I encourage you to view the new map at the http://mappingforjustice.blogspot.com blog. This shows the location of different universities in Chicago, in relation to high concentrations of poverty and poorly performing schools.
In the article that describes the map, the author (who is on the staff of the Tutor/Mentor Connection) provides quotes from the home page of various universities, which show their commitment to their community. For instance, on the University of Chicago web site they say U. of Chicago is "uniquely positioned to contribute to, and draw from, the strength and diversity of this world-class metropolis." They write that, "At Chicago, campus and community are interconnected in partnerships that serve both to support the community and train future policymakers, social workers, artists, and social and political leaders."
On the DePaul University web site is a statement saying DePaul University "emphasizes social engagement and service to others," and has "formed lasting partnerships with community organizations."
The major universities in Chicago and other cities have mapping capacity. As our leaders seek to hold parents and youth more accountabile, I encourage Senator Obama and other leaders to ask universities, hospitals and businesses to create maps that show where they have volunteers, faculty, and alumni providing time, talent and operating dollars to help youth participate in volunteer-based tutoring/mentoring, or technology, or arts programs.
Such maps would show show the level of engagement these universities have in the high poverty areas of these communities and could support the decisions of major donors and public funders who contribute to these universities.
You would think that around each university you'd see dozens of flags indicating such support, as part of the organization's commitment to its community, and to creating pipelines from poverty neighborhoods to their universities. If our candidates and elected leaders requested this type of disclosure and accountability, maybe we'd see a growing level of engagement and a reduction of poverty as a result.
Dan BassillTutor/Mentor ConnectionCabrini Connections800 W. HuronChicago, Il. 60642
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