Good Conduct Credit

Civic Action collaborated successfully with community partners to allow a 90-day early release from parole for individuals who obtain their General Education Development (GED. Research shows that each educational degree attained leads to a decrease in recidivism rates.

SMART Act

Years of effort paid off in the passage of the SMART Act that permits counties around the state to divert low-level drug offenders to Drug Schools as opposed to incarceration. The recidivism rate for individuals who attend Drug School is 15% compared to a statewide average of 51%.

Statewide Survey on Attitudes Towards the Criminal Justice System

Community Renewal worked with Illinois Wesleyan University to conduct a survey of Illinois registered voters on various aspects of our criminal justice system. Results indicate broad and deep support among Illinois voters for efforts that help prisoners return to productive lives upon release, Offer job training and placement, and provide treatment and court supervision over incarceration for drug offenders. In addition, large majorities agreed that children of prisoners have a right to support services and to maintain contact with their parents during incarceration.

Faith Leaders for Fiscal Integrity

Civic Action Organized the participation of religious leaders throughout Illinois in the ongoing debate over how Illinois will raise the revenue necessary to adequately invest in equitable education opportunities for all children, and support the long-term economic health of our state.

Medicare Part D Reform and Preserving Social Security

Through the Senior Action Network, congregational leaders once again fought to allow Medicare to negotiate price discounts with the pharmaceutical companies and worked to educate member congregations about the need for prescription drug price discounts and the preservation of Social Security for generations to come.

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

High rates of incarceration and other factors are burdening an increasing number of seniors with caring and providing for their grandchildren. In 2007 Civic Action began to lay the groundwork to address this issue through compiling research, working with member congregations, talking with individuals and families directly affected and meeting with individuals and service providers who are seeking solutions.