• TRI Community Field Needs Assessment

  • The Roots Initiative partners with families across Chicago's South and West Sides to develop youth leadership, support mental wellness, and strengthen communities. As the expert on your own experiences and community, your voice and perspective are essential to the work we do.

    We invite you to spend 10–15 minutes sharing what matters most to you. There are no right or wrong answers—we are committed to creating a safe, welcoming space where you can freely share your concerns, needs, hopes, and dreams. Your insights will help shape programs, resources, and opportunities that better reflect the strengths and priorities of your family and our communities.

    Thank you for your time!

  • SECTION 1: Household Snapshot

  • Who is answering today?*
  • What neighborhood do you live in?*

  • Are there any children ages 11-15 in your household?*
  • Has anyone in your household been part of a TRI program before (Summer Liberation Lab, AL3, FAI)?*

  • SECTION 2: Community Knowledge & Civic Awareness

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  • Which of these affect your family right now?*

  • Are you aware of any groups or organizations already working on that issue nearby?*
  • Have you ever attended a community meeting, block club, church action, or protest?*
  • Do you know who represents your neighborhood on the City Council (your alderman)?*
  • Before today, had you heard of The Roots Initiative?*

  • SECTION 3: Values, Identity & Vision

  • Which of these are you (or your student) interested in?*

  • Which of these matter most to your family? Pick your top 3*

  • SECTION 4: Program Fit & Trust

  • Our Programs

     

    The AL3 Leadership Fellowship is a free, 8-month program for Black middle schoolers. Through healing-centered mentorship, civic learning, and a youth-led Community Impact Project, fellows build the confidence, knowledge, and leadership skills to challenge inequitable systems and reshape the narrative about what Black youth are capable of.                                                                      

     

    The Family Architects Initiative is a 12-month journey where Black middle schoolers and their parent or caregiver build civic leadership side by side. Through shared learning and family-designed Community Impact Projects, Architects strengthen intergenerational trust and become co-leaders of change in their own community.

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  • Has your family participated in a youth or family program before?*
  • What would make you trust a new program enough to sign up?*

  • What day/time and format works best for your family?*
  • What might make it hard to participate?*
  • If you joined, would you feel comfortable telling other families about it?*

  • SECTION 5: Stay In Touch

  • Optional — only if you'd like TRI to follow up with you.
  • Should be Empty: