Organizational Principles & Protocols

Below defines for the public and membership how EEC takes actions upon our principles. 
These are how we work together and take action together. 

How we work

As a coalition of volunteers in Edgewater, as a group we provide resources (knowledge, experience, skills, people, connections, funding) and help facilitate local projects spearheaded by organizations or community members through those resources. 

We are a place for community conversations on the topics covered in our mission and priorities.

We advocate for legislation in Chicago. As an affiliate member of the Illinois Environmental Council, we support legislative efforts by IEC at the state and federal level. We are coalition campaign members of Ready for 100 Chicago Collective and Democratize ComEd.

We work best by having a community or org member take the lead on a project, use the larger membership for resources and direction, and break out a core interested + invested group into a project group to do the work on the project. 
We can provide connections to people and organizations through our relationships and connections. We have a well-built out asset map and relationships in the community and city. 

We provide intelligence and knowledge on subject matters. 

Our Principles 

  1. We are making an honest attempt to solve some of the biggest problems of our world
  2. We are building a network/coalition of people and organizations that are developing and working on solutions based on our most pressing matters
  3. Understanding past or current work done on any issue is the starting point for developing effective solutions to resolve the problem
  4. Place is important, Edgewater is our home; we love it and find inspiration and joy thru it
  5. We spend more time building than attacking
  6. Be inclusive 
  7. Emphasis on bottom up organizing 
  8. Work together in solidarity and mutuality 
  9. Yes to passion, no to obligation

How membership works

There are no membership fees. 
After attending 2 meetings, membership is gained with votes on resolutions.

How we take action together

Protocols for projects: 

If you as an individual or a group/organization has a specific project idea you want to get done in Edgewater (ex: an event, an initiative or action with a specific end goal) then EEC provides a funding source, resources, connections, and members for a project team to complete projects within our umbrella of issues and priorities. 

To submit a project idea and funding request, one can submit the Project Funding Request form.  Typical grants are $500 and under (for energy or solar projects, larger projects, different funding opportunities are available through our fiscal sponsor)

Protocols for community input, feedback, and/or conversation

By attending a monthly meeting, you can be placed on the agenda to share your idea or issue with a committed group of community members. You can ask for feedback and ask questions to the group to gather information on your idea or issue.

It is helpful if speakers come prepared with an “ask” of EEC - whether than be support for a specific campaign or to gather community feedback or anything in between. 

Digital Communication Protocols

These are the most common tools we use to communicate with membership, partners, and stakeholders.

  • Website: sustainedgewater.org
  • Formal organizational communication (opt-in): Newsletter mailing list emails
    • Sign up at sustainedgewater.org
  • Informal project- and subject-focused discussions (invite-only): Slack
  • Informal discussions (invite-only): Google Groups
  • Project management and task tracking (invite-only): Freedcamp
  • Sharing information through social media:

Meeting & Event Protocols
  • Meetings are open to the public.
  • Public meetings start with declarations for justice, indigenous land, and climate emergency.
  • Agendas are emailed in advance and summary minutes are emailed after
  • We invite and welcome attendance from our elected reps, government officials, and other communities. 
  • We follow Robert’s Rules of Order

Group Agreements

  • Make space, Take Space (Step Up, Step Back)
  • Be open to new or different perspectives
  • Assume best intent
  • Be open to learning
  • Yes/and; both/and
  • Value the process as much as, if not more than, you value the outcomes
  • Self-care and community care, pay attention to your bladder, pay attention to your neighbors

Meeting Schedules
  • Monthly morning meetings @ 9am the second Wednesday of the month every month
    • During a pandemic, all meetings are virtual over Zoom
    • When able, meetings are in person at 5533 N Broadway
  • Evening meetings quarterly, 4 times a year, once a quarter each season

Protocols for Participating 
  • Join the mailing list
    • Take actions suggested there
    • Reach out to connect more on anything shared
  • Come to meetings
  • Share at meetings
    • If you want to share at a meeting, email sustainedgewater@gmail.com at least 10 days in advance of meeting for consideration on agenda. We are open to all agenda items from our community and partners that match our mission. 
  • Become a member by regularly attending meetings 
    • After two meetings, a co-chair will reach out for an onboarding/get to know you meet up/call
  • Interact on Slack & in the discussion forum
  • There is a bi-yearly internship position
​
Focus Areas EEC Outreach
  • We will be one of the Edgewater community's leading advocates for environmental issues
  • EEC volunteers will collaborate with other like minded residents community groups, schools & universities, businesses and faith groups in Edgewater and in the Chicago area
Your Role - What Can You Do? 
  • Examine your home-make it energy efficient:  insulate, use LED lighting; & energy efficient appliances.
  • Convert to renewable energy sources. 
  • Walk whenever possible, bike when you can and shop locally.
  • Join us for Go Edgewater bike and walking tours to learn more about your neighborhood and its rich resources and history.
  • Participate in our community's activities planting parkways, greening parks and expanding the tree canopy.
  • Engage in political action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from all sources - your health depends on it.
  • Pull down the "Resources" tab for links to informative sites.​