Dear John,

"At one point, I started to believe that change would never happen. I am so happy to be able to say that has changed within me."

A student from a Cristo Rey Network high school in the Midwest wrote this after attending the Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice last fall. Growing up in her community, she had felt frustrated by the lack of change, wondering if anyone truly cared. Then she spent a weekend surrounded by passionate young people from across the country who are actively fighting for justice—and everything shifted. She wrote about how the experience deepened her faith and opened her eyes to advocacy as something she wants to pursue in her future.

That kind of transformation—from cynicism to hope, from isolation to connection—is what the Ignatian Solidarity Network is all about. And right now, we desperately need it. We need people rooted in human dignity, concern for the marginalized, and care for creation—people who won't give up when change feels impossible. These times demand this kind of formation.

I want to share some good news: in December, thanks to the leadership of our Board of Directors and generous donors across the country, we fully met a $30,000+ matching gift challenge and raised over $100,000 in total. This means we can expand our programs and create more opportunities for people of all ages, but especially young people, to become agents of change in 2026.

Across our network, we're seeing a hunger for connection, meaning, and faithful action in uncertain times. In 2026, ISN is focusing on faith-rooted formation for social action, relationships grounded in solidarity, and shared opportunities to act together for justice and the common good—whether through leadership summits, public witness, online formation series, or advocacy campaigns.

Whether you've been deeply involved in ISN's programs or you're just getting to know our work, there's a place for you here. We'll be sharing more opportunities to engage as the year unfolds.

Thank you for walking this path with us.

Peace,

Christopher G. Kerr
Executive Director

P.S. Want to see what the Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice looks like? Get a taste of the energy and passion in this highlight video from last November!