This summer, I am blessed with the opportunity to be an intern at Community Renewal Society (CRS), a faith-based social services organization in Chicago that addresses systemic and structural social justice issues. Given that the organization works remotely due to the pandemic, I complete my work from home. I am a part of CRS’ Social Media Team and my tasks largely consist of posting content written and published by CRS and from outside sources, such as news outlets, to the organization’s social media platforms and website. In doing so, I have gained experience thinking and acting quickly on my feet as events do not always have an outlined schedule for when they happen, and therefore, the news may need to be shared with urgency. As a quieter person, I have been given a voice to amplify the injustices that occur in everyday life, especially those imposed on the poor, convicted, and those of color, by posting content on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

In addition to keeping CRS member congregations and followers updated on both historical and current information, I have attended multiple virtual meetings, each with a unique topic and a diverse group of people from a variety of backgrounds, locations, and careers. For example, I participated in discussions on economic justice, racial justice, the architecture of prisons, grantmaking, philanthropy, leadership, and more. These meetings are a way for me to keep in touch with CRS’ other teams such as the Policy & Organizing Committee, the Police Accountability & Criminal Justice Issue Team, the Economic Justice Issue Team, and also nonprofit organizations including Chicago Women in Philanthropy. For each panel, webinar, or conversation I am involved in (whether talking with others or simply listening and learning), I type detailed notes to refer back to and remember the messages and wisdom brought forward. One of the main projects that the Social Media Team is in the process of completing is reformatting the CRS website. For this project, my responsibility is to use a fresh set of eyes in order to provide input and recommendations. Along with this project, I assist in drafting newsletter articles and database clean-up.  

So far, my internship experience at Community Renewal Society has been enriching and illuminating. By joining the staff at CRS, I have entered into a space that allows for education, communication, and change around social justice issues with individuals passionate about helping others and making communities, and the world, a better, equitable place. I even met a Bayard Rustin Fellow! Too, each day at CRS, I expand my knowledge of the discourse surrounding the criminal justice system and inequality, and I connect this to what I have learned in my past political science and sociology courses. When reflecting on my calling and purpose in society, I have a refined understanding of the different forms that activism and advocacy can take and which forms suit me better than others. I feel that I am one step closer to fulfilling my goal of being someone who zealously and successfully fights for people’s rights. I am fortunate to have the chance to carry out CRS’ mission of bringing the truth to light about various policies and legislation and breaking race and class barriers, as well as my own mission to serve those who are marginalized and to bring reform.

– Tyla Gross, Community Renewal Society