About the Space

Based in a small neighborhood on the west side of Chicago, the Island Civic Association is an organization that “brings neighbors together to create a connected, inclusive, and thriving Island neighborhood.”

Community organizer Nate T. explains: “The Island is a really small neighborhood that is a part of the very large Austin community area of Chicago. Our community area has 100,000 people, but our neighborhood [The Island] has about 1,500 people. The Island Civic Association was originally started in the 1950s, but it ebbed and flowed over many decades, and then died out. In 2021 a small group of neighbors worked together to restart it.”

“One of the reasons I wanted to help restart our civic association is that when I would attend other meetings in our community I observed a lot of them were organized around complaints, where it was like: we're all here because we're fed up with something, right? This formed a strong belief in me, that we need a space where we as residents can create some positivity and do our part in making our neighborhood stronger. So that's kind of been the M.O. from the beginning.”

— Nate T., Community Steward

In addition to monthly meetings and other IRL events put on by the Association, the organization has encouraged folks in the local area to use Nextdoor, and three years ago they started a smaller “group” on the platform — which now has about 50 people in it.

Today, people use the digital space to connect, share information and resources, and organize together. While activity can sometimes be a little bit sporadic or reactive with a small number of people who actively post, in a recent survey of members, 100% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that they feel welcome to participate in the digital space and 100% agreed or strongly agreed that the space makes their neighborhood a better place to live.

Top tips from admin Nate T.

For anyone creating a hyper-local digital space that connects with people IRL as well, such as a block club or neighborhood association…

1. Focus on connection

The most valuable thing you can do for a local community is build social trust through caring relationships. Digitals spaces could share endless information or conversations, but the outcome that matters most is people feeling welcome, connected, and safe.

2. Celebrate not just the big wins, but the small wins too

Create a culture of celebrating good news, collective achievements, and positive developments in the community. You can't organize people sustainably around problems and issues alone, so be intentional about recognizing and celebrating all of the 'little things' that lead towards your 'big' vision and goals.