More than a decade ago, LoganSquarist launched as a Twitter account to fill a need for local news and bring neighbors together. Over the years, the organization evolved into a vibrant, volunteer-run news website with an equally active events program.
As LoganSquarist takes its next steps after the last few challenging years, we wanted to thank neighbors, partners, staff and alum for socializing with us over the years. And we wanted to give you an honest update on the organization — and send you one last invitation!
Not Goodbye, But Thank You!
As with so many organizations locally, nationally and globally, LoganSquarist faced struggles during the pandemic. We always depended on the self-reinforcing energy of exciting events that brought volunteers to the organization, whose work writing about and photographing the neighborhood in turn attracted more of our neighbors to events. For obvious reasons, that virtuous cycle got interrupted in 2020. During the pandemic, as existing volunteers moved on, we lost the usual influx of new members bringing vital new ideas and energy. At the same time, the rise and excellent work of professional local news groups like Block Club fulfilled many of LoganSquarist’s original motivations.
LoganSquarist leadership has thus made the difficult decision to bring the organization to a close. We did not feel that continuing as a much-diminished version of its former self would do justice to LoganSquarist’s legacy or, more importantly, the incredible work you all put in — writing stories, taking photographs, hosting unforgettable events and bringing neighbors together. By the end of 2023, LoganSquarist will end as an active organization.
We Couldn’t Say Bon Voyage Without You!
For more than a decade, we’ve depended on friends like you — neighbors, volunteers, business partners, community leaders, and Logan Square enthusiasts — to fuel our organization. This has resulted in more than 1,600 articles that reviewed Logan Square’s amazing eating and drinking scene, helped keep our neighbors up to date on local politics, shared tips on area events, and gave insights into neighborhood history. We even introduced readers to their fascinating neighbors and created lasting friendships — and even some romances. We’ve brought countless neighbors together at nearly 150 events, such as our monthly meetups, Mario Kart tournaments, Earth Day cleanups and larger outings, like our tremendously popular Taco Crawl and Amazing Race events. That all happened because of the love and support of good people like you. Our team can never thank you enough for all you’ve done for the organization and the neighborhood.
This is not a sad goodbye, however! To further celebrate everything LoganSquarist accomplished, we will be hosting a summer party, and we can’t say farewell without you. The Farewell Fiesta, where food, LoganSquarist swag and great people will be happening at Dos Urban Cantina on Thursday, July 27 at 6:30 pm. Although there is a cost for attendance at the Farewell Fiesta, this is not a fundraising event.
I want to personally thank you for being a part of the LoganSquarist community. The past 12 years have been some of my proudest experiences and I am humbled by the generous giving of so many who contributed to the LoganSquarist family. Lastly, I want to thank the LoganSquarist Board who graciously carried the banner and helped navigate this difficult decision.
Until we see each other around the neighborhood!
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