An invitation to Circle Up from CFS Executive Director Tony Alvarado-Rivera
Circle Up is Chicago Freedom School’s monthly giving community.
By signing up to donate monthly at any level, you become a member of our values-aligned giving community.
Monthly giving provides consistent support, care, and resources for Black and Brown youth organizing toward liberation in Chicago.
If you sign up today or already make a monthly contribution, you will receive:
Exclusive behind the scenes content and stories created by youth leaders
Invitations to “Lunch and Learn” conversations with CFS and other movement leaders
Other offerings curated by CFS community members such as special events, workshops, and intergenerational gatherings
Why join Circle Up?
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Act in solidarity.
Provide consistent support, care, and resources for Black and Brown youth organizing toward liberation in Chicago.
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Align with your values.
Show your commitment to racial justice and collective liberation.
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Be Part of A Solution.
Join a community of youth, adults, and elders working together to address important issues.
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Create Lasting Impact.
Be part of building long-term solutions, not just quick fixes.
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Fund Grassroots Work
Support local, youth-led organizing led by those most impacted by systemic injustice.
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Build strong movements.
Contribute to strengthening and protecting our efforts to resist oppression.
YOUR IMPACT
“When I started training last summer, I was intimidated, but it forced me to ask questions and learn so I could facilitate. It helps having a community like CFS where asking for help is accepted and encouraged. Now I can teach it. Through my own research and investment I can see that reproductive injustice is happening 24/7.”
— Nadia
“Last year my mom was pregnant with twins and I saw first hand how messed up the reproductive system is. I got to be a Project Heal Us program participant and program associate at the same time, experiencing both how the program is run and how it impacts young mothers.”
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Yes, your donation is tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. CFS is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and no goods or services were provided in exchange for your contribution. After you give, you’ll receive a donation receipt for your records.
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Your donation goes directly toward powering our programs and supporting the young people we build with. It helps fund leadership development, stipends for youth organizers, campaigns, and the staff and resources needed to sustain this work. Every contribution strengthens our ability to equip Black and Brown youth with the tools, training, and mentorship to lead change in their communities.
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Yes! There are many ways to get involved. You can volunteer your time, share your skills, attend events, or support our campaigns. Whether you’re mentoring young people, helping behind the scenes, or amplifying our work in your networks, your involvement makes a meaningful difference. Reach out to info@chicagofreedomschool.org to learn about current opportunities and how to plug in.
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Yes, we do accept in-kind donations that align with our program needs. Items like technology, office supplies, food for events, and other resources can directly support our work with young people. Please reach out to operations@chicagofreedomschool.org so we can confirm current needs and ensure your donation can be put to immediate use.
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Yes, tribute gifts are a meaningful way to honor someone special. You can make a donation in memory of a loved one, and we’re happy to acknowledge your gift. If you’d like, we can also notify a family member or loved one of your tribute.