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Ideas, Etc.

For the formerly incarcerated, a lack of adequate housing options puts them at risk

Ideas, Etc.

What you need to know about the state of Chicago media

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Ideas, Etc.

Rico Bryant, like many formerly incarcerated people, isn’t defined by his past

What you need to know about the state of Chicago media

With the Chicago Sun-Times up for sale, and the Chicago Reader having approved a strike, what does the future hold for Chicago media?

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Community Impact: Hiring the Formerly Incarcerated

Several great takeaways and content emerged from our suite events around Reimagining Prison. Chief among them, a thought-provoking conversation on improving diversity in hiring to include the formerly incarcerated.

6 Chicagoland Companies That Hire the Formerly Incarcerated

Read about local businesses who are working to improve their communities through commerce.

Finding New Beginnings at Cara

Morning Motivations could become your new daily ritual. Learn about the remarkable work this local organization is doing to rebuild Chicago communities.

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Flipping the Formula for Hiring the Formerly Incarcerated

Finding employment for the formerly incarcerated individuals isn't easy, but solutions spring eternal.

Applications Now Open: The Bluhm/Helfand Social Innovation Fellowship

Bluhm / Helfand Social innovation has awarded game-changing entrepreneurs with a monetary award, invaluable connections and a spot on the Chicago Ideas Week stage to share their work and, hopefully, inspire others to take action.

Apply Now Learn more about the BHSI Fellowship

The Ideas Platform For You

From our YOU(th) program to our social innovation fellowship, and member events to volunteer opportunities, Chicago Ideas is designed to foster connections that spark action. Learn more about what makes us tick, who informs our programming, and how we're impacting our community.

2016's 4 Social Innovators You Should Know

Meet the 2016 Fellows

The Brain Trust brings experts from different backgrounds together to focus on the gap: what other people aren't talking about. That's a powerful proposition.

Israel Idonije

Chicago Ideas Brain Trust Member, Former NFL player, entrepreneur, philanthropist

Meet the Brain Trust

Chicago Ideas inspires action in our community all year round

Chicago Ideas Week is just the tip of the iceberg. Our mission is to drive meaningful change by sharing big ideas with as many people as possible.

Explore CIW YOU(th) Learn more about us

More Ways to get involved

There are many ways you can make an impact on your community with Chicago Ideas, beyond attending our events. See what you can do to join our Community of Curiosity.