kids in cities

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Ways to attract and retain families with economic optionsConcept paper

Research and Demonstration, 2007IIT Institute of Design

Steven BabitchHyuniee Jung

Kids in Cities

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Table of Contents � Executivesummary�.� Familieswitheconomicoptions�.�TheStateofU.S.Cities�.� Attractingandretaining

� CityConcepts�.�ConceptStructure

� Preppingforthedraft�.�Topic�:Leveragingacity’suniqueassets�.� SignatureStrengthVolunteerProgram�.�CityYouthShowcase�.4SignatureStrengthNetwork�.5Topic�:Givingcitykidsadvantage�.6Guru�.7CityScouts

4 Topic�:Providingfamily-centeredinformation4.� FamilyConnector

5 SpaceandSocialInteractions5.�Topic4:EncouragingHappyAccidents5.� DigitalLearning5.� SpaceConversion5.4 Topic5:Brandthekid-friendlycity5.5 KidSource5.6 Graffiti5.7 K-Games5.8 KidScale

6 Strategytable

7 InSummary

8 WorksCited

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Problem Framing•Understandtheproblemstatementandintentofattractingandretainingfamilieswitheconomicoptionsforcities•Diagnosethesituationtoseeiftheproblemisframedattherightscopeandlevel

Ecosystem Research•Trendanalysistoseewherethepresentandnearfutureareheading•Eraanalysistoseethedevelopmentofvaluesandbehaviorsoverseveralyears•Precursorsandanalogiesshowuniquesolutionstosimilarproblemsinthesameorotherindustriesandsituations

User Research•CasestudyofdowntownPhiladelphiatostudyauser-centeredapproachtorevitalizingbusinessandresidentialareas•�0parentsinterviewstogaininsightsintofamilylife

Analysis•Proprietaryinsightsaregleanedfromstoriesparentstell•Framingtheinsightstodeterminethemainissuesfamiliesface

Synthesis•Designprinciplesareguidelinestogeneratingconcepts•Themesarethehighlevelcategoriesfortheconcepts

Concept Generation•Innovationlabgathersstakeholderstogethertobrainstormconcepts•Conceptdevelopmentconsidersbarriersandneeds•Implementationplanmapsoutthestrategyinsizablesteps

Figure�:KidsinCitiesProjectMethodology

Goal: To attract and retain families with economic options to the city

Thispaperdeliversconceptsforcitiestoimplementforthepurposeofattractingandretainingfamilieswitheconomicoptions.

ThepaperisbasedontwosemestersofworkattheIITInstituteofDesign,agraduateschoolwithafocusondesignplanning,strategicthinking,andinnovation.Ourclientandsponsor,CEOforCities,isanon-profitorganizationofcross-sectorurbanleadersdedicatedtospeedingupinnovationincities.

Figure�totherightshowsthedesignprocesswewentthroughforthisproject.Thelaststage,conceptgeneration,istheculminationofresearch,analysis,anddevelopment,andtheconceptsarepresentedinthispaper.

1 - Executive Summary

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1.1 - Families with Economic OptionsWhy are families with economic options good for cities?

Agrowingconcernamongurbanleadersisthatcitiesdevoidofchildrenwillbemuchlessdesirableplacestolivewithlesssecurefutures.Therearethreemainreasonswhyurbanleadersshouldpayattentiontofamilieswitheconomicoptions:theyprovideasustainabletaxbase,theyimprovethelocaleconomy,andtheyareactiveintheircommunities.

Sustainable tax baseStudiesshowthereisahighcorrelationbetweenobtaininghighereducation,higherincomelevels,andtheresultinghighertaxbase.ResearchbasedonthestateofOregonshowsthata4-yearcollegegraduatewillearn8�%morethanapersonwithahighschooldiplomaorless(Cortright,9).(ref.Figure�)

OnethirdofhouseholdsinOregonhaveatleastonememberwitha4-yearcollegedegree,andthatthirdpays55%ofOregon’sincometax(Cortright,��).Inaddition,alackofeducationamongcitizensdrivescitycostshigher.7�%ofpersonsdrawingOregonunemploymentinsurancepaymentshavejustahighschooldiplomaorless(Cortright,�0).Overall,thestudyshowsthateducationdrivespersonalincome,contributionstoStaterevenue,civicengagement,ethnicandgenderdiversity,andglobalcompetitiveness(Cortright,��).

High spendingSpendingonchildrenhasdramaticallyincreasedinrecentyears,especiallyinwealthierhouseholds.Itisestimatedthatfamiliesinthetop-thirdincomebracketspendasmuchas$800,000to$�.6millionononechilduptotheageof�7(DaspinandGamerman,�).Thisspendingcontributesnotonlytothetaxrevenueforcities,butalsotothelocaleconomy.

$80,000$70,000$60,000$50,000$40,000$30,000$20,000$10,000

$0

Figure 2 - Annual Earnings of the State of Oregon, 2003Higher education correlates to higher annual earnings.

Less than High

School

High School

Graduate

Some College,

AA Degree

4 Year Degree

Advance Degree

“It is estimated that families in the top-third income bracket spend as much as $800,000 to $1.6 million on one child up to the age of 17.”

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Active in communitiesFamiliessupportandcontributetolocalcommunities.“Childrenalsocreateaconstituencyforparks,trailsandpublicsafetyimprovements,andtheirparentstendtofavorupgradingthoseamenitiesthroughhighertaxes,”saidTomPotter,MayorofPortland,Oregon(Egan,�).”Basedonresearchconductedduringthisproject,familieslivingincitiesdevelopclose-knitcommunitiesinwhichneighborslookaftereachother.

Meanwhile,parentsthatcommutelongdistancesloseoutonqualitytimespentwiththeirfamilies.“RobertPutnam,authorof“BowlingAlone,”foundthatevery�0minutesaddedtoyourcommutedecreasesby�0percentthetimeyoudedicatetoyourfamilyandcommunity.(Naughton,�)”Parentsthatliveandworkincitiescanspendsignificantlylesstimeontheircommute.

Under 5 years

5 to 9 years

10 to 14 years

15 to 17 years

Figure 4 - Message from 2000 census, CCDSharp decrease in school children age 5 - 9 and 15 - 17 years.

1,894

-26%

-34%

0 500 1000 1500 2000

Year

Figure 3 - Number of school children declined for decades in the core area of downtown Philadelphia, CCD

# of children

1970

1980

1990

2000

4,488

3,143

2,244

2,304

“...every 10 minutes added to your commute decreases by 10 percent the time you dedicate to your family and community.”

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1.2 - The State of U.S. Cities What is the situation for cities currently?

Overall,thereisstillanexodusoffamiliesmovingfrommajorU.S.citiestothesuburbsoncetheirchildrenapproachschoolage.StudiesconductedinSanFranciscoandPhiladelphiahavefoundthatthereisalargedropinchildreninthecitypasttheageoffive.(ref.Figure�and4)Inaddition,everychildacityloses,thecityalsolosesapproximately$5,000towardsschoolfunding.(Egan,�).

Citiesareinvaryingstageswithrespecttotheirabilitytoattractandretainfamilieswitheconomicoptions.SanFrancisco,avibrantcitywithabundantresourcesintalentandculturehasthelowestpercentageofpeopleunder�8ofanylargecityinthenation,�4.5%versusthenationalaverageof�5.7%.EvenSeattlehasmoredogsthanchildrenaccordingtothe�000censusreport.Otherhealthy,vibrantcitiessuchasBoston,Honolulu,Portland,Miami,Denver,Minneapolis,AustinandAtlantawerenotfarbehind(Egan,�).

Center City District, PhiladelphiaHowever,brightspotsexistevenincitiesthathaveexperiencedadramaticdropinchildrenaroundschoolage.ResearchconductedledtotheCityofPhiladelphiaasacasestudyinurbanrevitalization.Philadelphia,whichinthe�970swasacitydevoidofvibrancyhasmadegreatstridesinthelastdecadetorevitalizetheirdowntownarea,knownastheCenterCityRegion.

TheCenterCityDistrict,abusinessimprovementdistrictdedicatedtokeepingthedowntownofthenation’sfourthlargestmetropolitanareaclean,safeandattractive,implementedamulti-stepapproachtotransformingtheregion.

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Figure6:ConceptStructure

Figure 5 - Philadelphia Center City Schools Website and School FairEasy to access, consolidated information for CCD schools

ToaccomplishthesetaskstheCenterCityDistrictchoseauser-centeredapproach.Thefirststepwastomakethecitycleanandsafethroughconstantmaintenanceofitsstreetsandtheuseof“streetconcierges”helppeoplewithquestionstheymayhave.Thenexttaskwastobringactivityandenergytotheregionbyanimatingthestreetsthroughinvestmentinartsandentertainmentfollowedbyastreetscapecapitalimprovementsinitiative.Inaddition,theyrevivedtheregion’sresidentialneighborhoodsandincreasedthenumberofsidewalkcafesandimprovedlightingasawaytomakethestreetssafer.

TheybrokeinstitutionalandbureaucraticbarriersbyformingaregionalschooldistrictwithinthegreaterPhiladelphiaschooldistrictandprovidedaconsolidatedwebsiteforeasyaccessofinformationforallpublicschoolsintheregion(refFigure5).Asaresultofthiswork,thecityexperienceda4�%increaseinschoolagechildrendowntown.

“Even Seattle has more dogs than children according to the 2000 census report.”

Current City AssetsByunderstandingtheuniqueassetsofacity,itcandifferentiateitselffromothercities.

Concept OverlayAconceptforcitiestoimplementwhichconsiderstheirconstraintsaswellastheirassets.

Cities Attractive to FamiliesWhilestillmaintainingtheuniqueassetsofacity,citiesarealsomademorekid-friendlyandaccessibleforfamilies.

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1.3 - Attracting and Retaining How to attract and retain families with economic options to the city?

FortheKidsinCitiesstudy,extensivesecondaryandprimaryresearchwasconductedonthetopicofkidsincities.Theresearchinvolvedidentifyingstatistics,trends,andpre-cursorsrelatingtoparentingandfamilylifeaswellasthecasestudyconductedontheCityofPhiladelphia.�0one-on-oneethnographicinterviewswithacross-sectionofparentsfromfivestatesandtenone-on-oneinterviewswithexpertsrelatedtothetopicwereconducted.

Parent SegmentationBasedonresearchconducted,familieswitheconomicoptionscanbesegmentedintofourgroups(ref.Figure7).

UrbanLoyalistsaredie-hardcitylovers.SuburbanLoyalistsareparentswhoseneedsaremetbythesuburbs.TentativeUrbanitesareparentsinthecitywhoverymuchenjoythecity,buttheymayhaverecentlyhadchildrenandarenowbeingtemptedbysuburbs’perceivedspace,schools,andsafety.DiscontentSuburbanitesareparentswhobelievedthesuburbswouldprovidethe“AmericanDream”butarefindingthattheyaredisappointedwiththeirqualityoflife.

Basedonthissegmentation,citiesshouldnotfocusonUrbanandSuburbanLoyalists,becausethosegroupswillremainfixed.Rather,citiesshouldfocusonTentativeUrbanitesandDiscontentSuburbanites,twovaluablesegmentsdubbedthe“SwingVote.”(ref.Figure7).

Byusingthissegmentation,citiescannowtargetparentsinamoreeffectiveandfocusedmanner,ratherthantryingtogenericallytargetallparents.Furthermore,theycanfocusonfindingtheparentingpain-pointsandwork-aroundsofthe“SwingVote”inordertohelpmakeraisingafamilyinthecityeasier.Ifthisisdoneeffectively,thenumberoffamilieswitheconomicoptionswillincreaseincities.

Swing Vote

Urban Loyalists

Suburban Loyalists

Discontent Suburbanites

Tentative Urbanites

Figure 7 - Parent Segmentation

urban

suburban

high satisfaction

low satisfaction

“...cities should focus on Tentative Urbanites and Discontent Suburbanites, two valuable segments dubbed the ‘Swing Vote.’”

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Basedonsecondaryresearchandinterviewsconducted,insightswereanalyzedandclustered,andbasedontheanalysistwothemesemergedthat,fromtheperspectiveofamayor,areissuesthatcitiescantackleandimprovelifeforfamiliesincities.

Theme 1 - Prepping for the DraftChildhood development is like prepping for the draft

Parentsstrivetopreparetheirchildrenforthenextstepinlifebyseekingthebestschoolsandextra-curricularactivities.This“resume-building”beginsasearlyasbirthwhenparentshirebi-lingualnanniesspecificallytoteachtheirchildrenasecondlanguage(ref.Figure8)

• Best childcare• Parenting groups• Research

• Enter day care• Visit schools• Waiting lists

• Application Process• Extracurriculars

• Start kindergarten• Start supplemental education

• Focus on testing• Differentiate child• Apply to elementary and high school• Prep for college

The Great Debate:City or Suburban Schools?

How good is the edu-cation received?

2-3 steps ahead:elementary school -> high school -> college

• Right environment • Trusted information• Build your network

Developing social and cognitive skills

Concerns

Activities

Pre-birth, birth Age 2 Age 4 Age 5 Age 6-18

Figure8.Parentalconcernsandactivitiesaresummarizedinthetableabove.Parentsstrivetogivetheirchildren

thebesteducationandlearningexperiences,andtheyareincreasinglybeingforcedtothinkyearsinadvance

aboutfindingthebesteducationandlearningexperiences.

“...‘resume-building’ begins as early as birth when parents hire bi-lingual nannies specifically to teach their children a second language.”

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Social Interaction

Community Benefits

Space

Networks

People you can rely on

Safety

Security

Organic relationships

Outreach

Trusted information

Public

Private

Communal

Figure9.Ifcitiescancreatecompellingspaces,particularlysmall-scalecommunalspaces,socialnetworks

naturallydevelopwhichresultsinfamiliesfindingpeopletheycantrustandafeelingofsafetyandsecurity.

Theme 2 - Space and Social InteractionSocial interaction in cities is natural; in many suburbs it’s forced

Urbancommunalspacesarehubsofsocialinteractionforfamilies.Theseinteractionsprovideparentswithwaysofsharinginformationrelatingtotheirwork,children,housing,anddailylifeoccurrences.Parentsfindaccesstootherchildrenfortheirchildrenaswellasaccesstootheradultsforthemselves.Furthermore,thesecommunalspacescreateasenseofsafetyandcommunity(ref.Figure9).

Instoriestoldbyparents,citieshavenumerousvaluableassetsandstrongcommunitiesthatcanallowthemtobecomehighlydesirableplacestolive.Ifcitiescanusetheirexistingassets,density,anduniquespacestocreaterichreal-worldexperiencesandcommunity-orientedareasofsocialinteraction,theycreateacompellingstoryforwhyparents,particularlytheSwingVote,shouldraisetheirfamiliesinthecity.

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Concept ArchitectureInsights and themes inform concepts to take forward

Anoverallconceptstructure(ref.Figure�0)showstheentiresolutionsystemdevelopedforKidsinCities.Basedonthetwoaforementionedthemes,fivesolutionsspaceswereidentified:

•Leveragingacity’suniqueassets•Givingcitykidsadvantages:urbanleadership,mentors,andtutoring•Providingfamily-centeredinformation•Encouraginghappyaccidents•Brandingthekid-friendlycity

The conceptsConceptsundereachsolutionspaceprovidecitieswithchoicestotakeforwardandimplement.Ageneralizeddescriptionoftheconceptisprovidedsuchthatanycitycanmoldtheconcepttotheiruniqueassetsandcharacteristics.Inaddition,tangibleexamplesareprovidedtoshowhowthisconceptmightlookintheworldtoday.Actionableandtangibleconceptswerecreatedthatwilldeliverresultstocitiesaswellasaddresskeyconcernsforparents.

2 - City Concepts

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2.1 - Kids in Cities Concept Structure

Theme 1: Prepping for the Draft Theme 2: Space and Social Interaction

Solution Space 1 Leveraging a city’s unique assets

Concept 1aSignature Strength Volunteer Program

Concept 1bCity Youth Showcase

Concept 1cSignature Strength Network

Solution Space 2 Giving city kids advantages: urban leadership, mentors, and tutoring

Concept 2aGuru

Concept 2bCity Scouts

Solution Space 3 Providing family-centered information

Concept 3 Family Connector

Solution Space 4 Encouraging happy accidents

Solution Space 5 Branding the kid-friendly city

Concept 4aMobile Digital Learning

Concept 4bSpace Conversion

Concept 5aKid Source

Concept 5bGraffiti

Concept 5cK-Games

Concept 5dKid Scale

Figure�0.KidsinCities’ConceptStructure

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Parentsconstantlyseekwaystoprovidetheirchildrenwithuniqueeducationalexperiences.Citieshaveavastarrayofuniqueassetsandsignaturestrengthsthattheycanusenotonlytopromotetheircitybutalsoprovidelearningexperiencesforcitychildren.Byaligningcitysignaturestrengthswithlearningopportunitiesforkidsinthecity,citiescanbuildaninitiativegearedtowardhighlightingkids’talentsinaparticularareaofspecialization.

NeedsManystoriesweretoldbyparentsregardingthenumerousassetstheircitiespossess.Theyalsospokeoftryingtogivetheirchildrenanadvantagewhenitcomestimetogettingintoelementaryschool,highschool,andeventuallycollege.

Benefits•Providesatangiblewayforparentstoseethecityasaplaceofdifferentiationfortheirchildren’seducationaldevelopment•Highlightskidsstrengths•Allowschildrentomeetprofessionalsanddeveloprelationshipswithinthecity,therebygivingchildrenanincentivetostayinthecity•Provideuniquelearningexperiencesforkidsinthecity•Promotesignaturestrengthsofthecity

An analogy in existence today...City museum awards and displays student workTheMcCormickTribuneFreedomMuseuminChicago,ILsponsoredaneditorialstudentcartooncontestforillustrationsconcerningaFirstAmendmentissue.Allthefinalists’workwillbeondisplayattheFreedomMuseumlocatedonMichiganAvenue,downtownChicagoandtheywerepresentedanawardceremonyattheopeningofthecontestexhibit.(ref.Figure��)

3.1 - Prepping for the Draft : Leveraging a City’s Unique Assets

Figure��-WinningentryfortheMcCormickTribuneFreedom

Museum’seditorialstudentcartooncontest

http://www.jideas.org/feature/cartoon�007.html

Topic Description

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Current city assets•Universities•NeighborhoodCommunityGroups•Densediverseprivatesector

Concept overlay•Integratevaluableassetsfor

children’sbenefit•Providelearningexperiences

tochildren

Cities attractive for familiesBytangiblydemonstratingthecityhasmuchtoofferandteachchildren,citiesareshowingparentsthattheyprovidereal-worldlearningexperiencesthataremoredifficulttoobtaininthesuburbs.

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3.2 - Prepping for the Draft : Leveraging a City’s Unique Assets :: Signature Strength Volunteer Program

SignatureStrengthsarekeycharacteristicsofcitiesthatdifferentiateonecityfromanyother.The Signature Strength Volunteer Program is a volunteer network of experts that help city children learn more about these unique strengths.

Bybringingexpertsandchildrentogether,childrencanlearninamuchmoreengagingmanner.Alsothismayopenachild’sworldbeyondwhattheytypicallylearninschoolandgivethemasenseofmanypossibilitieswithintheirowncity.

IllustrationThecityofChicagoisrenownforitsarchitecture.Forchildreninterestedinarchitectureorsimplyinterestedinlearningmoreaboutitbeyondwhatschoolsoffer,theSignatureStrengthVolunteerProgramisanopportunitytogainfirsthandexperiencewithexpertsinthefield.

TheSignatureStrengthVolunteerProgramproposesthatChicagoarchitectsperiodicallyvisitschoolsorholdclassesattheirfirmstoteachdifferenttopicsrelatedtothearchitecturesuchas�-Dmodelingandsketching.Toursofthecitycouldbegivenbyarchitectstogivechildrenfirst-handknowledgefromexpertsinthefield.

Concept Description

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3.3 - Prepping for the Draft : Leveraging a City’s Unique Assets :: City Youth Showcase

City Youth Showcase is an event in which children’s work and talent is highlighted. Whetheracollaborativeeffortoracompetition,thetopicoftheeventwouldcorrelatetothesignaturestrengthsthecity.

Eventscouldbehighlightedinlocalmediaandshowninanexhibitionatlocalmuseums,furtherdemonstratingthatthecityiskid-friendlyandhasvaluableassetschildrencanbenefitfrom.Childrenwouldbegivenawardsfortheirwork,whichcanbehighlightedontheirschoolapplications.

IllustrationExpandingonChicago’sarchitecturalsignaturestrength,thecitycanholdanarchitecturalcompetition.ThiseventifhighlightedinlocalmediawillshowtheCityofChicagoassupportingyoungmindsandtalents.Architectsactasvolunteerjudges,whichfurtherstrengthensthecommunityaswellasprovideschildrenwithaconnectionforfutureemployment.Architecturalfirmscanbuildtheirbrandanddemonstratecommunitysupportbysponsoringtheseevents.

Anotherexamplemightbeaperformancebasedcompetitionsuchastheaterperformancesproducedbychildren,becauseChicagoalsopossessesasignaturestrengthinlivetheater.

Chicago Sustainable Architecture Fair

Concept Description

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3.4 - Prepping for the Draft : Leveraging a City’s Unique Assets :: Signature Strength Network

The Signature Strength Network is an initiative that fully enables students to develop their skills and provide deep learning experiences in areas that cities define as their signature strengths. Thenetworkiscomposedoflocalbusinesses,non-profitorganizations,andeducationalinstitutionsunifiedaroundthesignaturestrengthsofacity.Itisamoreholisticapproachtoprovidingdeeplearningexperiencesforchildren.TheSignatureStrengthVolunteerProgram,mentionedpreviously,couldbeonecomponentofthismoresystemicnetwork.

IllustrationBecauseChicagohasasignaturestrengthinarchitecture,childreninChicagocouldworksidebysidewitharchitectsanddeveloperstocreaterooftoporcommunitygardens.Childrencanlearnaboutsustainabilityfromlocalarchitectsbyworkingontheprojectsthemselves.

Small garden plot

Old compost

New compost

Shredder Grass clippings

Lunch leftovers Soil

Wildlife attracting shrubs

Bird hedge

Solitary wasp nest sites

Lawn

Pond

Native prairie wildflower meadow

Concept Description

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3.5 - Prepping for the Draft : Giving City Kids Advantages

Giving city kids advantages through leadership, mentors, and tutoring isthesolutionspacethatprovideschildreninthecitywithanarrayoflearningopportunitiestobuildtheirskillsinleadership,supplementtheirschooleducation,andultimatelyprovidewell-rounded,real-worldlearningexperiences.Twoconceptshavebeencreatedaroundthissolutionspace:

•Guru,atutoringnetwork•CityScouts,amentorandinternshipprogramforcitychildren

NeedsBasedonresearchconductedparentsfindcitiestobeexcellentsourcesofreal-worldlearningexperiences.Fromachildhooddevelopmentperspective,parentstrytobuildtheirchildren’sresumesinordertodifferentiatetheirchildren,whichisespeciallycriticalintoday’sschoolapplicationprocesses.

Benefits•Matchespeopleineducation,includinguniversitystudents,withcitychildrentotutortheminavarietyofsubjects•Allowsstudentswhoneedextrahelpinacademicstofindgoodhelp•Helpsparentsfindhelpincloseproximity,sotheycanbettermanagetheirbusyschedulesiftheyarenotabletohelptheirkidsthemselves.•Allowschildrentomeetprofessionalsanddeveloprelationshipswithinthecity,therebygivingchildrenanincentivetostayinthecity•Provideuniquelearningexperiencesforkidsinthecity

An analogy in existence today...SummerLabisaseriesofkids’campsandsummerschoolprogramsheldattheUniversityofChicagofocusedonprovidingengagingandenrichinglearningexperiencesforchildrenofallages.

Topic Description

Figure��-SummerLabwebsite

http://www.ucls.uchicago.edu/summer/

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Current city assets•Universities•NeighborhoodCommunity

Groups•Densediverseprivatesector

Concept overlay•Connectstudentswithareasofinterest•Promoteinvolvementinthecommunityandlearnfromhands-onexperience

Cities attractive for familiesStudentshavemanyopportunitiestocontributetotheircommunitywhilealsobuildingleadershipandsocialskills.Theactivitiesandlearningswillalsobuildtheirresumes.

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Guruisatutoringnetworkinwhichlocaluniversitystudents,particularlycandidatesforMastersinEducationaspartoftheircoursework,areconnectedtotheGuruNetwork,aplatformthatmatchesyoungstudentsinneedofhelpwithtutorsor“Gurus.”TheseuniversitystudentGuruscanserveastutorsorhelpteachclassesinschoolsandotherlearningenvironments.

Thisisespeciallyhelpfulforparentswhotrytofindwaystosupplementtheirchildren’seducation.It’sawin-winsolutionthatbenefitschildrenandparentsaswellashelpsuniversitystudentsfindcompellingwaystohelpinthecommunitywhileapplyingwhattheylearninschool.Furthermore,thiskindofprogramprovidesuniversitystudentswithadeeperconnectiontothelocalcommunity,therebyresultinginyoungtalentseekingtostayinthecity.

IllustrationStudentsfromlocaluniversitiessignuptobetutorsontheGuruNetworkwhichmighthaveawebplatformforcityfamilies.Parentscansearchfortutorsviageographiclocation,neighborhood,andsubjectspecialty.Tutorscanprovideemailcontactinformation,biographies,videoprofilesandschedulesofavailability,soparentscancontactanddecidewhomightbestfittheirchildren’sneedsandschedules.

An analogy in existence today...Collegiaisanorganizationthatconnectscollegesandcommunities.Itsfoundershaveadecadeofexperienceworkingwithregionalstakeholders(government,civic,corporate,andacademic),helpingthemleveragetheirhigher-educationclusterstoimprovetheeconomicwell-beingandvibrancyoftheirrespectiveregions.

3.6 - Prepping for the Draft : Giving City Kids Advantages :: Guru

1 Student needs are entered into Guru.

2 A pool of students are narrowed down by student needs.

3 Parents and students can contact potential tutors to find the best match.

Schedule

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

X X X X X X

X X X

X X

X X X X X X

Subject Geometry

Location 1723 N Halsted, Chicago, IL 60614

Student Learning Style Take QuizAn abstract learner, she learns by intuition and imagination while organizing information by chunks in a random method versus sequential.

x

Timothy Schug5th Year Undergraduate I have to say that fate brought me to IIT. As a child, I always wanted to have a career... more

Alexis Kramer, Ph.D. CandidateAlexis Kramer is one of the 14 Ph.D. candidates from the Institute of Psychology to appear in the 2006 Who’s Who ... more

Shravani Pasupneti4th Year Undergraduate Shravani Pasupneti, a fourth-year biomedical engineering student from suburban... more

Syed Asif Kazimi 4th Year Undergraduate When Syed Asif Kazimi came to the U.S. from Pakistan in 2001, he thought his visit was... more

Christina Barrett3rd Year Undergraduate Christina Barrett, a computer science major from suburban West-mont could not have... more

Concept Description

Figure��-Collegialogo

www.collegia.com

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3.7 - Prepping for the Draft : Giving City Kids Advantages :: City Scouts

City Scouts is a public-private initiative that brings together city government, local businesses, universities, non-profit organizations, and families. It’sanetworkoforganizationsthatprovidechildrenwithopportunitiestohelpoutintheircommunity,participateinlocalorneighborhoodlevelgovernment,andworkwithandlearnfromlocalbusinessprofessionals.ItisbroaderinscopethattheSignatureStrengthNetworkinthatitisnotfocusedexclusivelyonthesignaturestrengthsofthecity.

Citiesarelearningthatitisvitallyimportanttoinvolveyoungpeopleinthedevelopmentandbettermentoftheircommunities.Allowingyoungpeopletoco-createtheworldinwhichtheyliveinresultsinacompellingreasonforyoungpeopletostay,becausetheyfeelvestedintheircommunities.StudentsparticipatinginCityScoutscouldbeawardedscholarshipsorgrantstolocalschoolsanduniversitiesfortheiraccomplishments.

IllustrationCityScoutsisalsoawebplatformthatlinksfamilieswithorganizationsthatarepartoftheCityScoutsNetwork.Familiescansearchforlearningopportunitiesbasedonaparticularinterestorbythetypeofexperiencewhetheritisamentor,aninternship,non-profitwork,orneighborhoodgovernmentinvolvement.

An analogy in existence today...VolunteerMatchisanetworkofnon-profitsthatpeoplecansearchandvolunteerforbasedontheirinterest.

City ScoutsConnecting Students with Community Outreach

Log out

Volunteers Sports and Exercise Clubs

Student Conservation AssociationConservation Leadership CorpsAs a member of a Conservation Leadership Corps you will:• Volunteer on weekends throughout the school year in the city where you live.• Build trails, restore river and lake front environments, and conserve habitats.

... more

Junior Earth TeamAn environmental apprenticeship program in neighborhood parks for teens. Teens provide environmentally based activities to children at five city parks in ethnically diverse neighborhoods

... more

Gardening Opportunity Help improve the outdoor environment of our residential areas by planting and maintaining gardens. Gardening Opportunity has many opportunities for creative minds. Butterfly gardens are a particular favorite among our residents.

... more

City Scout of the Month

Audrey Smith is not a tenth grader who lets things slip by. She attends Freeman High School in downtown Chicago and noticed that cars were speeding by her school. Many of the children walk home and these cars can pose a potential safety danger. She started volunteering in the student board then gathered a group of parents, students, and faculty who supported her view to the school board. They then approved her plan to post school crossing signs and assign safety crossing patrols.

Search environment Schedule DistanceSort by Cost

Concept Description

Figure�4-VolunterrMatchlogo

www.volunteermatch.org

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4 - Providing Family-Centered Information :: Family Connector

Family Connector is a platform for planning your child’s development centered around the child’s interests.Theplatformhas:

•Linkstomentorprograms,internships,specializedareasofinterest,andotherwaysoflearning•Schoolchoicedatabase,withalltypesofschoolssearchablebytypeofstudent,specialtyofschools,geography,age,anddaycareoptions•Aplatformyouuseasyourchildgrowsthatcontainsthehistoryofyourchild’sdevelopment

NeedsWithsomanychoicesparentsareoftenoverwhelmedwithraisingtheirchildreninthecity.Thereisaneedforinformationcenteredaroundhelpingparentsmakegooddecisionsrelatingtotheirchildren.

Benefits•Asinglegatewaythatlinksyoutothevariousorganizations,schools,andactivitiesforyourchild’sdevelopment.•Searchcriteriabasedontheneedsofyourchild,yourchild’slearningstyle,andinterests•Adevelopmenttoolthattracksyourchild’sgrowthandprogress

An analogy in existence today...Yahoo!GroupsforParentsisanonlineforumthatallowsparentstopostquestionsaroundvariousparentingissues.Thisforumisoftengroupedbydifferentparentneeds,geography,andinterests.

Concept Description

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Current City Assets•Vastarrayofinstitutions,schools,andorganizations.•Abundanceofinformationandchoices.

Concept OverlayAplatformtohelpfamiliesfindtheschooloractivitybestsuitedforthechildwithatoolfortheirchild’sdevelopment.

Cities Attractive to FamiliesTheabundanceofinformationandchoicesthecityoffersarenowfilteredforthebestfitsoinformationisnotoverwhelming.

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4.1 Providing Family-Centered Information :: Family Connector

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Schedule DistanceSort byFamily ConnectorFamily Centered Information for the City of Chicago

Experience

Resu

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Option 1 Student Playwriting Group Option 2 American Literature Tutor Option 3 Online Student Writing Forum

Map & Directions

43

Schedule

DescriptionThe program teams students with professional actors in an eight-week playwriting afterschool class, culminating in a live performance of the student’s script by the actors. The eight week program is a carefully structured process where students meet both individually and in groups. The 2 ½ hour daily exercises utilized the tools, expertise and guidance of the Drama Group coaches, while sparking the creativity and emotional depth of each student. The scripts are exclusively written by the students, with the coaches encouraging the creative process through reflection and revision.

RecommendedFamily Connector recommends The Drama Club for your child who is very social and outgoing. The location is also near her school and home and meets at a time that she is free.


X X X X X X

X X X

X X

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5.1 - Space and Social Interaction : Encouraging Happy Accidents

Encouraginghappyaccidentsisthenotionofpeoplerunningintoeachotherininterestingunexpectedways.Itpromotescitiesasfamilyfriendlythroughrich,socialinteractions.Theseinteractionsleadtobuildingrelationships,knowingyourneighbors,communicatinginformation,andbeinginvolvedinyourcommunity.These“accidents”arecriticalinexperiencingrichsocialinteractions,becausedeliberateinteractionsputspressureonfamiliesandmakestheinteractionsfeelforced.Thissolutionsethastwoconceptsthathelpencouragehappyaccidents.

•DigitalLearningLibraries,acreativelearningcenterforchildren•SpaceConversion,compellingspacesconvertedfromunusedspace

NeedsFamiliesneedsocialinteractioninordertofeelliketheybelongtoacommunity.Theygainasenseofsecurityfrominteractingwithandknowingtheirneighbors.Acommunitywhoseneighborsknoweachotheraremorelikelytowatchoutforeachotherintimesofneed.Astrongcommunitybondcausescommunitymemberstowanttoimprovetheircommunity.

Benefits•Interestingspacesproviderichsocialinteractions•Childrendeveloprelationshipswithotherchildren•Parentsbuildsocialnetworks,anoftenoverlookedpartofaparent’slife

An analogy in existence today...SanFranciscoFrenchQuarter,alsoknownasBeldenPlace,convertedanalleywayintoadense,excitingareawithrestaurantsspillingoverwithoutdoortablesandatruesensethatoneisinFrance.

Topic Description

Figure�5-AbustlingcrowdinanalleywayoftheFrenchQuarter

http://www.belden-place.com/

FriendsoftheHighline,anon-profitorganization,areworkingtoconvertNewYorkCity’sHighline,a��-block-longunusedindustrialinfrastructure,intopublicopenspaces.Theywillprovideauniqueviewofthecity.

Figure�6-PreliminarydesignsfortheHighline

www.thehighline.org/

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=

Current city assetsCitydensityleadstofrequentdailyinteractions.

Concept overlay

Richfamilyandcommunityfriendlygatherings

Cities Attractive to FamiliesThecitygainsmoreenergyanduniqueusesoftheirspaceformorememorableinteractions.

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Digital Learning is a center for creative engagement. It’s a place for children in the city to use cutting edge creative tools and technologies suchasartsupplies,computersequippedwiththelatestincreativesoftware,videoandaudioequipment,andmusicalinstruments,allhousedinaninteractiveenvironment.

Studentscancollaborateonavarietyofmultimediaprojectsusingthetoolsavailabletothem.Theycansave,send,andsharetheircreationsandhavethemhighlightedinlocalmedia.Winnersofcontestsorcollaborationscouldbegivengrantsorscholarshipstolocalschoolsanduniversities.

IllustrationAdigitallearningcentercouldallowchildrentomakemovieswithspecialeffectsorcreatetheirownmusic.

An analogy in existence today...AresearchstudybeingconductedattheInstituteofDesigncalledThinkeringSpacesisfocusedoncreatinginteractiveenvironmentsthatencourageschoolagechildrentotinkerwiththings,bothphysicalandvirtual,reflectuponwhattheydiscover,andelaboratetheirideasinwaystheycansharewithothers.

5.2 - Space and Social Interaction : Encouraging Happy Accidents :: Digital Learning

Concept Description

Figure�7-ThinkerinSpaces

http://www.id.iit.edu/ThinkeringSpaces

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5.3 - Space and Social Interaction : Encouraging Happy Accidents :: Space Conversion

Space Conversion is the idea that unused and forgotten spaces often ignored by cities can be converted into meaningful gathering places. Theresultsofconvertingthesespacesarerichsocialinteractionsand“happyaccidents”thatoccurwhenpeopleunexpectedlybumpintoormeeteachother.

Thesenewenvironmentscouldbeconversationstartersthemselves.Forexample,artinstallationscouldhighlightthesere-designedspaces,ortheycouldbedesignedbasedontheethnicityoftheneighborhood.Childrencouldgetinvolvedbyprovidingartworkandideasonhowtodesigntheseconvertedspaces.Inthecaseofarooftopgarden,theymighthelptomaintainthespace.Theworktheydocouldalsobehighlightedbylocalmedia.Furthermore,spacescouldbeadoptedbyorganizationsthatarepartoftheSignatureStrengthNetworkorCityScouts(seethesectiononPreppingfortheDraft).

IllustrationAnexampleofaconvertedspacemightbeaChicagorooftopthathasbeenconvertedintoaplayareaforchildren.Inthisexample,theflooroftheplayareahasamapofthecitydrawnoverit.Childrencanviewthesurroundingneighborhoodorskylineandcanuseblocksandothertoolstobuildtheirownversionofthesurroundingneighborhoodorcityskyline.

Other examples:Inadditiontotypicalspacessuchasvacantlots,otheruniqueareascouldbeconvertedaswellsuchas:•Alleys-->playareas,storefronts,arowofkid-friendlystoresandcafes•Roof-tops-->rooftopgardens•Subways-->withartwork,cafes,climate-controlled•Smallstreets-->intopedestrianonlyareas•Emptyorvacantlots-->toplaygroundsorskateparks

Concept Description

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5.4 - Space and Social Interaction : Brand the Kid-Friendly City

Branding the kid-friendly city is the solution space that provides compelling and interesting ways for parents and children to tangibly see that the city is kid-friendly. Belowisasuiteofconceptsthatdemonstrateacity’skid-friendlybrandthroughavarietyofmeans:

•KidSource,acouponspecificallyforchildren•Graffiti,signsandmedia•K-Games,activitiesforchildrengearedtowardlearningaboutthecity•KidScale,tangiblewaystomakelifemoreenjoyableforchildren

NeedsTentativeurbanitesanddiscontentsuburbanites(assegmented)areconcernedaboutwhethertheircityiskid-friendly.Tobesure,perceptionsexistthatmajorcitiesarenotfamily-friendly.

Benefits•Providecompellingexperiencesforchildreninwhichtheycanlearnandinteractwiththeirneighborhoodandcity•Allowschildrentodeveloprelationshipswithotherchildren•Promoteskid-friendlinessinthecity•Tangiblydemonstratesthatcitiesarekid-friendly

Topic Description

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Current city assets•Cityhistoryandculture•Diverseneighborhoods•Density•Culturalassets

Concept overlay•Createanddemonstrate

compellingwaysforchildrentointeractwiththecity

•Makeittangible

Cities attractive for familiesDemonstratestofamiliesthatthecityiskid-friendlyandasuitableplacetoraiseafamily.

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5.5 - Space and Social Interaction : Brand the Kid-Friendly City :: Kid Source

Kids Source is a publication of information, local shop discounts, games, and puzzles that are specifically for children.Itcouldprovidefamilieswithinformationrelatingtoactivitiesandeventsbeingheldinthecity.Theycouldalsoprovidediscountsatlocalshops,cafes,andmuseumsinthecity,ortheycouldcontaininformationrelatingtolearningaboutthehistoryofacityorcluesrelatingtoK-Games,aconceptdescribedlaterinthissection.

Lastly,kidsinthecityandtheinterestingactivitiestheyareinvolvedwithcouldbehighlightedwithinasectionofKidSource.

An analogy in existence today...TimeoutMagazinenowhasTimeoutNewYorkKids,apublicationandwebsitespecificallyfocusedonfamily-friendlyactivities.

Free family pass to Chicago Children’s Museum

More Coupons Inside!At the Museum of Science and

Kid’s Events

Don’t miss Chicago Kids Company’s Snow White and the Seven Drawfs

KidSource Chicago


More Coupons Inside!At the Museum of Science and Industry

Kid’s Events


KidSource Chicago

Concept Description

Figure�8-TimeOutKids

www.tonykids.com

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5.6 - Space and Social Interaction: Brand the Kid-Friendly City :: Graffiti

Graffiti is a campaign with an appealing visual language focused on branding the city as kid-friendly. Childrenareoftentoldwhattheyarenotallowedtodo,whetherit’sbytheirparentsorastranger.Thiscampaignisdesignedtobreakthisconventionbyspecificallytellingchildrenthattheyshouldplayinareasspecificallyprovidedforthem.Italsocanprovidevisualcuesofsafeareasorspaceswherechildrenwillfeelahighersenseofsecuritysuchasthewalktoandfromschool.

Examplesincludesignsthatshowkid-friendlypathsfromhometoschool.Theymightalsoindicateplacesforchildrentoplaysuchas:

“PlayHere!”“Chewgumhere!”“Skatehere!”

Otherformsofmediawillhelpfamiliesseethecityaskid-friendly.Thiscouldinclude:signs,posters,andbillboardsinairports,subways,busstops,andneighborhoodparkshighlightingkid-friendlyeventsandactivities.

Play Here!

Skate Here!

Chew gum

!

Ride Here!

Have Fun!

Concept Description

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K-Games is a series of activities, puzzles, and games for kids posted on kiosks thatarelocatedineasilyaccessibleareaswithinthelocalneighborhood.Thekiosksdisplayactivitiesandpuzzlesforchildrentoplay,whichmightbegearedtowardlearningaboutthecityorthecity’shistory,butdoneinaninteractiveway.Theymightinclude:

•ScavengerHunts•Citytriviaandhistory•Where’sWaldointhecity?•Mazes•Puzzles

IllustrationDependingontheleveloftechnologyused,kioskscouldbehighlyinteractiveorsimplyapostingofanewactivity.Onaregularbasis,thecityorlocalneighborhoodorganizationwouldupdatethekioskswithnewgamesforchildrentoplay.

5.7 - Space and Social Interaction : Brand the Kid-Friendly City :: K-Games

Where’s Waldo in Chicago?Clues to find Waldo:

1. He’s exactly two miles north of a park that was named after the turn of the century.

2. He’s closest to the fourth subway line built in the City of Chicago.

3. He’s near a building that used to be a major department store warehouse.

4. He’s near a statue of the third Mayor of the City of Chicago.

K-Games Chicago!

Concept Description

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Kid Scale is a community effort that allows children to experience life at a scale more closely matched with their physical size. Thebuiltworldisprimarilycreatedbyandforadults.Furthermore,parentsoftenfeeluncomfortablebringingtheirchildrentomanypublicplacesinthecitysuchasrestaurants,becausetheyfeelliketheyaredisturbingpeoplewhodon’thavechildren.

However,ifcitiesandcommunitiesmakeanefforttoprovideanenvironmentthatiskid-friendly,parentswillrecognizethisandfeelmorecomfortableinbringingchildrentotheseplacesandultimatelyfeelcomfortableinthecityneighborhoodtheylivein.

IllustrationOneexampleofKid-Scalecouldbeastorefrontinwhichchildrencouldbeprovidedwithplayareaswithintheshop.Ifit’safurniturestore,adultscouldlookatfurniturewhilekidsplaywithminiaturehousesandtoyfurniture.

Otherexamplescouldbekid-sizedtablesanddishwareatlocalcafesandrestaurantsorspecialtake-awaysforchildrentoreceivefromlocalstore-ownersintheneighborhood.Child-friendlysignsontheoutsideofcafesandstoresaresimplewaystoletfamiliesknowtheycanfeelcomfortablebringingtheirchildren.Allofthishelpstobuildspecialrelationshipswithlocalbusinessowners.

5.8 - Space and Social Interaction : Brand the Kid-Friendly City :: Kid Scale

Concept Description

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Choosing a Course of ActionStrategies for cities to move forward with and implement

InorderforcitiestocreatesystemicchangeonthetopicofKidsinCities,conceptsmustbechosenwithaclear,focusedstrategyinmind.Thestrategytableisaframeworkthatallowscitiestochooseastrategyandselectasetofconceptsthatismostappropriatetofulfillthatstrategy.Thisfocused,systemicapproachtobuildingafamily-friendlycitywillhelpcitiesattractandretainfamilies,particularlythosethatmakeuptheSwingVotesegment.

AlongthehorizontalaxisarethesolutionsspacescreatedfortheKidsinCitiesproject.Alongtheverticalaxisisthelevelofhoweasyitistoimplementeachconcept.Withinthetablearealloftheconceptsdevelopedforthisproject(moreconceptscouldbeaddedtothetable).(ref.Figure�9)

Inchoosingastrategytofocuson,citiesmustconsidertheirstrengthsandassets.Manystrategiescanbecreated:

•Babysteps•Aggressive•Learning•Socialinteraction•Naturalassets•Easeoflifestyle•Cityascommunity

Inthestrategytableshownonthenextpage,theconceptschoseninthetablearegearedtowardsbuildingcommunitiesorCity as community.Theconceptschosenforthisstrategymostcloselyalignwithcreatingacityfocusedonbuildingclose-knitcommunities.(ref.Figure�0)

6 - Strategy Table

Now what?Manyideasareneverexecuted,becausethereisnofocusedplandevelopedtoimplementthem.Whilethispaperdoesnotdevelopacomprehensiveimplementationplan,belowarequestionsthatcitiesmustaddressinordertosuccessfullyimplementtheseconcepts.Aclearstrategyanddefinedanswerstothesequestionswillhelpcitiestransformthemselvesintodesirable,family-orientedcitiesofthefuture.

• HowdowegettheMayor(yes,theMayor)todrivethisinitiativefromthetop?

• Whowillbesolelyresponsibleandaccountableforthesuccessofthisstrategicinitiative?

• Whatcross-functionalteamcanbeformedthatisdedicatedtothisinitiative?

• Whatkeystrengthsandassetsexistinourcity?• Whatweaknessesandobstaclescouldpreventprogressfrombeing

made?• Whatkindofstrategymakessenseforourcity?• Whatorganizationsandpartnershipscanbeformedtomovethis

initiativeforward?• Whatinfrastructureisrequired?• Whatservicesarerequired?• Howdoweempowercommunitiestoletthemdrivethisinitiative

fromthebottomup?• Howcanwehelpthemfromthetopdown?• Howdowemakesurefamiliesareawareofthisinitiative?• Howdoweensurefamiliesneedsarebeingmet?• Howwillwecreateexperiencessocompellingthatfamiliescan’tresist

thetemptationtoliveinourcity?• Howwillwemeasuresuccess?

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Implementation

Solution Space 1 Leveraging a city’s unique assets

Solution Space 2 Giving city kids advantages




Graffiti•Encourageskidstobekids•Highlightskid-friendly

environments

Kid Scale•Tangiblyshowsthecityas

kid-friendly

Kid Source•Providesfamily-friendly

information

K-Games•Bringschildrentogether•Allowschildrentolearn

abouttheircity

Digital Learning Centers•Provideschildrenwithcreativeactivities

Space Conversion•Providesuniquespacesforinteraction

Family Connector•Providesconsolidatedfamily-centeredinformation•Allowsparentstoplanfortheirchildren’sdevelopment

City Scouts•Provideschildrenwithadiverserangeofwaystohelpintheircommunities•Highlightskidsaccomplishments

Guru•Providesspecialized,supplementalhelpforchildren

Signature Strength Network•Strengthenstiesinthecity•Provideenrichingexperiencesforchildren

City Youth Showcase •Highlightskidsaccomplishments

Signature Strength Volunteer Program•Connectsexpertswithchildren•Buildscommunitymindedness

Easy

Medium

Difficult

Figure�9-StrategyTable

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Where’s Waldo in Chicago?Clues to find Waldo:

1. He’s exactly two miles north of a park that was named after the turn of the century.

2. He’s closest to the fourth subway line built in the City of Chicago.

3. He’s near a building that used to be a major department store warehouse.

4. He’s near a statue of the third Mayor of the City of Chicago.

K-Games Chicago!

Signature Strength Volunteer Program

Solution Space 1Leveraging a city’s unique assets

City Youth Showcase

Signature Strength Network

City Scouts

Solution Space 2 Giving city kids advantages

Guru

Implementation

Family Connector


Space Conversion


K-Games

Digital Learning Centers

Kid Source


Graffiti

Kid Scale

Easy

Medium

Difficult

Strategy Table - City as Community



Kid’s Events

Don’t miss Chicago Kids Company’s Snow White and the

KidSource Chicago



Kid’s Events


KidSource Chicago

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Schedule DistanceSort byFamily ConnectorFamily Centered Information for the City of Chicago

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Search Creative Writing

Option 1 Student Playwriting Group Option 2 American Literature Tutor Option 3 Online Student Writing Forum

Map & DirectionsSchedule

DescriptionThe program teams students with professional actors in an eight-week playwriting afterschool class, culminating in a live performance of the student’s script by the actors. The eight week program is a carefully structured process where students meet both individually and in groups. The 2 ½ hour daily exercises utilized the tools, expertise and guidance of the Drama Group coaches, while sparking the creativity and emotional depth of each student. The scripts are exclusively written by the students, with the coaches encouraging the creative process through reflection and revision.

RecommendedFamily Connector recommends The Drama Club for your child who is very social and outgoing. The location is also near her school and home and meets at a time that she is free.


X X X X X X

X X

X X

X X X X X X

Figure�0-StrategyTable|CityasCommunity

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AttractingandretainingfamilieswitheconomicoptionsiscriticallyimportantforU.S.Citiestoday.EventhemostvibrantmajorU.S.Citiesstruggletoholdontoandattractthesefamilies,butthesefamiliesprovideasignificanttaxbaseforcities,supportthelocaleconomy,andhelpimprovethecommunitiesinwhichtheylive.

Basedonresearchconducted,twosegmentsofparentsthatshouldbefocusedon.Theyaretentative urbanitesanddiscontent urbanites,orwhatisdubbedthe“Swing Vote.”Ifsolutionscanalleviatetheirpain-pointsandwork-arounds,citieswillhaveamuchgreaterchanceofholdingontothesefamilies.

Twothemes,Prepping for the DraftandSpace and Social Interaction,wereusedtodevelopconceptsforcitiestotakeforwardandimplementwithafocusedstrategy.Butmanyinsightswerefoundthroughoutthisstudy,additionalthemescanbedevelopedregardingtheissueofKidsinCities,andfurtherideationcanoccurtohelpcitiesdevelopadditionalsolutions.Thestrategicplannerswhoconductedthisstudyhopethattheworkdonewillbecarriedforwardandextendedbeyondtheresultsprovidedinthisreport.

Finally,understandingfamilies’needswastheprimarypointofviewtakeninthisstudy.Theuser-centereddesignprocesshelpedtoidentifythelatentandunexpressedneedsoffamilies.Thisapproachtosolvingurbanissuesisnewtocities,butitcanbeusedtogreateffect.Itishighlyrecommendthisapproachbetakenforthisandotherissuesfacingcitiestoday.

7 - In Summary

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Cortright,Joe.“TheStakesofEducation.”ImpresaConsulting,January�007.

Egan,Timothy.“VibrantCitiesFindOneThingMissing:Children.”NewYorkTimes,March�4,�005.http://www.nytimes.com/�005/0�/�4/national/�4childless.html?ex=��69��0400&en=cbfa�545�5a5�a5f&ei=5090&partner=rssuserland

Daspin,EileenandEllenGamerman.“TheMillion-DollarKid.”TheWallStreetJournal,March�,�007.http://online.wsj.com/article_print/SB��7�88�8�7897�55��.html

Naughton,Keith.“TheLongandGrindingRoad.”Newsweek,May�,�006.http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/��4�88��/site/newsweek/

8 - Works Cited

kids in cities

Documents

economic optionswhy

economic options good

signaturest topic