As Executive Director of Chicago Metropolis 2020, a business-backed civic organization working on regional issues, I am often asked, ?What have you accomplished??  It?s a reasonable question, but it?s not so easy to answer.  When we do try to answer the question, we keep in mind the following:

First, we always remind ourselves that any significant accomplishment is the result of the work of many players and actors.  You really can't accomplish big, important things unless there are many participants and a great deal of buy-in.  It is easy to accomplish small scale, symbolic victories alone, but they don't amount to much in the long run.

Second, because the important victories involve other participants, it is essential that we share credit for what is accomplished.  No one likes a braggart.  Further, it is a lot easier to develop coalitions for the next issue when you let others take credit.

Third, we are largely a ?grass-tops? organization, but one that supports and promotes grass-roots activity and strongly believe in participatory activities.  As a grass-tops organization, we have access to political, business and civic leaders that might not otherwise be available.  Success in our initiatives often depends on discretion.  An organization?s access and influence quickly disappear if it is advertised.

Finally, part of our charter is to help strengthen existing civic organizations and governments.  You can?t do that if you are constantly ?taking credit? for all the good things that happen.

All those points argue for a muted voice when speaking about accomplishments.  Nevertheless, prospective Board members, supporters, contributors, and others still want to know, ?What have you accomplished??  So, because it is expected, we make our list of accomplishments each year, probably putting a little more shine on them than we deserve.

The biggest accomplishment never makes the list.  We have, I think, been able to legitimize the regional discussion and debate among political leaders, the press, business leaders and civic organizations.  The conversation in Chicago has changed, and that has led to numerous successes many of which we don't even know about.

Making progress in today?s regions is hard it takes dedication and commitment by not just one organization, but many.  Success comes when it is conventional wisdom that important issues and opportunities need to be addressed in a regional framework.  The Alliance for Regional Stewardship is helping organizations come together and address critical issues and seize opportunities.  The right question is really, ?What has the region accomplished??

Frank Beal
Chicago Metropolis 2020