Inclusive Collective - A Jesus-Rooted Movement

We are looking for our second cohort for our Student Leader Fellowship. Our last year's cohort had an incredible time and we are hoping to support another cohort in spiritual and social justice oriented growth.

This paid fellowship includes virtual and in-person meetings as you grow alongside, and because of, your peers!

Apply here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdssgK5CuSpx785vTZJyXVaRDK97wFcS08m_2gIz1g-0P9Csw/viewform

As we continue to follow up with our fellows, we want to celebrate each of our participants for their incredible projects and their commitment to learning from each other.

Soon we will be able to share projects that will be continuing on into next year!

In this reflection, Fellow Joe Whiteside shares how his experience with the Inclusive Collective has expanded both his understanding of Church and his capacity for connection.

Coming from a white Southern Baptist background, Joe describes the challenge—and gift—of encountering traditions, practices, and approaches to Christ-centered social justice that were once unfamiliar to him. Through this experience, he has gained not only practical insight into ministry and organizing, but also a deeper awareness of what it means to listen openly and grow honestly.

He writes about recognizing his own “growth edges,” especially in moments of discomfort, and the importance of staying grounded in what matters most:

Are we worshipping?

Are we loving?

Are we Christlike?

If so, there is space to embrace new ways of being Church.

Joe also reflects on the power of community within the fellowship—finding collaboration, shared purpose, and the reassurance that no one is alone in the work of building a more just and loving world.

“There are other people who want what we want.”

His reflection is ultimately an invitation: to recognize the Divine in unexpected places, to remain open to transformation, and to continue the work of bringing more people to the table.

Read the full piece here: https://letsgetinclusivechi.org/blog/2026/4/27/catching-up-with-our-2026-student-leader-fellows-rpj53

We're so excited to go into June sharing and celebrating the words and actions of our student leadership fellows and their mentor Father Kenji.

We ask you to participate in the community questions, engage with us, think about how we navigate faith during times like these.

Find Father Kenji's blog on our website!

The Inclusive Collective is excited to announce the inaugural 2026 Student Leader Fellows: Tahj Warren (Junior), Joe Whiteside (Senior), Gabriel Pellabon, John Brownridge (Junior), Brandon Wright (Freshman), and Jessica Paul (Grad).

This year’s fellowships were awarded to both undergraduate and graduate level students who have shown leadership capacities in their universities, colleges, and local churches. They represent the campuses of Chicago State University, University of Chicago, Southern New Hampshire University, Ivy Tech Community College, National Louis University, and the University of Illinois at Chicago; and the faith communities of Lighthouse Church of Chicago, Urban Village Church Hyde Park / Woodlawn, LaSalle Street Church, and University Church.

The IC Student Leader Fellowship seeks to support faith formation, leadership development, and community engagement in a diverse cross section of college students living and working in Chicago. This year’s fellows will engage urgent questions of faith and action together, in order to design and implement projects, activities, or service opportunities for their local community. The cohort will be guided under the mentorship of Rev. Kenji Kuramitsu who will both support the fellows and nurture their growth as faith leaders.

During times such as these, when so much feels threatened or under attack, we want to support, invest in, and walk alongside college students more than ever. ⁠
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Continuing in our commitment to build community, explore faith and spirituality, and invest in student leaders committed to engaging their campus and the wider world - the Inclusive Collective is excited to be launching our new Student Leader Fellowship. ⁠
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This will be a cohort of 6-8 college students from campuses around the city of Chicago committed to walking and growing alongside one another over the course of the academic year. Monthly Zoom meetings for reflection, connection to a local church community, in-person retreats, site visits, and a celebration will make up the curriculum. ⁠
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The Rev. Kenji Kuramitsu, the Associate Dean of Student Life at the University of Chicago’s Rockefeller Chapel, will act as the cohort mentor. ⁠
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A stipend of $1,500 per semester will be available to each cohort member who participates. ⁠
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Use the following link to apply now or share the link with a student you think would be interested in participating! ⁠
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https://forms.gle/BSNvU12H4NJPqtQw8

Trans siblings - you are seen and love(d).

We're hosting an inclusive Bible study at the UIC Gender and Sexuality Center on Tuesdays at 1pm starting on February 11th!

Come join us! The rsvp link is in the comments.

Happy Black History Month!

“I am Black and beautiful…” - Song of Solomon 1:5