With city violence dominating summer headlines, a startup that's based out of 1871 hopes to 'Save Chicago.'
Randiss Hopkins, a Jazz Performance and Community Leadership / Civic Engagement major at Northern Illinois University, started the 'Save Chicago' campaign last year, a non-profit that creates, facilitates, and executes service opportunities for college students during school breaks.
On the surface, Save Chicago resembles your typical student volunteer group - an organization that connects college kids to nonprofit events. But the reasoning behind the campaign's programming reveals an innovative approach to community development. Yes, Save Chicago organizes food drives, shelter sessions, and other traditional volunteer activities, but they also set up situations for college students to simply be visible in underserved neighborhoods.
"Presence is key. College students need to know that they don't have to physically be doing something to make a difference," says Hopkins.
Hopkins explains that countless neighborhoods in Chicago are full of negative influences; before attending NIU, he grew up in North Lawndale. He insists that college students are inherently positive; they're young, energetic representations of infinite possibilities. By being visible, Hopkins says, a student can impact a community.
"Growing up, I wish I saw more of that, more students. These neighborhoods need more positive influences."
So Save Chicago sets up opportunities for students to just be present; that's it. For example, Hopkins is starting a talent show-style event and he'll have volunteers sit in on the dress rehearsals so that they can organically interact with the participants.
"My goal is to make sure that college students recognize their value; that they're heroes. One they're aware, we then make sure they remember to give back by being available to their communities."
Right now, Hopkins runs the campaign with his 15-student board. He's also receiving help from a place that knows how to grow.
Following an introduction from the NIU President, 1871 was so impressed with Hopkins' initiative that they offered his team office space and mentorship to help take the movement to the next level.
"Being around all of these great entrepreneurs, it's so conducive to creativity. It's just a beautiful place to network in."
Save Chicago also marks the second innovative social startup that we've covered in a week that was founded by NIU alumni. On Friday, we profiled the EduProtect device, a wireless remote designed to keep students safe.
"And that's no coincidence," says Hopkins. "A new pillar at NIU is student career success and the University is very encouraging and nurturing of entrepreneurship."
Currently, Save Chicago is operating strictly off of donations. Their next big event is scheduled for 8/16 at Washington Park; it'll be a Back-to-School celebration featuring live performances and the campaign will be giving away supplies. Hopkins also teased a potential rebranding that we will be covering this Fall.
In the meantime, the campaign obviously has an uphill battle and, despite its lofty name, doesn't pretend to be the end-all-be-all solution for the city. But Hopkins is positive.
"You have to stay positive. If you're positive, then you have to be mindful to give back. That's everything."
