Profiles

We're shining the spotlight on some outstanding individuals who helped create spaces in their community for group discussion and action.

• Lisa Giordano of Providence, R.I.,
  established the Willow Street Association, a community group focused on discussing local challenges and developing solutions together.
• Annie Estlund of Fort Myers, Fla.,
  helped form "Lee County Pulling Together," an effort to mobilize large numbers of area residents to address issues of race, racism, and segregation.
• Chuck Ridley of Delray Beach, Fla.,
  founded a local branch of MAD DADS, and helped launch "Community Chat," an initiative designed to bring citizens from varied backgrounds together to discuss and act on common issues and concerns.
• Dr. Ray Daniels of Kansas City, Kan.,
  helped form KCK Study Circles, a group designed to give area parents the opportunity to discuss shared concerns about the educational system, work together to develop solutions, and have an active voice in making change happen.
• Dick Spady of Seattle, Wash.,
  authored a public forum initiative recently passed by the King County (Wash.) Council that is designed to enhance citizen participation, civic engagement, and citizenship education in government.