Catalyst Caucus

Ray Thompson has worked in a range of professional capacities for respected Chicago area social service agencies and educational institutions including Uhlich Children’s Home, Lawrence Hall Youth Services, University of Illinois at Chicago and Perspectives Charter Schools. He earned a BA in Sociology from University of Illinois at Chicago and a MA from University of Chicago – School of Service Administration.

Though institutionally prepared and accomplished, he learned early that sustainable solutions to marginalized community challenges exist within the people, associations, and organizations in those communities. In-depth relationship building is necessary to bridge gaps and connect people. Through intentional engagement and inclusion a connected community emerges.

Ray finds his peak passion in sparking sustainable and scalable local community change with local people. Using community-centered strategies organically designed to ignite collaboration among local residents, neighborhood groups, and local organizations – civic life is revived. Connecting and empowering others unleashes innovative local change and uncovers the natural synergy that exists between people and their neighborhood.

Current Working Partners
- Ray is currently on staff at Greater Auburn Gresham Development Corporation developing and designing community-based educational initiatives.
- Serves on the Board of the Westside Health Authority
- Partners with John McKnight and John Kreztmann of the Asset-Based Community Development Institute (ABCD) of Northwestern University
- Partners with Dacia Chrzanowski of ABCD and Communiversity.
- Fellow of forthcoming Asset-Based Community Development Center

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