Learning together

Ex-felons vote in Florida after overcoming prison - and the GOP
​Desmond Meade can't vote in Orlando's mayoral contest. But he'll be in the city on Saturday anyway, cheering as hundreds of recently reinfranchised ex-felons and their families head to the polls together.
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ACLU Smart Justice Report
Illinois has 40,922 people in prison.  We can reduce that number. Read the full report

If Illinois were to follow these and other reforms in this Smart Justice 50-State Blueprint, by 2025 it could have 24,898 fewer people in its prison system, saving over $1.5 billion that could be invested in schools, services, and other resources that would strengthen communities.
Learn About Facts and Policy

More than 450 Oklahoma inmates released in largest single-day commutation in U.S. history  
​More than 450 inmates in Oklahoma were released Monday, a representative from the Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt's office told CBS News, marking the largest single-day commutation in U.S. history. Video and photos from outside the state's prisons show former inmates tearfully reuniting with their loved ones upon release.
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The Unitarian Universalist Prison Ministry of Illinois is in solidarity with the 25,000 members of the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) and the 7,000 members of Service Employees International Union Local 73, and public-support staff in their contract negotiations with the new Mayor Lori Lightfoot and the Chicago School Board.  
Read our full statement

Self-led Learning page lists historic offerings and more to help deepen your knowledge.

We're looking for a new
Executive Director

Unitarian Universalist Prison Ministry of Illinois seeks a half-time Executive Director to lead and
oversee the organization’s prison and jail programs, congregational networks, community
education, volunteer work, and public advocacy. Working with the Steering Committee and
volunteers, the Executive Director is based in the Chicago area and travels to Illinois prisons
and jails as well as UU congregations. The Steering Committee is open to candidates interested
in a one- to two-year contract or in a permanent position.

Please click here to see a job description for requirements and instructions on how to apply.

Events you should know about

Forums on criminal justice reform
First Unitarian Church, 5650 S. Woodlawn Ave.
11:30 AM-1:00 PM​

• November 24th a panel of experienced leaders supporting the reintegration of returning citizens 

Criminal Justice Reform:
Policing and Prosecution
Thursday, December 5th at 6:30 PM 
Fourth Presbyterian Church,  (Buchanan Chapel)
126 East Chestnut Street

Panelists
Toni Preckwinkle, Kim Foxx, Paula Wolff and Michelle Day

Click here for more information about events

Our Mission

We equip UU's in Illinois to ​transform institutions and support people harmed by the prison industrial complex.  Read More

HUGE Celebrations for Monica Cosby:
FIELD FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES ITS FIRST LEADERS FOR A NEW CHICAGO AWARD RECIPIENTS -- The Field Foundation today announced the 14 recipients of its inaugural Leaders for a New Chicago award, supported by a $2.1 million grant from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation to expand the definition of leadership in Chicago.
“In Chicago we have no shortage of brilliant minds working every day to change lives and reshape our city,” said Angelique Power, president, the Field Foundation. “We are so honored to be in partnership with the MacArthur Foundation as we hand over a megaphone, share resources, and then sit back and watch as these incredible people continue to soar, bringing our city to more just and beautiful places than we could’ve ever imagined.”

THE 2019 LEADERS FOR A NEW CHICAGO AWARDEES ARE:
• Monica Cosby, a leader of the participatory defense work at Westside Justice Center and one of the leading advocates for incarcerated women and the fight for post-incarceration rights in Chicago.
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We need your help! We can sustain this ministry only if we have the support of people who care about our shared humanity with people in prison. Your contribution will help fund our quarter-time minister’s salary, benefits, and travel costs, plus the costs of our education offerings to congregations.

The In Prison Ministry works to create a spiritual space where all people can come as they are and be affirmed in their inherent worth and dignity, no matter their identities or past harm they may have caused. 

The outside work of the UU Prison Ministry focuses on preparing our congregations to become radically welcoming places for formerly incarcerated and convicted people. We embrace the call of Unitarian Universalism to make our congregations accepting of all people.

​The Prison Ministry will also connect UUs to local and state-level policy  initiatives that seek to build a world community of peace, liberty and justice for all.

Donate Now

UU Prison Ministry of Illinois is a 501(c)3 organization, so your contributions are tax-deductible.

​We are funded in part by the Fund for Unitarian Universalist Social Responsibility - and grateful for their support.