News from CRS, UUANI, UU Prison Ministry

Progress and preparation for change with CRS, UU Prison Ministry, and UUANI:

CRS (Community Renewal Society) greatly influenced the Chicago police accountability changes passed by the Chicago City Council recently.  While it was not everything CRS wanted, it was far better than what the mayor proposed to start, with guaranteed funding for the oversight office and an increased community role in police oversight.

Join Community Renewal Society for our Annual Membership Assembly on Saturday November 12th!  Hundreds of people of faith from the member congregations of CRS will gather at St Agatha Catholic Church (3151 W Douglas Blvd) from 8:30am-12:00pm to celebrate our recent victories, learn about the results of our Organizational Listening & Visioning Process, and prepare for our coming year of action!  We will celebrate the passage of four pieces of legislation to reduce barriers to employment for people with criminal records in addition to the other victories we accomplished together.  Contact Dale Griffin for more information or to RSVP today!

The UU Prison Ministry of Illinois held a workshop on radical hospitality on October 1 at Countryside Church UU in Palatine, which Dave Conrad, Brian Meister and Michael Skilton attended.  This is step toward making our congregations more welcoming and helpful to people returning from prison.

UUANI (UU Advocacy Network of Illinois) is our shared plate recipient this month and is conducting a statewide fundraising campaign to support the work of our half time minister, Rev. Scott Aaseng.

For more information on any of these please contact Dale Griffin or other participants.  DaleCGriffin@comcast.net