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 $14/hour.

Applications for the 2019 – 2020 academic year are due by March 25, 2019.

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

Flyer (PDF)

Creating on the Margins Youth Art Contest

2018 – 2019 Theme: A Time to Heal Racism
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 2019 theme was selected to coincide with the pastoral letter against racism that is anticipated from the USCCB in Fall 2018.

The Educator’s Packet is available online and local submissions will be due to the Office of Human Dignity & Solidarity by March 1, 2019. 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 Katie Cashman, CCHD Intern, at 312.534.8301 or kcashman@archchicago.org.

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