Dear Friends, As we approach the third month of remote work for BPI staff, it seems like a good moment to pause and to reconnect with an update on our progress. All of us at BPI share the hope that you are faring well in these challenging days. Energized by our work and inspired by our community allies and fellow advocates, BPI staffers are forging ahead in all of our program areas: Engaging virtually with our Grassroots Alliance for Police Accountability partners to dramatically transform policing and public safety in Chicago Collaborating with our Altgeld-Riverdale Early Learning Coalition partners to support young children and their families and schools and childcare centers in the community Working with our partners in the Illinois Coalition for Higher Education in Prison (IL-CHEP) on both COVID-19 related issues and longer-term advocacy around educational opportunity in Illinois prisons Exploring new advocacy initiatives in decarceration Working with resident leaders and Chicago Housing Authority staff to improve housing opportunities for CHA residents and voucher holders Preparing for the launch in 2020 of our expansive two-generation economic mobility pilot.

BPI staff are connecting in innovative new ways: our weekly BPI Moth Hour and new staff book club. Our first book: So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Olua. Although I’ve only been back at BPI in my new role as Executive Director for a short time, connections with our Board, staff, and partners feel very powerful to me already. I am inspired by our community partners, generous funders, and committed friends for all the good work you are doing to advance racial and economic equity in Chicago—both in the crisis of COVID-19 and for the long term. Thank you. Sincerely,  Cara Hendrickson Executive Director

What Inspires Us Working remotely, we are being more intentional about connection, taking inspiration for our work from the solidarity we build with each other and our partners. For more on what BPI staff are thinking about and being inspired by, see our latest blog post : “What’s inspiring you these days?” In it, we contemplate what’s uplifting and challenging us.

Chicago Housing Authority staff out making sure seniors stay safe and get the support and services they need. Photo courtesy of CHA's Facebook page.

Career Opportunities with BPI To support all of our work, BPI is now hiring .  Please spread the word about these great opportunities to contribute to BPI’s mission and work at this critical time. Senior Counsel : This newly created position offers an exciting opportunity to provide vision, leadership, and support to work that advances social justice across all of BPI's program areas. This mid-level or senior attorney will develop and conduct advocacy and, as appropriate, litigation.  Communications Director :  This senior leadership role will oversee all communications, marketing, and public relations activities. The Director will build, guide, and execute a long-term communications strategy to support and advance BPI’s mission and our work .

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Annual Dinner Update It will come as no surprise that our BPI Annual Dinner—normally scheduled for a balmy night in May—has been postponed. We’re now planning a fall event and exploring some exciting new ways to engage BPI’s friends and the larger Chicago community in support of our work. We will keep you posted as plans emerge.

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