December was a great month for the Ballot Box Project. We began planning for Democracy on the Move, put out the Call for Artists, and had residents provide valuable feedback for artists’ proposals. We’re almost ready for the big vote!

Democracy on the Move is our plan to make a big noise about the neighborhood vote, and what creates more excitement and noise then a parade? Yes, we are throwing a big parade in early March to lead our neighbors to the first voting location. The three arts non-profits collaborating on the parade are planning how to get residents involved through arts engagement leading up to the vote, and music during the parade.

The third meeting for the Ballot Box Project was once again a full house. After a brief introduction about participatory budgeting and Ballot Box, residents were directed into four groups: vacancy, youth involvement, healthy eating, and Collinwood history. Each group responded with a roar from pride in their topic. Residents met with artists with proposals in their topic providing valuable feedback to strengthen their proposals.

January brings the deadline for proposals, vetting proposal feasibility, further planning Democracy on the Move, and finalizing voting locations.