The Future of Chatham Avalon Park Community Council (CAPCC)

The Chicago Neighborhoods

Check out the below essay written by our own Worlee Glover over at NextDoor. Here on this blog we have considered the state of Chatham's community based organizations. I wondered if there are too many organizations as at one point there had been three CBOs in Chatham - CAPCC, GCA, and Reunite Chatham.

Now using Worlee's words you see below, there's be a lack of direction at CAPCC since a whole new regime has taken over. Chatham is a great neighborhood - a bastion of the Black middle-class in Chicago - and well we see RAGE as an organization with a great vision. Perhaps a CBO in a Black middle-class neighborhood needs to take a page out of the book of RAGE who do have a number of successes in recent years.

Beyond that, what do you think of Worlee's essay.

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Do We Have Too Many Community Organizations; The Future of Chatham Avalon Park Community Council (CAPCC)

Over the last several years I have questioned the viabilty as well as the impact our community organizations have on the community at large. I have been most critical of Chatham Avalon Park Community Council (CAPCC). I questioned the commitment of the leadership as I saw decisions made not to be in the best interest of the community and not improving the quality of life of Chatham residents. Some have attempted to blame the past leadership , especially Keith Tate the former president. 

As I watch Resident Association of Greater Englewood (RAGE) make great strides forward I see the decline of CAPCC. Many jockeyed for the president spot when Keith announced that he was resigning but apparently never felt he would follow through on the statement. 

A new leadership team came in and attempted to dismantle everything that CAPCC established. Also, the commitment to serve the community appeared to have border on selfishness as leaders would not attend board meetings and there have been no meaningful events initiatives over the last several years. 

Over the last year, a majority of officers have resigned as they have had personal differences with other officers or wanted to use the organization as a personal toolshed for their business interest. 

I attended a meeting several months ago and was embarrassed and disappointed as their was a guest with very important information about an issue affecting our community and there was a total of 10 people at the meeting and really subtracting officers and regulars, approximately 4 people. I inquired as to what happened and there was nothing but finger pointing and blame on others. 

I have spoken to the former president and officers who all have stated their disappointment and have stated they are willing to come back and volunteer to assist in rebuilding the organization, 

My question should it be rebuilt or is it time to call for dissolution?