The Institute of Cultural Affairs
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Working with others to build a just and equitable society in harmony with Planet Earth.
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The Institute of Cultural Affairs (ICA) strengthens the capacities of individuals, organizations, and communities to build and implement innovative plans of action that draw upon assets and social capital in a collaborative manner.
This work is done across four different geographies; click the titles below to read more:
global
ICA International is a global network of 35 organizations that use participatory processes for community development. ICA is works on creating and implementing programs to develop institutional capacities for partner ICAs, and partners with sister organizations on project implementation.
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ICA Global Archives aim to share the experiences and tools from an energetic 20th century "peoples' movement” for social justice and human development with today’s citizen activists, civic leaders, thinkers, and students.
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National
​Technology of Participation (ToP)® facilitation methods are worldwide and time-tested tools that help teams, organizations, associations, and communities collaboratively and effectively create and implement plans of action. ToP methods:
  • Recognize and honor all contributions
  • Deal with more data in less time
  • Pool individual contributions into useful patterns
  • Welcome diversity and minimize conflict 
ICA offers training in ToP methods across the US and currently has over 100 licensed ToP trainers offering 13 different facilitation courses in 26 states. ICA also certifies facilitators through its Certified ToP Facilitator (CTF) program, and has certified nearly 100 people throughout the US.
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Citywide
accelerate77 works to increase the role and positive impact of local community actions and accelerate grassroots sustainability efforts driven by practical action, expanded imagination, and greater organizational capacities among local groups.
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Chicago Sustainability Leaders Network (CSLN) formed as a result of accelerate77. ICA serves as the backbone organization and uses ToP facilitation methods to organize members and drive collective voice and impact. CSLN is a unique network that fosters organizational collaboration at the intersection of racial and environmental justice in Chicago.
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local
Uptown Programming cultivates spaces for community members to learn from each other and local experts about actions and resources to live more sustainable lives. Recent activities include an annual Uptown Garden Walk, Out and About Uptown's Coast educational series, and Conversations on Social Justice​ forums.
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ICA GreenRise the largest social service center in the Midwest, an eight story building housing ICA offices, two values-based residential communities, and 25 nonprofit and social service agencies that serve over 1,000 clients weekly. It hosts the second largest solar array among buildings in Chicago.
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Support
Our organization is able to continue its mission because of the support and generosity of our donors. Click on the link below to learn more about how to donate your time or resources. 
SUPPORT ICA

Latest from ICA

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Meet Our New Interim Executive Director Phil Waitzman​
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Chicago Chief Sustainability Officer Visits ICA GreenRise
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Staff Spotlight: Ashleigh Hughes
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Upcoming Events

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View ToP Courses

ICA REFLECTS ON 2019 IN OUR

Winter Initiatives

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Visit the Online Store for Facilitation Tools and Resources 

Go to Online Store
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4750 N Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL 60640

Copyright 2019 The Institute of Cultural Affairs. All rights reserved
  • About Us
    • Mission & Approach
    • History
    • Staff
    • Board
    • Annual Report
    • Contact Us
    • Jobs
  • Programs
    • International
    • Global Archives
    • Facilitation Services
    • Chicago Sustainability >
      • Accelerate77
      • Sustainability Leaders
    • Uptown >
      • Uptown Garden Walk >
        • 2019
        • 2018
        • 2017
        • 2016
      • Uptown Coastal Initiative
  • ToP Training
  • Building
    • About ICA GreenRise >
      • Restoration Project
    • Conference Center
    • Live at ICA
    • Lease at ICA
    • Tenants & Residents
  • News
    • Latest News
    • Publications
  • Store
  • Donate