My Congregation Votes Campaign Update

Community Renewal Society (CRS) has created opportunities for civic engagement and education around issues at stake in our local elections. We have hosted community conversations, including a district council and aldermanic forum and a mayoral forum. Our goal is to empower people of faith to use their voices to advocate for important issues that affect our communities and to make systemic change. We have made great strides in our My Congregation Votes Campaign and will continue to engage our congregations in future voter engagement.  

In 2023, the My Congregations Votes Campaign has:  

• Provided guidance to first time candidates, predominantly people of color, interested in running for a position as Chicago District Council Representative  

• Educated communities around the importance of the 2023 District Council Election   

• Created opportunities for community members to talk to aldermanic candidates at a forum cohosted with St. Mark United Church of Christ

• Cohosted a Mayoral Candidates Forum with Trinity United Church of Christ

• Held a community conversation for the Mayoral Runoff Election in partnership with Urban Village Church and Trinity United Church of Christ  

• Engaged Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson with questions from CRS congregations   

It’s vital for our local congregations to make their voices heard and to elect leaders that believe in the equitable and just changes that we need to see in Chicago. When it comes to issues in public safety, transportation, LGBTQIA+ rights and protections, reproductive rights and economic justice, we have the opportunity to send a clear message that there can be a better and more equitable world for everyone.  

The My Congregation Votes Campaign engages local congregations and their members in civic engagement. If your congregation is not yet a part of My Congregation Votes, please join us by taking this pledge. Already a part of My Congregation Votes? Reach out to discuss ways your congregation can partner with CRS on a future event.

Together, We Win!  CRS Organizing and Policy Team