Evanstonians of all stripes are invited to share their ideas at “Evanston Big Ideas 2020: What Would Make Evanston an Extraordinary Place for ALL KIDS to Grow Up In?” at Evanston Township High School’s South Study Café, scheduled for 1-4 pm. on Feb. 15.

“Every voice and perspective will have something to bring to this conversation,” says co-facilitator Kelly Fidei, Ph.D., a member of the Rotary Club of Evanston.

To encourage collaborative dialogue and constructive possibilities for action, Evanston’s two Rotary clubs – the Rotary Club of Evanston and the Evanston Lighthouse Rotary Club – have organized this community inquiry.

“Both Evanston Rotary clubs like to have their finger on the pulse of Evanston,” says co-organizer Kathy Tate-Bradish of the Evanston Lighthouse Rotary Club. “This is just one fun way for our neighbors to inform us on what should get more attention in the name of making Evanston a great place to raise all kids and encourage fellow Evanstonians to do what they can to make greatness happen.”

This community conversation will follow a process called “World Café.” After an ice-breaker, neighbors will form groups of four to six people. Questions relating to the primary question will be discussed and ideas written or illustrated on butcher block paper. Teams will split up and go to new tables and continue to share ideas. The butcher block paper will be tacked to the wall and teams will report out on their ideas.

A report on all ideas discussed and other achievements will be share with all participants shortly after the event, as well as a survey for organizers to learn participants’ reaction to what they learned and if they plan to take some kind of action.

Participating partners include Evanston Cradle to Career, Evanston Public Library, Evanston Township High School, Family Focus, The Harbour, James B. Moran Center for Youth Advocacy, OPAL/Organization for Positive Action and Leadership, Youth Job Center and YWCA Evanston/North Shore.

Light refreshments will be served. Child care will be available.

Walk-ins are welcome, but seating is limited, so registering by Feb. 10 at https://evanstonbigideas2020.eventbrite.com is advised.