As CRS calls on transparent conversations about the Chicago Police Department’s use of excessive force in relationship to Black, Brown, and Indigenous people of our Beloved city, we share a list of traffic stop resources in partnership with the ACLU of Illinois.

In America, policing has almost become synonymous with Black death. The March 21 killing of Dexter Reed (26) in Chicago is yet another horrific example of the ways in which Black bodies are violently and fatally endangered when they come in contact with law enforcement. They can’t keep killing us. The excessive use of force must stop!

As April ushers in the change of spring, CRS proudly joins the nation in acknowledging Second Chance Month! This designation holds profound significance for us as we champion just reentry and equitable opportunities for all. 

Find articles recapping how the end of money bail began in courtrooms across communities, moving us toward racial, economic and social justice.

CRS believes that the significance of accountability cannot be overstated. As people of faith advocating for racial, economic and social justice, it is critical that we always hold our leaders accountable.

Once implemented on September 18, 2023, the Pretrial Fairness Act will end money bond. Read this blog article to learn ways you can get involved in making the justice system safer and more equitable.

On August 9, CRS and other community organizations and members shared powerful testimonies at the Public Hearing on Chicago’s Consent Decree policy on “stop and frisks.”

Mayor Johnson’s request to not dehumanize our youth challenges us to consider the language we use when speaking about our communities. We thank Mayor Johnson for lifting the humanity of our children.

On April 7, 2023, Sheriff Dart enacted a policy that limits incarcerated people to three books per person (including magazines but excluding religious texts). Read our blog to learn how you can take action against the book ban.

Fair Housing Month is observed annually in April to commemorate the passing of the Fair Housing Act in 1968, which prohibits discrimination in housing. CRS fights for fair and equitable housing opportunities through advocacy, education, and resources. Discrimination and inequality still exist in housing, and the fight for fair housing continues.

April is Second Chance Month. Learn more about how this initiative gives hope to those re-entering society from the criminal justice system.

Arguments against voting rights restoration have no merit. I hear all the time that incarcerated Americans don’t deserve to have a voice in their community. As a mother, you always deserve a voice to advocate for your children and the community they call home.

During the last day of the recent veto sessions, Springfield legislators finally approved changes to the Pretrial Fairness Act that were intensely debated by lawmakers in order relieve the public’s concerns of this controversial bill. Learn about the amendment and ways to advance the Pretrial Fairness Act here.

CRS staff and more than 400 people from all across Illinois spoke to legislators and attended a rally where organizers and clergy spoke with passion about the moral mandate for people of faith to advocate for the most vulnerable in our community and to protect the Pretrial Fairness Act.

The Illinois Network for Pretrial Justice released a letter that was sent to the Illinois Supreme Court by more than 40 academics calling to protect the electronic monitoring provisions of the Pretrial Fairness Act and to halt the expansion of this harmful technology. Read the letter here.

This year’s theme is Together, We Win! These questions can be used to guide conversation with your congregation after viewing the 2022 Annual Membership Assembly video. We would love to hear from you the thoughts and plans that came out of your discussion.

The Interim Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability held its first public meeting on September 29 at Malcolm X College. The over-capacity crowd of community members underscored the enthusiasm of organizers and community leaders from across the diverse makeup of the Chicago Metropolitan area.

Defy Ventures is a national nonprofit organization operating in 7 states from coast to coast. In 2018, Defy Ventures recognized the opportunity to expand services to Illinois, due to the state experiencing significant recidivism rates and an interest in creating pathways to financial independence for currently and formerly incarcerated residents.

The Illinois name change ban is recognized as one of the most restrictive laws around legal name changes when compared to other states in the nation. The Illinois name change ban is discriminatory in nature, imposes harsh restrictions, and creates barriers for individuals who wish to change their name, in addition to the already long name change process.

On January 1, 2022, portions of the Pretrial Fairness Act will go into effect and expand the rights of people incarcerated in their homes on electronic monitoring (EM).