard corridor.