From Symbolic to Real Change; Arab American Heritage Month
April is Arab American Heritage Month. Click here to learn how Arab Americans are not accurately represented in the U.S. Census and what you can do to be a powerful ally during this month.
Fair Housing Month
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
April is Second Chance Month. Learn more about how this initiative gives hope to those re-entering society from the criminal justice system.
A Call to Renewal: A Holy Week Reflection
New staff member Terrell Barnes offers a meaningful approach to seasonal renewal during the days surrounding Easter. Read his devotional here.
Remembering Martin Luther King Jr. on Election Day, April 4
Chicago's mayoral runoff election coincides with Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination and “Beyond Vietnam” speech anniversary, highlighting the city's struggle with race and inequality. The outcome will shape the city's future direction on critical issues.
Continuing the Conversation
We had Chicago Community Conversations in January and March, but the discussions don’t end there. Watch as our staff continues the conversation.
My Congregation Votes Campaign Update
The My Congregation Votes Campaign will continue to engage 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. Learn more here.
Watch our Chicago Community Conversation Here!
The forum brought together a diverse group of community members, congregations, moderators, panelists and candidates to discuss issues that are important to our city, and our community's engagement during the event helped to create a lively and informative discussion.
Some Clergy Support Paul Vallas, but Not All
Read our response to the danger of treating Chicago clergy as a monolith.
Why Voting Matters: The Importance of Participating in Local Elections
The vision of Beloved Community is a society where people can thrive and reach their full potential regardless of their identity or status. We can build Beloved Community by voting for local elected officials who share this vision.
Meet our Chicago Community Conversation Moderator and Panelists!
Click here to learn about the moderator and panelists for our Chicago Community Conversation.
Host a Virtual Watch Party
Learn how to host virtual watch parties with Teleparty and stay connected with your congregation.
Supreme Court Hears Oral Arguments in Pretrial Fairness Act Lawsuit
Today, the Illinois Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in a lawsuit filed by Illinois State’s Attorneys challenging the constitutionality of the Pretrial Fairness Act, a law passed by the Illinois legislature to end the state’s use of money bond.
Equality Act
With the recent increase in anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation by states, we invite you to also join our call to the U.S. Congress to pass the Equality Act.
Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories
Profiles of two influential women in history for Women's History Month: Andrée de Jongh, who formed the Comet line to save Allied airmen, and Frances Perkins, the first woman appointed to the US Cabinet.
Empowering Communities for Public Safety Fact Sheet
What will the ECPS Ordinance do? What is the community commission on public safety? What are district councils? How does the ordinance create an opportunity for additional democratic reform?
Chicago Voting Resources
The United States Presidential Election is November 5, 2024. Want to learn more? Check out our resource page for voting in Chicago here.
Amicus Supporting The Pretrial Fairness Act Filed With Illinois Supreme Court
The Illinois Network for Pretrial Justice and more than 400 signers, represented by the law firm Hughes Socol Piers Resnick & Dym, Ltd. and the ACLU of Illinois, filed an amicus brief supporting the Pretrial Fairness Act.
Faith Community Rallies for Reparations in Evanston
On January 15, 2023, a diverse mix of congregations gathered at the Faith Temple Church of God in Christ in Evanston for an interfaith service to celebrate the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This MLK service was more than a celebration of a civil rights leader. It marked a pivotal moment in the struggle for civil rights and reparations.