On June 12, UCM hosted the inaugural Toxic Tour for the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and other community leaders. This tour was a visual journey through communities in the metro east experiencing dire environmental concerns. The tour concluded with a fireside chat where we discussed how to move forward in collaboration with the IEPA on transforming our communities and addressing these concerns on a more urgent, consistent basis. On November 5, we will continue growing this coalition as we host Deputy Director Bria Scudder and IEPA Director James Jennings. Together, we will further the conversation and strategize the actions we will take as a community in 2027.

Environmental Justice work is stronger when we come together. Join us for a campaign-wide update and strategy meeting focused on the full scope of environmental justice issues affecting our communities. Connect with faith-based and community leaders, share local concerns, and strategize together to shape the path forward.

This is an opportunity to get out into our communities and connect before the upcoming midterm election. Ballot education and voting information can be shared by all those of us that will be trained before we go door to door. Everyone is asked to please stay for breaking bread and debrief afterwards to learn what our community is concerned about going into November 3rd, 2026.

Join us for a meaningful conversation with US Representative Nikki Budzinski as we prepare for the upcoming election in November. This is an opportunity for community and clergy leaders to hear directly from your elected representative, learn more about issues impacting our communities, and take part in an informed civic dialogue. Engage in this civic conversation by submitting your questions and inviting your family, friends and neighbors along. Let’s make sure our communities are informed, engaged, and ready to participate in the November election.

This is an opportunity to get out into our senior communities to connect before the upcoming midterm election. Ballot education and voting information can be shared by all those attend this event. Snacks will be provided to those that register. Early voting starts Sept. 24th, but this time is for the community ask questions before the last day November 3rd, 2026

Join the IVE Taskforce as we plan upcoming civic engagement efforts that help ensure our community's shared values are reflected in decisions at every level of government. Community members, leaders, and advocates are invited to help shape strategies for canvassing, phone banking, voter engagement, and other actions that strengthen our collective voice.

This is your opportunity to protect our land and address illegal dumping in our community. Volunteers are encouraged to register. Lunch will be provided during a debrief afterwards to discuss how environmental justice concerns connect to the upcoming election on November 3rd, 2026.

UCM, Alton NAACP Branch, and 100 Black Men of Southern Illinois welcome two Madison County candidates. We will hear from and allow public to ask questions to both Marsie Geldert-Murphey running for Illinois Senate District 56, Rosetta Brown running for Illinois House District 111, and Linda Andreas running for Madison County Clerk. We will have a meaningful discussion about the concerns impacting our communities.

This is an opportunity to get out into our communities and connect before the upcoming midterm election. Ballot education and voting information will be shared before we go door to door. After canvassing, we invite everyone to stay and break bread and debrief to learn what our community is concerned about going into the upcoming election.

Faith leaders are invited to join the UCM Clergy Coalition as we build relationships, discuss community concerns, and organize for positive change. Together, we'll help shape the values and priorities guiding UCM's work in our communities. New and returning clergy members are welcome.

Join the IVE Taskforce as we plan upcoming civic engagement efforts that help ensure our community's shared values are reflected in decisions at every level of government. Community members, leaders, and advocates are invited to help shape strategies for canvassing, phone banking, voter engagement, and other actions that strengthen our collective voice.

This is an opportunity to get out into our communities and connect before the upcoming midterm election. Ballot education and voting information will be shared before we go door to door. After canvassing, we invite everyone to stay and break bread and debrief to learn what our community is concerned about going into the upcoming election.

Faith leaders are invited to join the UCM Clergy Coalition as we build relationships, discuss community concerns, and organize for positive change. Together, we'll help shape the values and priorities guiding UCM's work in our communities. New and returning clergy members are welcome.

Environmental Justice work is stronger when we come together. Join us for a campaign-wide update and strategy meeting focused on the full scope of environmental justice issues affecting our communities. Connect with faith-based and community leaders, share local concerns, and strategize together to shape the path forward.

As the 2026 Illinois General Election approaches, join your community for a forum featuring candidates for Illinois House of Representatives District 114. This is an opportunity to connect directly with those seeking to represent you while learning more about their priorities, ideas, and vision for our communities. Together, we will continue important conversations about the issues, challenges, and opportunities shaping the Metro-East and explore how we can work together to create meaningful change. Bring your questions, share your concerns, and make your voice heard as you engage with the candidates who are asking for your vote.

Join the IVE Taskforce as we plan upcoming civic engagement efforts that help ensure our community's shared values are reflected in decisions at every level of government. Community members, leaders, and advocates are invited to help shape strategies for canvassing, phone banking, voter engagement, and other actions that strengthen our collective voice.

Faith leaders are invited to join the UCM Clergy Coalition as we build relationships, discuss community concerns, and organize for positive change. Together, we'll help shape the values and priorities guiding UCM's work in our communities. New and returning clergy members are welcome.

Environmental Justice work is stronger when we come together. Join us for a campaign-wide update and strategy meeting focused on the full scope of environmental justice issues affecting our communities. Connect with faith-based and community leaders, share local concerns, and strategize together to shape the path forward.

UCM Virtual Phone Bank training for brand new and seasoned volunteers. Learn how to use VAN to call voters and support outreach for the CEJA program. This is the training, but VPB can be done around your own schedule after this zoom event. Please have account set up and charged phone with your laptop

Ntosake is launching its 2026 mini-session training series next month! This series is designed by women for women inside and outside the Gamaliel Network and is scheduled for the following Thursdays: March 19, May 21, and July 16. All sessions will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. CT (7:00 to 9:00 p.m. ET/4:00 to 6:00 p.m. PT).

IVE Taskforce will discuss and plan continued civic engagement actions. We will plan around the election cycle so that staff and community leaders can make sure our shared values are represented in the policy decisions at all levels of government. Planning canvassing, phone banking, and more.

Environmental Justice work is stronger when we come together. Join us for a campaign-wide update and strategy meeting focused on the full scope of environmental justice issues affecting our communities. Connect with faith-based and community leaders, share local concerns, and strategize together to shape the path forward.

This event aims to raise awareness about the impact of gun violence while highlighting the discipline, dedication, and sportsmanship of amateur boxing.

IVE Taskforce will discuss and plan continued civic engagement actions. We will plan around the election cycle so that staff and community leaders can make sure our shared values are represented in the policy decisions at all levels of government. Planning canvassing, phone banking, and more.

Illinois' environmental movement will gather at the State Capitol to meet with legislators and push for support of the POWER Act (SB4016/HB5513) - nation-leading legislation that protects Illinois from data center harms. These energy- and water-intensive facilities are already increasing home utility bills, polluting our air, threatening our water supply, and straining Illinois’ climate goals–and many more are coming.

Environmental Justice work is stronger when we come together. Join us for a campaign-wide update and strategy meeting focused on the full scope of environmental justice issues affecting our communities. Connect with faith-based and community leaders, share local concerns, and strategize together to shape the path forward.

Ntosake is launching its 2026 mini-session training series next month! This series is designed by women for women inside and outside the Gamaliel Network and is scheduled for the following Thursdays: March 19, May 21, and July 16. All sessions will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. CT (7:00 to 9:00 p.m. ET/4:00 to 6:00 p.m. PT).