We feel that the current and past economic models -- and their real-life expected implementations -- have done more harm than good on this world and for humanity, and have often stifled the exploration of genuinely positive economic alternatives. We feel that, with regards to the economic sphere, humanity can do better, and we think that the model of participatory economics ("parecon"), as formalized by Michael Albert and Robin Hahnel, is a step in the right direction. The Chicago Area Participatory Economics Society (CAPES) mission is to educate ourselves and others to build the institutions, values, tools and support for the creation of a self-sustaining participatory economy. As our name suggests, we count our primary focus on the Chicago area, but we do not limit ourselves to the Chicago area. We encourage and invite everyone interested to take part.