In addition to providing grants that support low-income communities in their efforts to confront the injustices that affect them, CCHD seeks to provide education and promote understanding about poverty and its root causes. This dual strategy of investment in local, low-income communities and education for justice reflects the mandate of the Scriptures and the principles of Catholic Social Teaching. These are just a few of the ways that parishes and individuals can encounter, learn, and take action around issues of poverty and injustice.

For more resources or support from CCHD staff in implementing an idea, please contact Liz Young at eyoung@archchicago.org or 312.534.3891.

CCHD Internship with the Archdiocese of Chicago

In partnership with the USCCB, the Office of Human Dignity and Solidarity sponsors an annual academic year internship for any local Catholic with an interest in social justice and Catholic Social Teaching.

This part-time intern (15 hours per week) will assist staff in promoting CCHD within the Archdiocese of Chicago. Tasks may vary, but will include:

• Marketing and promotion to maximize funds raised during the November 2018 collection
• Evaluation of grant proposals and relationship-building with funded groups
• Outreach and education to Catholic schools and parishes around poverty issues and CST
• Raising awareness through social media, newsletter, and other communications

Interns will work from the Cardinal Meyer Pastoral Center (3525 South Lake Park Avenue), and be compensated at a rate of $12/hour.

Applications for the 2018-2019 academic year are due by March 15, 2018.

The application can be downloaded here and emailed to eyoung@archchicago.org when complete.

Creating on the Margins Youth Art Contest

2018 Theme: Share the Journey of Young Migrants and Refugees
Through participation in the contest, students in grades 7-12 can explore U.S. poverty or related issues such as migration in the context of their faith. They will also learn what empowered, low-income persons in their communities are doing to address root causes. This connection with local anti-poverty efforts is vital to creating a meaningful understanding of poverty and engaging youth in action to address it. In response to what they have learned, youth are then guided to utilize creative skills to educate peers, family, friends and others about the root causes of poverty, migration or another important issue highlighted in the annual theme.

All art must be submitted to the local CCHD office by March 1, 2018. Top pieces from each age group will then be sent to Washington, D.C. for national judging.

Information packets for educators and young artists are available online. For more information, please contact Clare Potyrala at cpotyrala@archchicago.org.

The following pieces submitted by Chicago-area students have received national recognition.