Are you trying to raise socially conscious children who care about their community, the planet and each other? You are not alone. A growing number of Chicago-area families are looking to connect with other like-minded folks. Whether you want to learn more about water conservation, cloth diapering or eating local, there are families out there just like you. Here’s where to find them.

Purple Asparagus (purpleasparagus.com) Founder (and “Head Spear”) Melissa Graham is on a mission to bring families back to the table. A local mom and business owner, Graham wanted to create an organization where families could learn about the idea of sustainability through food. “We focus on good eating, not just healthy eating. This is about food that is good and also happens to be good for you,” said Graham. Over the next few months, Purple Asparagus will offer programming at the Taste of Chicago, continue its educational presence in the Chicago Public Schools and host a benefit dinner at Uncommon Ground on Devon Ave.

Green Parents Network (greenparentsnetwork.com) After she received a positive response to the Naturally Healthy Children’s Expo in 2007, Mary Beth Rebedeau knew that she had to create a place for people to connect with ideas, tips and questions on raising a greener family. On her site, parents can do everything from keep current on relevant news stories, to post their own blog entries, to inquire about chemical-free ways to get rid of ants. “This site is an information source for parents seeking a greener path,” said Rebedeau. To those who worry that they aren’t “green enough,” Rebedeau advises, “Don’t think these issues to death—feel good about what you are doing and set a good example for your kids.”

Chicago Green Families (chicagogreenfamilies.com) Founder Jennifer Khatchatrian is adamant that “green doesn’t mean perfect.” A self-proclaimed “unlikely environmentalist,” Khatchatrian created Chicago Green Families in the spring of 2008 when she was unable to find an eco-friendly summer camp for her sons. Her ambitious summer agenda includes “Reuse Tuesdays” (re-purposing old items into crafts), organic gardening at the Edible Garden in the Lincoln Park Farm in the Zoo and monitoring the water quality at two Chicago beaches in conjunction with the Alliance for the Great Lakes. “We are a group without judgment, and all types of families are welcome—even if that family is two guys and their dog,” said Khatchatrian.

Green Parent Chicago (greenparentchicago.com) When her oldest child was born nine years ago, Christine Escobar began looking for other families interested in homeschooling or attachment parenting. She discovered other like-minded parents but no central resource for information. She created Green Parent Chicago in the spring of 2008 for parents interested in natural family living and caring for the environment. The site covers local events and national news, and features contributors on a variety of topics related to living a greener life in your own home and your community.

Green Mama Cafe (thegreenmama.com) Consultant, educator, all-around eco-guru and mama, Manda Aufochs Gillespie started the Green Mama Cafe program at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum because she saw the need for a community of green parents. “Moms out there wanted to be around other moms and kids with roughly the same value systems,” said Gillespie.  The Green Mama Cafe is an intimate, semi-structured gathering of moms with small children who want to learn more about topics such as avoiding toxic toys and making your own organic baby food. After a summer break, the Green Mama Cafe series will return to the fall calendar.

In the spirit of creating a regional community of green families, Green Parent Chicago, Chicago Green Families and the Green Mama recently joined forces to launch the Green Parent Chicago Network (greenparentchicago.ning.com). The site is designed to connect all of the available green resources, contacts and information and make it accessible for everyone. Members can upload photos, post discussions or make plans to meet up with other families.

“We are all looking for community, right? That’s what this is really all about,” said Gillespie.