Chris Groza: An Introduction

Chris Groza is thrilled to join Community Renewal Society’s dynamic team as a Communications Coordinator. He comes to CRS with a degree in English and Finance from Lake Forest College and many years of working and volunteering in communications as a photographer, copywriter, graphic designer, and social media manager. His faith background and passion for social justice have led him to seek out opportunities that allow him to use his skills to make a positive impact on his community, and he is excited to bring his experience and expertise to Community Renewal Society to help amplify the voices of those who are often marginalized.  

1. Given your background in photography, graphic design and writing, how can CRS create engaging content for our website and social media channels that successfully connects us with our audiences and faith-based communities? 

Art, in its various forms, has always been a key part of my life for as long as I can remember. Whether it was through music, theatre, photography, design, or poetry, I viewed art as an outlet for personal expression and a reflection of God’s beauty and creativity. Stepping into my role in the Communications Department, I am excited to serve our audience and faith-based communities with my passion for art and my faith-based worldview. I plan to use my skills to create visually engaging content that tells the story of CRS and its work in a compelling way. I also believe that art can be a powerful form of activism and advocacy, and I intend to use it to help amplify the voices of those who are marginalized and oppressed. By combining beautiful imagery with powerful messaging, I hope to create content that resonates with our audiences and inspires them to take action in support of our mission. 

2. As the Communicators Coordinator, what is your strategy for outreach and how do you intend to involve and mobilize the community in our work?   

As the Communicators Coordinator, my strategy for outreach will involve building relationships with key organizers in our community, including faith-based groups and other organizations that share our values. I plan to use a variety of channels to communicate with our audiences, including social media, email, and our blog. In order to involve and mobilize the community in our work, I will seek out opportunities for collaboration and engagement, such as events, volunteer opportunities, and fundraising campaigns. 

3. What are your (short-term and long-term) goals or hopes for CRS? How do you think the organization can achieve these goals?  

My short-term goal for CRS is to increase our visibility and reach within the community by developing a comprehensive communications strategy that leverages our strengths and addresses our weaknesses. In the long-term, I hope to see CRS become a leading voice in the fight for social justice in Chicago and beyond. I believe that the organization can achieve these goals by continuing to build strong relationships with community partners, investing in our staff and volunteers, and staying true to our mission and values. 

4. What is your vision of the future as it pertains to the Development and Communications team at CRS?  

My vision for the future of the Development and Communications team at CRS is one where we are able to effectively communicate the impact of our work to a wide audience, build a strong donor base, and engage with the community in meaningful ways. I believe that we can achieve this by staying innovative and adaptive, embracing new technologies and platforms, and staying true to our values. 

5. What unique skills or strengths do you bring to CRS that you feel are particularly well-suited to your passion for social justice?  

I bring a unique set of skills and strengths to CRS that are particularly well-suited to my passion for social justice. I am a creative problem-solver who is able to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions to complex challenges. I am also a strong communicator who is able to connect with people from all walks of life and build meaningful relationships. Finally, I am deeply committed to the values of social justice and equity, and I believe that my passion and dedication to this work will be an asset to the CRS team. 

Chris Groza Communications Coordinator

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