Education

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.

Staff can work with you to design a presentation or activity for your parish group, school, or religious education class. Topics may include, but are not limited to:

Themes of Catholic Social Teaching

Charity vs. justice or social analysis

Specific justice issues like immigration, workers rights, restorative justice, mass incarceration, senior and disability advocacy, affordable housing, poverty, or economic justice

Advocacy

Community organizing & leadership development

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 (15-20 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 annual collection

Evaluation of grant proposals and relationship-building with funded groups

Outreach and education to Catholic schools and parishes around poverty issues and CST

Interns will work from the Cardinal Meyer Pastoral Center (3525 South Lake Park Avenue) and be compensated at a rate of $14/hour.

Applications for the 2020-2021 school year will open in January 2020.

2019-2020 Theme: More Than a Roof

The Creating on the Margins art contest is a tool for schools and parishes to engage young people in grades 7 – 12 in learning about root causes of poverty in the US and faith-inspired efforts to address them.

The Educator’s Packet is available online and local submissions will be due to the Office of Human Dignity & Solidarity by March 20, 2020. Top pieces will then be sent to the USCCB for national judging. Staff is available to develop resources, facilitate dialogues, or make presentations on racism and other social justice topics for school or parish groups. Questions can be directed to Marika Svolos, CCHD Intern, at 312.534.8301 or msvolos@archchicago.org.

Journey to Justice is a day-long retreat that facilitates an experience of encounter with persons living in poverty and helps participants grow in understanding of the root causes of poverty in their community and reflect on how the Gospel challenges us to respond.

Staff are available to help facilitate the retreat or arrange immersion experiences.