Catalyst Chicago is an independent newsmagazine created in 1990 to document, analyze and support school-improvement efforts in the Chicago Public Schools. It is published by the Community Renewal Society (CRS), a nonprofit organization founded in 1882 that works to create racially and economically just communities.

CRS also publishes The Chicago Reporter, an award-winning newsletter created in 1972 to investigate issues of race and poverty.

Catalyst Ohio, launched in 1999, is published by a subsidiary of CRS, Urban School News.

All three publications are editorially independent of CRS.

MISSION

Mission statement:

To improve the education of all children through authoritative journalism and leadership of a constructive dialogue among students, parents, educators, community leaders and policy makers.

Guiding Principles:

Shared Responsibility

Recognizing the critical link between education and community vitality, Catalyst Chicago believes all of us share in the responsibility for educating our children. 

Equity

Catalyst Chicago believes all children should have high-quality learning opportunities that meet their needs.

Accountability

Catalyst Chicago holds itself accountable to the highest standards of journalism while holding educators, policy makers and other decision makers accountable for the impact of their actions on children’s learning.

Empowerment 

Catalyst Chicago provides information to parents and community leaders that will empower them to fulfill their legal rights and responsibilities and participate effectively in efforts to improve the educational experiences of their children.

Diversity

Understanding the strength that comes from inclusion and collaboration, Catalyst Chicago ensures that all voices are heard in the dialog on continuous improvement in education.

COMMUNITY RENEWAL SOCIETY

Since its creation in 1882, CRS has worked to create racially and economically just communities. In addition to publishing Catalyst and The Chicago Reporter, CRS works to provide leadership and support in several areas: public housing, education, criminal justice, anti-racism and anti-violence initiatives. Within these initiatives, CRS networks with congregations, community-based organizations, faith-based groups, civic and philanthropic institutions. Founded as an urban mission, the Community Renewal Society is affiliated with the United Church of Christ.