League of Awesome Possibilities

CHALLENGE

How can we make the neighborhood planning process more human?

How might we create vibrant neighborhood corridors through participatory design?

How can we spark collective imagination—inviting neighbors to share hopes and see possibilities in new ways?

INITIATIVE

The best ideas happen over a shared meal. Founded in 2011, The League of Awesome Possibilities (Active 2011-2015) was a neighborhood collaborative in Chicago's 47th Ward. The league used a mix of delightfully and strategically designed experiences to engage neighbors, support small businesses, and promote healthy local economies and stronger connective fabric. The signature "Possibility Potluck" series 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 workshop meets planning meeting. In addition to breaking bread— we gather insights from neighbors on what they want to see on their block. Numerous friendships and partnerships were sparked through these events— and serious investment too! New storefronts filled, city grants won to improve the corridor, and events brokered. 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— in addition to making neighbors’ hopes more visible to one another.

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

"Will this make our neighborhood more awesome?"

“What’s possible together?” “How can this feel different?”

SELECT PRESS

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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.