The Center for Independent Futures (CIF) and the Evanston Public Library have been chosen by the Rotary Club of Evanston Charitable Fund as the recipients of the Fund’s 2019 Community Grants. Each will receive a grant of $2,500.
CIF and the Library were chosen from a field of many local applicant-organizations, which sent proposals aimed at reducing the impacts of hateful speech, cultural insensitivity or intolerance among children, while promoting youth communities that are characterized by tolerance, empathy and respect for diversity.
CIF’s proposal, titled “Change Champions for accessABILITY,” will address these issues as they impact young people with disabilities, seeking to promote
acceptance and inclusion and reduce bullying and intolerant behavior through interactive training aimed at both children and adults.
The Library’s proposal, titled “Boys Will Be: A Positive Masculinity Workshop,” will address toxic messaging, aggressive/posturing behavior and other issues among young males that interfere with the development of empathy, tolerance and respect for others. The pilot program will offer workshops focused on boys in grades 4 and 5.