Being a resident of this town often reminds you of the Vachel Lindsay poem Springfield Magical. Lindsay describes Springfield as “the City of my Discontent” and any longtime resident would second his sentiment. As a native of Springfield, I am all too familiar with the feeling of discontent this city breeds. Growing up here, I […]
Faith Coalition for the Common Good
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A year of faith and resilience: Faith Coalition’s commitment to justice
As we come to the close of 2025, the Faith Coalition for the Common Good is deeply thankful for the opportunity to share in the work alongside a community of resilient, courageous and powerful leaders. This work is not done in isolation, it is built through relationship, trust and collective commitment to justice. The evolution […]
Posted inCommunity & Lifestyle
Faith in Place and Faith Coalition work together to help community
My name is Aiden Meyer and I am the senior data and operations manager for Faith in Place, an organization dedicated to cultivating a powerful multifaith movement that works for environmental justice through connection, education and advocacy. We achieve this by partnering with communities of faith from diverse religious traditions across Illinois, Wisconsin and Indiana […]
Posted inNews
Ready to work
ILLUSTRATION BY KIRK LYTTLE/MCT With about $4 billion in transportation and other projects planned for Springfield in the coming years, groups in Springfield are already working to ensure a fair share of the jobs generated go to minorities. The Faith Coalition for the Common Good and Bridging the Gap, both based in Springfield, are helping […]
Posted inNews
Illinois leaders campaign for federal immigration reform
Several prominent public figures in Illinois are pushing for passage of a federal immigration reform bill, which President Barack Obama called “the best chance we’ve had in years to fix our broken immigration system.” The Senate could pass the bill by July 4, though it faces an uphill battle in the House of Representatives. For […]
Posted inNews
Teaming up on truancy
If education is a path to success, getting students to show up is a step in the right direction. That’s why Springfield Public Schools and the Faith Coalition for the Common Good are rolling out separate but related programs aimed at improving school attendance. Sharon Kherat, transformation officer for Lanphier High School in Springfield, says […]
Posted inNews
Springfield goes to Washington
As lawmakers in Washington, D.C., debate a far-reaching transportation funding measure that could mean jobs for Springfield, government and religious leaders here are making their voices heard in the nation’s capital. The U.S. House will likely vote on a five-year transportation bill this month, which could increase the number of transportation-related jobs for minorities and […]
Posted inNews
Mayor candidates break from the past
Reform is the theme in the race for mayor, as the candidates begin outlining their plans to change how the city operates. At a public forum on March 3, three of the four candidates for Springfield mayor addressed issues of transparency, political patronage, minority representation and more, each saying their administration would represent a break […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Chief conversation
The primary is over. Head out March 2 to the first Mayoral Candidates Forum in Lincoln Library’s Carnegie Room hosted by the Faith Coalition for the Common Good. This is another important conversation between the four contenders left who will vie for Springfield’s top post in April. Be informed. Make the right decision about who […]
Posted inNews
A new reality for the east side
Springfield’s east side could see a dramatic revitalization over the next three years, according to representatives of businesses, churches, nonprofits and government bodies who met to discuss redevelopment plans last week. The East Springfield Summit featured a consortium of familiar names in Springfield – the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce, The Springfield Project, Mayor Frank […]
Posted inNews
Group wants local rail jobs
A Springfield-based community group is hoping to make the contentious arrival of high-speed rail into a blessing by making sure 30 percent of the jobs from the project go to local disadvantaged workers. The Faith Coalition for the Common Good hosted a public meeting Aug. 19 at Union Baptist Church to discuss the coming project’s […]
Posted inNews
Immigration reform coming
Sitting on his living room couch in Beardsville, a young Mexican immigrant named Alejandro smiles wistfully as he recalls marrying his wife Maria in 2006. They met and married in Beardstown, raising two sons, Alex, 5, and Diego, 2. But Alejandro’s smile quickly turns into a pained grimace as he describes how Maria took their […]
