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Survival Revival in Alton, IL | Photo by Zach Adams

Dear friend,

Last Friday, our first season of Survival Revivals culminated at Deliverance Temple in Alton, Illinois. From group discussions on faith, community, and belonging to a taillight clinic and resource fair, Alton demonstrated what it means to build beloved community.

A highlight of this gathering was building the longest community table in Alton’s history. Churches and community members brought salads, macaroni and cheese, sandwiches, pot roast, fried chicken, corn, brownies, drinks, and more to share with one another. The table symbolized the revival’s commitment: neighbors showing up for neighbors, building power by meeting needs and connecting with new people, to be stronger together in these times. The day culminated with a screening of a documentary featuring Jes, a formerly unhoused resident who is now leading recovery efforts among the unhoused community.

When this community was asked, “Isn’t this political? Why are you hosting a survival revival in a church? ” Pastor Charles Burton replied, “Because this work is sacred. Feeding the hungry is sacred. Healing the sick is sacred. Welcoming the stranger is sacred. Building the beloved community is sacred.” It is also the way forward.

While Alton marked the end of this season of Survival Revivals, this season signaled the start of a new wave of organizing springing up across the country. From Vermont to Kansas, from Illinois to Alabama, communities are rising together to fight for their neighbors and build a movement that celebrates difference, that lifts from the bottom, and proclaims that everybody has a right to live.

In This Letter:
* Upcoming Events: Public Hearing on NY Child Poverty, SKOR at Freedom Church, Election Protection Webinar, Greenfaith Pilgrimage,
* In the news: Chicago Reporter on Marquette Park

In heart and struggle,

The Kairos Team

New York Public Hearing On Child Poverty

New York State's Child Poverty Reduction Advisory Council (CPRAC) will convene a public hearing from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 18th at the Love Albany Center, 8 Kate St, Albany, NY 12209. The public hearing will provide an opportunity for CPRAC to present on its anti-poverty efforts to date and hear directly from New Yorkers about the expenses they face as well as the kinds of interventions that would help them most. Attendees are invited to offer formal verbal statements and/or provide written responses at the public hearing.
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Black August with Freedom Church of the Poor

Black August has always been a sacred time of remembrance, resistance, political education, and preparation for struggle. Born inside California prisons in the 1970s after the assassinations of George Jackson, Jonathan Jackson, and the deaths of other incarcerated freedom fighters, Black August calls us to honor those targeted by systems of state violence while recommitting ourselves to the unfinished work of liberation.

This week, we will continue our season of Black August with a spotlight on the cultural organizing work of Songs in the Key of Resistance (SKOR), featuring Black song leader from across the country.

Bible Study

Wednesdays 6pm ET/ 3pm ET

Sunday Service

Sundays 6pm ET/ 3pm ET
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How Faith Leaders Can Protect Democracy

On September 2nd @ 12pm ET/9pm PT, The Kairos Center along with Powered by Faith invites you to a 1-hour webinar to hear how faith leaders can lead with their values and put their faith into action to protect our sacred democracy.

Attendees will learn how to protect our elections and prepare for faithful action in the event of attacks on election integrity. They will also come away with concrete next steps that they can take to make a difference in this country.
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New York City GreenFaith Pilgrimage

Please join GreenFaith and partners on August 28th for a multi-faith pilgrimage as we sing, pray, and march in solidarity with New Yorkers most impacted by the intersecting crises of climate and immigration injustice. We march to raise awareness about the evils of HR 1 (the so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act), which has given billions of dollars to ICE to continue their reign of terror as they round up hardworking people and their families -- billions of dollars that could be used to provide healthcare, improve schools, and fund green jobs.
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The Chicago Reporter: Thousands gather in Marquette Park to honor the the Chicago Freedom Movement, renew calls for justice

Featuring several leaders from The Kairos Center and Songs in the Key of Resistance (SKOR), this article lifts up the role of faith led organizing in the national fight against immigrant detention and voter suppression.
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Kairos Center is fiscally sponsored by Global Impact, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Your gift may be tax-deductible pursuant to §170(c) of the Internal Revenue Code.

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