Terrell Barnes’ Vision for CRS

Our new Organizing and Policy Manager, Terrell Barnes, comes to CRS with a great deal of experience and a set of relationships that he will no doubt leverage to move the work in even more muscular ways!  Terrell brings a mixture of experience as an organizer. He’s done contract lobbying work. He’s worked multiple political campaigns across multiple states. Terrell serves in a leadership capacity inside his political party in a populous county adjacent to Cook County which brings with it networks outside of Chicago. His vision will be readapting the meaning of organizing back to an infield focused approach. 

Some of the priorities will include: 

1. Expanding the set of relationships needed to move the work 

2. Working with the team to identify the next phase of our campaign work, set goals and benchmarks and then execute 

3. Leveraging the political relationships we have built and building new ones to expand the scope of our impact

4. Strengthening our base-building and congregational engagement work

Terrell sets out this forward leaning approach with the following vision statement in his own voice:

“Community engagement has been an integral part of my life for many years. I have always been passionate about building relationships with others and creating positive change in my community. My experience in community engagement includes working with local political campaigns, inside the political party structure, volunteering at community events and engaging in advocacy work on various social justice issues.

Through my experience in community engagement, I have developed a vision for what I believe community engagement should look like. My vision is one of collaboration, inclusivity, and empowerment. I believe that community engagement should be about bringing people together, regardless of their backgrounds or experiences, to work towards a common goal.

I also believe that community engagement should prioritize the voices and perspectives of those who have historically been marginalized or excluded. Based on this experience it excites me during this time of great possibility post Covid-19 to work in a faith-based space.

In my vision of community engagement, everyone has a role to play. Whether it's volunteering at a local food bank, attending community meetings, or advocating for policy changes, there are countless ways that individuals can contribute to their community.

 I believe that community engagement should be accessible to everyone and that barriers to participation should be identified and addressed. I believe that community engagement should also anticipate shifts in the political landscape. As an example, my goal will be to help prepare CRS to accept the benefits of having the Democratic Convention in Chicago for 2024. Amplifying our impact around the issues while the whole world watches Chicago will be key.

I also believe that community engagement should be empowering. By working together, we can create positive change in our communities and make a tangible impact on the issues that matter most to us. I believe that community engagement should give individuals a sense of agency and ownership over their communities, in the fight against racism and poverty and that everyone should have the opportunity to contribute to making their communities a better place.

In conclusion, my vision of community engagement is one of collaboration, inclusivity, and empowerment. I believe that community engagement is essential for building strong, resilient communities that can address the challenges of today and tomorrow. I am committed to continuing my work in community engagement and to working towards a future where everyone has the opportunity to participate in and contribute to their community.”

Terrell Barnes Organizing and Policy Manager

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From Symbolic to Real Change; Arab American Heritage Month