The Creating Space Initiative (CSI) launched in 2021 as part of a DEI strategy to ensure YNPN Chicago was meeting the needs of the diverse Chicago BIPOC community. As the convener of Chicago’s next generation of nonprofit CEOs and executives, our goal in conceiving CSI was to create space for emerging Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) nonprofit leaders to have an open space to lean in for mentorship, peer-to-peer support, and networking as an additional tool as they navigate their nonprofit professional career.
Since CSI’s launch, YNPN Chicago has seen an increasing need for programming intended for multiple marginalized communities, and felt it was important to make a shift in order to reach more of our community members
How will CSI Programming evolve at YNPN Chicago?
YNPN Chicago determined it is in the best interest of our community to incorporate CSI programming into our Programming Committee instead of having a separate committee for CSI. This was not a decision we made lightly, but ultimately we felt this would have a more positive effect on both the BIPOC community and our board members if we shifted the focus to be more inclusive of additional historically marginalized communities.
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Moving forward, self-identified individuals–such as BIPOC and LGBTQ+ folks–who currently serve on the board will volunteer to advise and ideate programming ideas for members of the community that will be executed by the Programming Committee. This will allow us to be intentional with our time, events, and provide more board members the opportunity to engage with CSI. Our current board slate includes individuals from historically marginalized communities who are willing to provide support to the Programming Committee.
Who is Creating Space Initiative Programming For?
We are working to ensure that marginalized communities, such as those who identify as BIPOC and LGBTQ+, feel that YNPN Chicago is a network that welcomes them, validates their lived experience, acknowledges their unique experience working for non-profits, and offers programming that is valuable to their professional development and growth.
What will Creating Space Initiative Programming do?
YNPN Chicago will host events designed exclusively for marginalized communities through CSI programming. Allies are encouraged to promote CSI programming to emerging nonprofit leaders who can benefit from networking and learning in these spaces and participate in YNPN Chicago’s traditional programming events.
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We are excited for this initiative to evolve, and hope that you will join us at CSI programs this year.
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Questions? Please reach out to the YNPN Chicago Executive Committee at executive@ynpnchicago.org.