We’re concluding our conversation with our client, Tico Valle, executive director at the Center on Halsted in Chicago. Today, he’ll give us some insight into the Center’s and his dialogue with local communities and how communication is critical for equality and collaboration.
Bryan: As you mentioned yesterday, the Center has expanded services, size – everything in the past six years. What is Center on Halsted doing today or in the future to expand the dialogue with Chicago’s business, civic and minority communities?
Tico: A central tenet of the Center’s mission extols us to serve as a catalyst for the community. We have seen the power of bringing people together in person, and leverage that interpersonal communication through Town Hall meetings, trainings and various cultural events. I believe that everyone deserve a place at the table and a safe place in which they can express themselves, reach out to others and learn to respect and celebrate our magnificent diversity.
Bryan: Those face-to-face conversations are critical, especially with today’s blogging and social networking. Has the Center engaged in digital conversations?
Tico: As I mentioned yesterday, we’ve expanded the technology and training available at the Center. We’re also developing digital outreach campaigns through popular sites such as Facebook. Our research has indicated that Internet search has become the way most people find our hotline services. The Web gives us endless possibilities to connect and impact our community, and I’m excited about the many new things we have planned in this area for the Center.
Bryan: Well, the Center has definitely built a buzz and you truly are creating those important conversations in person and online. To close, I’m interested in what specific communications lessons you have learned in your career history. Have those lessons shaped the way you and the Center communicate with the LGBT community and Chicago at large?
Tico: The most important communication lesson I have learned is to always speak the truth with passion—each informs the other. Listeners are moved to act by hearing stories about the lives that are positively affected every day by their support. There is so much good will, generosity, and energy in our community and that of our allies. Many times, people just need to know what they can do to help, so we tell the community what our clients’ needs are and they respond unselfishly. Another very important communication lesson that I keep in the front of my mind is to listen first.
Bryan: Thank you, Tico. We appreciate your willingness to share your history and insights with us. We wish the best for The Center on Halsted, your programs, your clients and your staff.
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