At our May general membership meeting, we were pleased to share the results of our recent member survey. By way of background, we sent an 8-question survey to our members and asked them to evaluate some of our recent priorities and share ideas for what is concerning them right now. We also asked for their feedback on whether our organization should start collecting dues and if so, what amount.
We found that our members affirmed in large part what we are currently focused on:
- “Maintaining Rogers Parkâs economic and racial diversity in housing and community development” came in first, with a weighted average of 4.56/5.0;
- “Helping progressive candidates win elections” was next, at 4.52/5.0;
- “Making Rogers Park a safe and just community for all” was a close third at 4.50/5.0;
- “Protecting our Public, Neighborhood Schools” was right next, at 4.46/5.0.
So where do we take up these concerns?
- Housing & Community Development is tackling the first one.
- Safe Community Task Force is working on the third, along with our partners at Protect RP.
- The Education Committee has been tackling the fourth and is an issue with which Network 49 is strongly identified, thanks to the success of the Charter Freeze referendum on Nov. 9, 2017. Their ongoing leadership at work in Sanctuary schools, the fight for elected school board and more provide a model to the rest of our committee work.
- The Politics Committee takes on the largest issue of members’ discontent: voter dissatisfaction with current politicians, from the Ward to the National level.
Frankly, our respondents are irate about a whole host of issues that involve political change. Network 49 will be engaging in voter education through a planned Community Canvass, beginning in June (look for details on Network 49 facebook and Web pages), ongoing Forums addressing the key issues, Voter Registration, and continued organizing with our neighbors.
Some respondents want Network 49 to field candidates, but our focus is on organizing our members to resist, expose and fight hypocrisy, lack of transparency, and elected officials simply not doing their jobs for the people wherever and whenever we can. But we are not just about resisting. We are working to affirm our values and help our members engage constructively in pushing for what we want, not just what we oppose.
We welcome people interested in running for elected office to share their interests to us and to speak before our members. If the survey is any indication, they will be well-received!
