Upswell Chicago: Day 1

For months, we’ve been promising an immersive Chicago experience. What we didn’t anticipate was a mid-Autumn arctic blast that plunged the Windy City into the low teens! But when it comes to changing the world, cold weather is a minor inconvenience. So, on the first morning of Upswell, hundreds of folks from across the country…

Six visionaries to seek out in Chicago

Here’s a conversation starter to keep in your back pocket for this Thanksgiving, a humblebrag of sorts – “In Chicago, I had a fascinating conversation with someone who is changing the world in truly incredible ways.” Now, the thing about Upswell is that this particular statement will be true about everyone you meet. But there’s…

Inspiration Kitchens: a menu of good food and better lives

Almost anything can change for the better when good food is involved. For Chicago residents impacted by homelessness and poverty, good food can be life-changing – especially when served with encouragement and supported through culinary training – the house specialties at Inspiration Kitchens. The social enterprise restaurant in East Garfield Park on Chicago’s West Side…

Presenter Q&A with Kimberly Walker: the power of no “do overs”

Kimberly Walker, Associate Director, Learning and Development, Arabella Advisors and Ph.D. candidate, Leadership and Change, Antioch University, will lead the charge during the Upswell workshop, Identifying and Managing Power in Social Change Work. Check out more about her, including the experience that has left a lasting impression on her work today. Q: Time freezes for…

Upswell 101: Understanding the program

This post is one in a three-part introduction to the Upswell experience. Other installments focus on design and community. Following two years of planning, intentional outreach and listening to changemakers for design and programming ideas, Upswell LA sprang to life bigger than almost anyone could have anticipated. With more than 225 activities scheduled across three…