Photo by Gordon Dymowski
To be honest...the first half of 2019 had minimal activity on the blog. Part of it was moving past the infrequent posting in 2018 (yes, I did develop a content calendar...but caregiving duties and other things kept me away from the keyboard).
However, I wanted to focus on finding social media and copywriting consulting work as well as my pulp fiction writing. However, as 2019 progressed I found that I could balance creativity and caregiving, and managed to carve out some great working relationships through blogging. (If you've noticed, the "Meet Your Neighbor" posts increased steadily through 2019).
But enough of my bragging...just like last year, these are the best posts of 2019. In reviewing these posts. I have chosen one per month (luckily, only one month has had one single post) and chose a random quote. They've all been linked, but you're always welcome to choose your other favorite post about technology, social change, and the greater Chicago community. Here's the best of 2019 in review - enjoy!
January - Think of it as the dark side of "clickbait" and "viral memes" - online information designed not just to engage, but to sow dissension amongst users.
February - One of the most brutal effects of this past winter has been its effect on my caregiving and my own self-care...and nearly cost me my sense of connection with others.
March - They were kind enough to share their video of my experiences...and via the magic of YouTube, I'm sharing it with you
April - With a mission-driven impulse towards collaboration and community, the Gauge Collective under Teddy Heidt's leadership provides a great example for other businesses - and even some digital agencies - to emulate.
May - Over ten years ago, I attended a "free weekend" run by a local "business coaching" organization. Given some of their tactics at the time, I believe I dodged a bullet.
June - In a business landscape that is becoming more focused on greater social benefit, there is also a greater need for introspection and honest self-exploration about their own potential complicity in fostering systemic issues
July - Driving social change through small acts is a radical idea: these acts can have ripple effects and enable people to make a huge change via small actions.
August - "For Seke Ballard, the emerging cannabis industry does not just provide great opportunities for business growth; it also serves to back Ballard's principle that "the free flow of capital is the lifeblood of any community".
September - In short, caregiving is no longer a "journey" - it's a destination
Raks Geek
October - Because we ourselves come from marginalized groups, we know how important it is to have spaces that are truly welcoming, spaces where you’re able to belong, where your full humanity is respected and loved. Honestly, because of who we are, building an inclusive community has been easy for us.
November - Belmont Cragin is one of Chicago's best-kept secrets: it's a neighborhood that has been experiencing a renaissance.
December - Legal resources for low income and underrepresented tenants can alleviate housing concerns, especially since eviction filing rates are higher in neighborhoods of color which lack such resources.
Here's to a happy, healthy 2020! If you have questions or want to say "hello", you're more than welcome to join us on our Facebook page or email me directly via this contact form. (I also have a personal web site and online portfolio for your review as well). And as always, thank you so much for reading!
Have a wonderful, Happy New Year!
Filed under:
Administrata, caregiving, Commentary, Community, Meet Your Neighbor, Uncategorized
Tags:
2019 in review, collaboration, community, engagement, nonprofits, social good, web-based tools
