Being a Chicago Bears rookie means focus, hard work, and a demanding schedule, but that didn’t keep this year’s rookie class from taking time away from training this month to meet and talk with men from READI Chicago about ways to make our city safer for all.
More than 15 Bears rookies met virtually with current and former READI participants working to leverage community organizing to create change. As one of five teams making up the Chicago Sports Alliance, the Bears not only help make programs like READI possible, but also play a critical role in coordinating and supporting efforts to reduce violence in our city.
“We need real talk and to have real conversations with you guys [in READI] so we know what’s happening in communities,” said LaMar Campbell, Director of Player Engagement. “We’re thinking about how we come together and turn these conversations into action.”
For the men in READI Chicago, feeling the support of the Bears and the City of Chicago behind them means real hope for real solutions.
“This is a chance for people to come together and talk about what the real problem is,” said READI participant Sylvester. “Giving guys a chance to talk and be heard, especially by the Bears, is really what it’s about. We need more role models, more positive opportunities to talk about our neighborhoods.”
