[headcase]

Ok, this is it, really.

In order for any progress to be made the "group" has to have a name. For whatever reason the pro-CUAG crowd has not made much of a showing at the last two meetings, so there has been alot of talk about where the group's interest's will lie, and what terms can be used in the name without starting confrontation without even hearing our side of the discussion.

There was a strong feeling that it should be clear that this is a group of citizens not a group of developers, and that it was concerned with Chicago.

There was some concern that "Urban" was to general and could apply to a wide range of things from urban planning to gang problems to poverty and the homeless. It there was a general consensus that the term "planning" could be used to cover all the interests the group has, Good Architecture, Pedestrian Orientation (mixed usage), Transit Usage & Service, Intelligent Development (Redevelopment), and Sustainability, without the use of potential negative terms like "density" and "urban"

Finally there was alot of discussion about what we are. Group, Association, Alliance, Collation... Does "group" sound like it is small and informal? Do some of the others sound to governmental?

So the poll above are some of the ideas that everyone in attendance could live with. We plan on having two votes both lasting 24 hours. 1) This one will get us down to two, and 2) will get us to a decision.

If any choice gets better than 50% of the popular vote there will be no second vote.

Thanks in advance for all your help.

 

[wickedestcity]

(just one conseptual logo idea but need i say more?)

 

[spyguy]

Probably get into some legal trouble with that one. CPAG doesn't sound very nice (to me) either.

 

[Latoso]

I'll go with the original CUAG. But CCCP (Chicago Citizens Concerned for Progress?)would be nice from a revolutionary/socialist point of view.

 

[headcase]

(just one conseptual logo idea but need i say more?)

Honesty? Yes you do. Everyone knows that you are a huge proponent of that name, but just saying it over and over again, and showing your graphic does not address the issues that some people have with it.

The group discussions have three issues with CUAG - Chicago Urban Advocacy Group

1) Urban - To some of the groups that we will be dealing with Urban is a dirty word. It conjures up images of dirt, grit, and crime. Is this an uneducated way of thought? Yes, of course it seems that way to the majority of the people on the forum, but it is a way of thought for many purchasing, or trying to protect their investment, of real estate in the city.

2) I covered this in the initial post of this thread, but the word "group". In the meetings it was brought up that it sounds small and informal. To be taken seriously by developers building buildings worth 100 Million+, as well as the more established neighborhood groups, we have to sound and be professional. The feeling is that the term "group" does not fit.

3) This is the most minor of the three, but it came up all the same. In conversational English, it just doesn't roll off the tongue. It doesn't have to be Shakespeare, but when we were talking, it seems people stumbled quiet a bit on the word "Advocacy". I feel like it is part of the whole looking professional thing. The last thing we want is anyone talking to a group, or a reporter, or a public official and stumble over the name.

 

[TheJim]

Just a suggestion from an outsider but simpler is almost always better. The names with five words are just too wordy. Even the names with 4 words have the problem of not being catchy and why take a minute to answer the question "who are you with?". That is why i voted for Chicago Planning Alliance but CPC - Chicago Planning Coalition is just as good. Both sound large and diverse which is always a plus. It also gets to the point of the groups mission and that is advising on city planning.

 

[wickedestcity]

Honesty? Yes you do. Everyone knows that you are a huge proponent of that name, but just saying it over and over again, and showing your graphic does not address the issues that some people have with it.

The group discussions have three issues with CUAG - Chicago Urban Advocacy Group

1) Urban - To some of the groups that we will be dealing with Urban is a dirty word. It conjures up images of dirt, grit, and crime. Is this an uneducated way of thought? Yes, of course it seems that way to the majority of the people on the forum, but it is a way of thought for many purchasing, or trying to protect their investment, of real estate in the city.

2) I covered this in the initial post of this thread, but the word "group". In the meetings it was brought up that it sounds small and informal. To be taken seriously by developers building buildings worth 100 Million+, as well as the more established neighborhood groups, we have to sound and be professional. The feeling is that the term "group" does not fit.

3) This is the most minor of the three, but it came up all the same. In conversational English, it just doesn't roll off the tongue. It doesn't have to be Shakespeare, but when we were talking, it seems people stumbled quiet a bit on the word "Advocacy". I feel like it is part of the whole looking professional thing. The last thing we want is anyone talking to a group, or a reporter, or a public official and stumble over the name.

Ok so I’ll address all your concerns in your order.
1) If "urban" makes people think of dirt, grit, and crime then that’s exactly why we need to use this word in our name. One of the groups’ primary goals is to re-pigeon hole the concept of urbanity to be that of a healthy productive smart and economical living environment with huge benefits that out weigh suburban sprawl! A huge focus of our group is to help people look at "urban" environments different and to embrace it rather than the shun it based on there preconceived notions that its a dirty unhealthy living environment!!

2)"Group” is in fact one of the most often used words in some of the most professional businesses and their names! You say it wouldn’t be taken seriously. i say on the contrary , the word group actually adds that crucial ingredient of professionalism. Ever heard of the fortune 500 business names; American International Group, Inc., Altria Group Inc., UnitedHealth Group Inc.,Goldman Sachs Group Inc. , Liberty Mutual Insurance Group, ...etc. etc. i can go on forever naming business that represent the most professionally most influential businesses in the world that use the name group in there name who are certainly taken seriousely.

3) Finally I don’t completely agree with you that "advocacy" doesn’t roll off the tongue well I do see were it’s not the most fluid of words. But like you said its a minor issue that I don’t feel should determine the outcome of a name or not. Personally I never had an issue saying it fluidly.

Look guys pick whatever name you like, the truth is I couldn’t give a shit so long as were going to actually see this amazing idea come to be and that this "group" of people whatever we call ourselves actually do what we can to re-educate people on what smart living environments should be and how they should be designed/structured to maximize its potential and that we make a dif. !!

 

[headcase]

Ok so I’ll address all your concerns in your order.

Thank you, for taking the time to write that.

 

[STR]

What happened to CPAC - Chicago Planning Advocacy Coalition? Like CPAG, but not as harsh sounding and doesn't have "group" in it.

I'll go with the original CUAG. But CCCP (Chicago Citizens Concerned for Progress?)would be nice from a revolutionary/socialist point of view.

I thought the exact same joke during the meeting, but wondering if the reference was too dated.

 

[headcase]

What happened to CPAC - Chicago Planning Advocacy Coalition? Like CPAG, but not as harsh sounding and doesn't have "group" in it.

Hmmm.... Don't know, it wasn't on either of the two lists I recieved....

 

[STR]

@%@#% I knew I should have double checked with Vic.

 

[Sam_Harmon]

I like Chicago Citizens Coalition for Planning--or CCCP.

Awww, crap. Somebody beat me to it.

 

[CPD]

CPC.

 

[Chicago Shawn]

Damn, you closed the poll before I had a chance to vote. Anyway I am for CPC or CPA. Both are short,and to the point. I am leanng a bit to Chicago Planning Alliance, as it flows off the tounge a tad easier, and speaks that e are an alliance of poeple for good development. There will be times when we may allign ourselfs with other groups to get on specific issuses.

 

[The Urban Politician]

I don't like any of the names that much. Give me a break, it's not a "planning coalition", we're not planning anything.

Here are some I would like to put forward:

1-Organization for Better Development

2-Citizens for Better Development

3-Chicagoans for Better Development

 

[spyguy]

CBD- Citizens for Better Design/Central Business District. Maybe that fits?

 

[CPD]

CBD sounds good to me as well

 

[urbanqueen]

What a great idea

I am really interested in this new organization and the members seem very dedicated. My interest actually heightened after a recent visit to chicago. WOW! what an amazing city, I actually drove and walked through many of the neighborhoods. I love the people, the architecture and the high rises. Anyways for those of you that somehow play a part in the greatness of this city more power to you! I'm moving to Chicago soon, so how can I get involved?

What a great idea, by the way how did this organization get started?

 

[NearNorthGuy]

I am really interested in this new organization and the members seem very dedicated. My interest actually heightened after a recent visit to chicago. WOW! what an amazing city, I actually drove and walked through many of the neighborhoods. I love the people, the architecture and the high rises. Anyways for those of you that somehow play a part in the greatness of this city more power to you! I'm moving to Chicago soon, so how can I get involved?

What a great idea, by the way how did this organization get started?

Urbanqueen, how far away do you live? You could come to an upcoming meeting of the new group. The next one is Thursday, May 11, 2006 from 8:00 PM until about 9:30 PM at the Billy Goat Tavern underneath the Wrigley Building in Chicago. For anyone who arrives late, there are a few of us who stay around for a while talking.

If you want to know about future activities, we will have a website posted with contact information very soon. Also, you can check back on this site for more information.

Thanks for your interest!

 

[Latoso]

Maybe we should just wait until the next meeting and have a live discussion/vote once and for all. That way more people will force themselves to show up. I'm as guilty as anyone in missing meetings. I was going to be at the last one, but I won free tickets to the opening night of Chicago Latino Film Festival and being a film major didn't want to miss it. Sorry. But I'll be there May 11th ready to vote.