“I know there is strength in the differences between us. I know there is comfort, where we overlap.” 

― Ani DiFranco 

The People

The populations that make up 10,000 Ripples in Rogers Park are Mr. Skrable, many small business owners, local artists, the network of people working on 10,000 Ripples which oversee all 10 communities, and myself. What makes 10,000 Ripples in Rogers Park different is that the community is not coming to us seeking help, we are reaching out to them. Five major assets of the population that the organization made up of are: 1) The faculty and students at Loyola University Chicago are interested in community development 2) There are many small business and family businesses that want to engage the community in this project 3) as a student who lives in the community that I have been volunteering at/for I am very motivated to better my own community and to promote peace and nonviolence in a way that can impact my life 4) the sculptures which are the central focus of this project have been donated to us by Evanston artist Indira Johnson 5) 10,000 Ripples in Rogers Park is one of 10 Chicago neighborhoods involved in the larger 10,000 Ripples project so we have a large network of people involved in their own neighborhood projects which are  helpful resources.

     The Community

10,000 Ripples in Rogers Park is located in Rogers Park, Illinois. The assets of the Rogers Park community are; 1) The location of Rogers Park as the northernmost neighborhood of Chicago, this unique location is an asset because it is still within Chicago city limits, but it offers a more "suburb" environment. There are many people who live in Rogers Park that are able to work in the city. 2) The students, faculty and staff of Loyola University Chicago make up a large portion of the Roger's Park population. 3) Rogers Park is home to many family owned and privately owned businesses. 4) Many artists, writers and performers live in Rogers Park as well as many people who are interested in community development. 5) Lastly, the community of Rogers Park is very diverse, with many ethic restaurants, stores, and organizations. 

           Our Neighborhood

Five major assets of the 10,000 Ripples in Rogers Park organization are; 1) Loyola University Chicago has state-of-the-art facilities, hundreds of classrooms with projectors, computers, and seating for hundreds. 2) Several local organizations, businesses and non-profits have volunteered their spaces for events or art gallery space at no cost to us. 3) Artists have reached out to us and offered their talents to help promote the project. 4) The images, bases, brochures, installation, and plaques were all donated to us at no cost. 5) 10,000 Ripples in Rogers Park is entirely non-profit and the people who volunteer their time and effort in this project are very enthusiastic about it!

  Purpose

10,000 Ripples in Rogers Park most effectively capitalizes on several of the assets listed above to effectively promote peace, nonviolence and art in the community. The assets that we use most often to respond to these issues are: 1) The faculty, students and facilities of Loyola University Chicago. For example, in order to have the project run smoothly weekly meetings are held at Loyola between student and faculty members. These meetings are essential in staying on task and up to date with the project. 2) Many local businesses, nonprofits and organizations have volunteered their time, space, and facilities to host the Buddha images in the neighborhood, some of these include; The Common Cup, Heartland Café, LEEDA, and Loyola University Chicago to name a few. Without their generosity this project would not be able to come together or be experienced by the community. 3) The donated materials, images, plaques, stands and physical installation of the images has been a huge asset to this project. Without having to worry about funding or donations in order to operate has made the process run smoothly. 4) The network of people involved in the larger project of 10,000 Ripples have been a great asset. 5) The community of Roger’s Park itself, the diverse population, and location are major assets to this project. This project would not be able to happen without the people who truly care about Roger’s Park and the promotion of peace and art.

To find a Buddha nearest you, click here

To share your Buddha experience, click here

To read lean more about the Buddha images, 10,000 Ripples in Rogers Park, and the people behind it, click here 

To watch a video about the project and meet the people involved click here 

To read more about my experience and involvement in the project, visit my blog here 

Photos, from top to bottom:

1. The Artist, Indira Johnson 

found here

2.  Spending time in the community gardens  

found here

3.Rogers Park map on Postcard,

found here

4. Welcome to Rogers Park sign

found here