Today is the National Day of Prayer. And I’ll be honest: this year, prayer feels different.

Because we are not praying in a country at peace with itself.

We are praying in a country where voting rights are under attack, where courts are making decisions that could weaken the voice and power of Black communities, Brown communities, poor communities, and working people.

We are praying in a country where people are tired. Tired of high bills. Tired of political games. Tired of being told to be patient while their neighborhoods flood, their children breathe polluted air, their water is unsafe, and their communities are ignored until somebody needs a vote.

As we take time to honor Earth Day, I want to ground us in a truth that is both spiritual and practical:

In the beginning, we were given dominion not domination.
We were given responsibility not permission to destroy.

Community Day is an event dedicated to uplifting the Metro East community by connecting residents with valuable resources, job employers, and pathways to education, health, and wealth. Join us next year as we continue to restore opportunity and move forward together because when we invest in health, wealth and jobs, we invest in our future.

During Building Power Together, we reflected on how the right team creates real change. These people must be experienced and deeply rooted in the communities we value. Experience and wisdom is not always academic, but it can be lived knowledge and relevance. 

Let’s be clear: when families cannot trust the water coming from their faucet, that is not just an infrastructure failure it is a moral failure.

The inspiration behind the event came from a desire to create a space where the younger population felt heard and valued. During such an important moment in our political climate, many young people have strong opinions, frustrations, and questions, but not always a place where they feel comfortable expressing them. This event was meant to change that by encouraging honest dialogue, respectful disagreement, and thoughtful reflection.

We spent the entire day listening to each other’s stories - wins, losses and frustrations - and building a brave space that allows our voices to be heard. UCM’s Executive Director, Darnell Tingle, posed the question: What impact would a specific harm have on your community. It was a harsh reality that many of us have already had to live through.

As an Organizer with UCM, Kayla brings lived experience, academic expertise, and a deep commitment to justice to her work. She has dedicated her career to challenging systemic barriers and creating opportunities for marginalized communities through immigration advocacy, voter engagement, and policy work. With degrees from the University of Missouri-Columbia and Johns Hopkins University, and currently pursuing a Master’s in Public Administration, she continues to turn her passion for equity into meaningful, community-driven change.

Despite below negative weather and a snow storm, UCM, along with nearly 300 attendees attended the 6th annual Illinois Access to Justice 2026 Summit in Chicago, IL. 83 organizations from across Illinois were represented, a powerful testament to the strength, commitment, and resilience of our Network. 

Leaders took to the stage to bring different perspectives: how are these injustices effecting our youth, our politics, our daily lives. While each may have come from a different angle, they were all linked together for a complete picture of what it looks like when leadership stops being silent and uses their voices to power their communities.

It’s not enough to conceptualize the thought of having to choose between groceries and paying a utility bill, but we must hold our local government to the fire to fix it. Being able to voice our concerns sometimes feels like yelling into a void, but together we are louder and will not be ignored.

Say hello to Christian, UCM’s Narrative Associate! Christian came to UCM through a friend’s recommendation and quickly fell in love with the organization’s mission and commitment to the community. A lifelong storyteller and novelist, she’s passionate about using her creativity to amplify voices that might otherwise go unheard. With two master’s degrees, including an MFA in Creative Writing, Christian combines skill, faith, and heart in everything she does.

When it comes to fighting for environmental justice, Bernard Ansu brings both passion and lived experience to the frontlines. As an Environmental Organizer with United Congregations of Metro-East (UCM), Bernard channels his deep connection to the land and his firsthand understanding of pollution’s impact on communities into powerful grassroots advocacy.

Our resident rapping reverend may be a Jane of all trades, but it is truly evident that her passion lies in her purpose. Meet Rev. Stefanie Ward, our Operations and Grants Manager.

On Saturday, June 21, UCM hosted Boxing for a Cause: An Arthur Johnson Invitational in support of gun violence awareness. Here’s what a few members of our team had to say about the event.

At the intersection of digital strategy, grassroots organizing, and unapologetic advocacy stands UCM’s new Digital and Data Director—Jenni King‑Witzel—a leader whose work is both deeply personal and profoundly powerful. With a track record that includes over 300 campaigns across the country, a thriving online community of half a million followers, and leadership roles in organizations centering BIPOC, feminist, and justice-driven movements, Jenni brings not just experience—but heart to the work.