At the beginning of March 2022, we onboarded two content strategy fellows: Anthony Procik and Arielle McInnis-Simoncelli. We’re excited to introduce them to you. 

Anthony will lead the content strategy and writing of our Equitable Community Engagement Toolkit (ECET) training. Arielle will lead the content strategy and writing of our ECET guidance. We hired them with a grant from the Operational Transformation Fund. For more details about the fellowship and project, read the linked blog.  

We asked Anthony a few questions so you could get to know them better.  

Have a read!

Tell us your story. 

ANTHONY: While growing up in Chicago, I started organizing around local climate justice issues in high school. That’s right – I was that kid. From there, I moved to the south shore of Lake Superior to attend an experiential environmental and social change institute. The community and political education I gained there still shapes my perspective today. It taught me the importance of community agency and encouraged me to pursue an organizing career. Now, I’m grateful to have lived and organized in communities across the Midwest, Mid Atlantic, and New England. 

What values underpin your work and why? 

ANTHONY: I want to change the narratives and systems that maintain oppression, like classism, racism, and transphobia. That’s why I’m committed to community-driven accessibility, diversity, equity, inclusion, and trauma-informed work.

Some of the values that underpin my work include: 

• Authentic relationships grounded in mutual interest and regenerative healing.   
• Cultural humility and continuous reflection on my relationship to oppression and power.
• Inclusive decision-making that centers lived experience and levels power dynamics.  

Why are you interested in contributing to the Equitable Community Engagement Toolkit project? 

ANTHONY: I want my work to center the wellbeing of myself and others. Hello Equitable Community Engagement Toolkit! Historic disenfranchisement and trauma have caused deep mistrust between communities and local government. More equitable community engagement resources can begin to repair those relationships. This project aims to shift community engagement culture at the City of Philadelphia toward that healing. While this work is long term, I’m inspired by the change that’s already occurred. I’m grateful to be a part of that work and proud to be on this team from the beginning. Before joining the Service Design Studio, I was working on this project within the Mayor’s Office of Civic Engagement and Volunteer Service.

What’s your most favorite thing to do in your down time and why?

ANTHONY: I’m on a lifelong journey toward emotional, mental, and physical health. To that end, I spend my down time investing in experiences that ground me in peace and stillness. I’m a devoted yogi with a dedicated power vinyasa flow and meditation practice. I’m also a passionate backcountry camper and long-distance backpacker. In my free time, I like to create visual art and cuddle with my cat Castle. I also like to keep things spicy as an avid hot sauce connoisseur. 

Have a question about this post? Feel free to email service.design@phila.gov or interact with us on Twitter @DesignStudioPHL.