CTX has been quiet for a bit –  we have had some internal shuffling of organizers, folks leaving the state, moving on to other awesome things… but a few of us are still here and we wanted to say hello! We’re are looking forward to working with CTX’ers to make sure that the CTX is an active and vibrant time bank that serves all! We hope you will join us!

Chris Petit (left) is co-coordinator of Mutual Aid Networks with the Dane County Timebank. He is also a facilitator, whose interest lies in dialogue that explores what matters to people personally and collectively in their communities and utilizes Art of Hosting methodologies (circle, world cafe, etc.) and approaches (appreciative inquiry, etc.) to move organizations and communities from hopelessness and blame to engagement and empowerment. He is currently a member of the Core Group for the Greater Chicago Dialogue and Deliberation Community of Practice. He has also taught as an adjunct faculty member in Renewable Energies and Sustainable Living Program at Oakland Community College. Previous to working with DCTB, he was the principal and founder of Regenerative Design, LLC., an architectural design and energy evaluation firm. He has also designed and managed energy audit programs for municipal, commercial, and residential buildings.

Samantha (center) is a millennial idealist residing in Chicago’s Uptown community. Looking to put sociological theory into concrete action, she is drawn to work that enables community-driven visions and supports local decision making, currently working with the Institute of Cultural Affairs in Uptown. Samantha is a coop enthusiast; she lives in the ICA GreenRise intentional community and owns/volunteers with food coops in Chicago. She is an introvert and may be described as contemplative and careful with her words and actions. Her ultimate goals for herself and her communities are to live authentically, equitably, and self-aware. Additional passions include cats, cooking local foods, and cycling.

Seva Gandhi, (right) a Chicago native, has been in the field of community development as an organizer and facilitator locally and abroad, for the past 8 years. Currently she is the Director of Programs at the Institute of Cultural Affairs, a non-profit in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood. Trained as a social worker, Seva has spent the past few years organizing the accelerate77 project and the Chicago Sustainability Leaders Network, connecting local neighborhood sustainability initiatives throughout the City of Chicago. Seva spends a lot of her time thinking about the pervasiveness of systemic social justice issues in our society, and the role of individuals and communities mitigating them.  Seva’s interests involve international rural community development, increasing access to local, organic, and affordable food, and riding her bicycle.