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A Gathering of Communities

Strategizing for a Healing-Centered City

November 11, 2023

10:00am - 2:00pm

University of Illinois at Chicago, Student Center East, 750 South Halsted, Chicago, IL 60607

A Gathering of Communities:
Strategizing for a Healing-Centered City

A Gathering of Communities: Strategizing for a Healing-Centered City (GOC) is a Chicago-based and people-centered conference focused on the formation of community investment strategies throughout a day-long of organic and structured community-building activities, dialogues, workshops, cultural arts, and breaking bread amongst social justice and community-centered organizations, elected officials, and community members. Rooted in healing, community investment, and unity, this year’s conference seeks to develop, strengthen, and highlight cross-communal coalitions and strategies that address injustices while prioritizing physical and mental health.

Join us!

As we build community, strategize, and collectively share healing practices with the goal of envisioning the future of Chicago through the lens of equity and wellness. Here's what to expect day of:

Cultural Performances

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Community Dialogue

Healing-Centered Workshops

Wheelchair Accessible

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Childcare

Light Breakfast
& Lunch

Spanish
Interpretation

ASL

Check-out A Gathering of Communities 2023

A Gathering of Communities: Strategizing for a Healing-Centered City (GOC) 2023

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Workshops

Reimagine Challenges to Solution

If you have ever said or been told that you are not the kind person to do certain things, we have a developmental workshop for you. An interactive workshop that highlights the challenges of limitations within the sphere of self-identity. You will explore new ways to view yourself and the broader world around you. Using performance to explore, how to create both who you are, and who you are becoming in the ever changing world, all at the same time. Spanish Interpretation

Hosted by The All Stars Project of Chicago

The Performance of Self Identity

This workshop will engage participants in circles of ten to reimagine a community challenge and what opportunity it could become with collective attention. Together, participants will 1) re-imagine a challenge, 2) hear one another's wishes and 3) what steps others will take in their communities with their allies. Participants will engage in group sharing and have a moment to reflect on their wishes and actions, as individuals and collectively. This activity is appropriate for all ages and abilities; at least one circle will be offered in Spanish.

Hosted by The Kedzie Center

Putting the Neighbor back in neighborhood

PAVE will practice the five D’s of bystander intervention: Distract, Delegate, Document, Delay, and Direct.At the end of this session, participants will be able to:

Identify warning signs of high-risk or potentially harmful situations
Identify personal obstacles that prevent them from intervening in high-risk or potentially harmful situations
Effectively demonstrate the five D’s strategies to intervene in high-risk situations reactively
Help community members manage their emotions
Increase situational awareness and personal safety
Spanish Interpretation

Hosted by PAVE Prevention and Communities United

How historical education and mindfulness can create a space for grounding

Join UCAN and Woke Chicago for a discussion about past implementations and procedures that have led to our current state of stagnation (racism) and learn how mindfulness practices can be a path to progress (resistance). By centering ourselves with body and breath techniques, we find a path to liberation.

Spanish Interpretation

Hosted by WOKE Chicago and UCAN

Entertainment

PHENOM,

Chicago hip-hop artist and youth mentor

His passion immediately ignites audiences with a fire of a stage presence of something never before heard in HIP-HOP.

Keynote Speaker

Dr. Fayth M. Parks,

Dr. Fayth M. Parks is a licensed psychologist, professor, and mental health researcher.

Antioch University Professor Dr. Fayth M. Parks will join us as this year’s keynote speaker to speak about culture and ancestral healing.

Event Map

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Parking

UIC Student Center East has paid parking across the street, with disability parking on first floor.

763W W Polk St, Chicago, IL 60607

Sponsors and Participating Partners

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