Overview
The Making Space initiative was established by the Elgin Social Justice Collective. In conjunction with the national Black Lives Matter movement and in response to the local response, Making Space was created to keep the “conversation and documentation going” with an emphasis on supporting the continued engagement and action of those interested in building community solidarity and upholding equity and justice across race and culture, through art and activism. As part of the overall Making Space initiative, which will include a mural and documentary project, community conversations are being held to support dialogue about Summer of 2020 reflections and ways of moving forward.  

Why am I being asked?
We are asking those who hold roles in the community in and around art, activism, and/or service to volunteer to participate in two (2) conversations, one with others with similar levels of experience and one across experience and generation. You have been selected to participate in this group because of your knowledge and commitment to Elgin and its various communities and because of your activity and activism through art, service, and/or community organizing.

 What procedures are involved?
Each conversation should last between 90 minutes and will include accompanying Survey Monkey surveys to capture any individual perspectives.

The information gathered from these conversations will remain confidential. Your name and/or any personal or identifying information will not be directly associated with your responses and all data/responses will be reported in the aggregate.

All or part of the community conversation will be audiotaped and, pending available resources, transcribed, removing any personal identifiers, such as individual and organizational names.  

A meeting will be held with conversation participants from all of the scheduled group discussions to review the preliminary findings. At this time, participants will be able to make comments or make comments via Survey Monkey following the cross-conversation meeting.

What are the potential risks and discomforts?
We do not anticipate any risks associated with participation in these conversations.  However, some of the question content may cause feelings of discomfort.  You may decline to answer any questions you wish.

Are there benefits to taking part in this evaluation?
There are no direct benefits to your participation.  However, the responses will help the providers understand potential areas for supporting your continued work in the community and hopefully, you will continue to make mutually beneficial connections through these conversations.

Remember: Your participation in this evaluation is voluntary.  Your decision whether or not to participate in this evaluation will not affect your current or future relations with the City of Elgin, the Elgin Social Justice Collective, and/or the Elgin History Museum and/or your ability to participate in future programs and activities of these groups. Also, if you decide to participate, you are free to withdraw at any time from these conversations without affecting those relationships.  By completing the online survey, you authorize consent for its use in the facilitation documents.  

If you have any questions about this community conversation, you can contact Risé D. Jones, Ph.D., Making Space Facilitator at 847/302-0379 or jonesrdjones@aol.com.