“I am convinced that UNDIVIDED is a SPIRITUAL MOVEMENT of the people of God.”

Letter from the CEO

Dear Undivided

During a season of great turmoil, the Hebrew Prophet Isaiah invites the people of God to “shout for joy” and “burst into song” because God is bigger than the crisis at hand (Isaiah 54). Isaiah then calls the people to take action:

“Enlarge the place of your tent,
      stretch your tent curtains wide,
      do not hold back;
lengthen your cords,
      strengthen your stakes.”

During these tumultuous days, these words resonate with my spirit and provide clarity for the path ahead. I am convinced that UNDIVIDED is a spiritual movement of the people of God. I know that as the people of God, we are called to continuously make room! We don’t hunker down and circle the wagons when things are hard, we throw open the tent flaps and boldly proclaim, “There is room for you here!” Therefore, we need to press in and strengthen our stakes to stay firmly rooted in the hope of our God. A bigger tent requires deeper stakes.

At UNDIVIDED, we’re committed to continuously making room in this community as we stay deeply rooted in Jesus. To that end, we have included four powerful impact stories, from people who are part of the UNDIVIDED community. I want to encourage you to read these stories and/or view the companion videos that accompany them. These stories will enlarge your soul and encourage you as an UNDIVIDED supporter.

I’m so proud of the work we have done over the course of 2023. My hope is this report reminds you that you belong here. My challenge for you is this: who else needs to be here?

Who do you know that is longing for justice? Who is looking for a healing and listening community rooted in Jesus? Who is ready to roll up their sleeves for action?

UNDIVIDED begins with you and this movement takes all of us.

Yours in hope & solidarity,
Chuck Mingo

THE UNDIVIDED CALLING

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Meet Dani.

“UNDIVIDED
  begins with me”

Cohorts By the Numbers

In 2023, 844 people participated in an UNDIVIDED cohort experience. Cumulatively, we led 30 multi-week cohorts across 19 cities in 12 different states; each taking place over 7 weeks and leveraging 2 or more facilitators trained in UNDIVIDED’s 12 hour facilitator training.

What were the cohorts like?

18

Participant ages ranged
from 18 to 94 years old.

94

Participants were 40% BIPOC and 60% White.

The majority of participants in church
cohorts were women (64%).

The corporate and business cohorts were
nearly balanced at 50% women and men.

“Through my participation in UNDIVIDED, I established new and fruitful relationships. Several from our group are continuing to meet so that we can lift each other up and grow together. I feel God is using our new connections to mobilize each of us in our communities. After completing the cohort, I have a new sense of hope and connectedness through new relationships. So grateful for this experience.”

- ELAINE, COHORT PARTICIPANT

Did you know?

We have built UNDIVIDED programs to serve both Christian (LivingUNDIVIDED™) and non-faith based contexts (WorkingUNDIVIDED™).

Meet Michael.

“Navigating the terrain of DEI in 2023”

Measured Change

The UNDIVIDED learning experiences help participants grow in empathy – it’s one of the biggest value-adds that our cohorts and workshops bring to organizations, churches and communities.

Pre- and post-cohort survey data from participants in 2023 showed the following changes:

“DO YOU ACTIVELY LISTEN TO PEOPLE WITH DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES THAN YOURS?”

Before UNDIVIDED 38% strongly agreed. 
After UNDIVIDED 56% strongly agreed.

18% INCREASE IN THOSE WHO STRONGLY AGREED

“DO YOU TRY TO UNDERSTAND HOW PEOPLE OF ANOTHER RACE VIEW THE SITUATION?”

Before UNDIVIDED 16% almost all the time.
After UNDIVIDED 61% almost all the time.

45% INCREASE IN THOSE WHO TRY ALMOST ALL OF THE TIME

Spotlight on Workshops

In 2023, UNDIVIDED delivered 15 Workshops to businesses and organizations ranging from conference presentations to Fortune 500 companies. Through these new, short-format learning experiences, over 800 people across 10 cities experienced UNDIVIDED content in these 1- to 8-hour sessions. While the Workshop topics varied from “The Power of Story” to “Leading with Empathy,” each is based in the framework of reflect, connect, and direct. You can learn more here about UNDIVIDED’s Workshop offerings and how they can support your team or organization.

15 WORKSHOPS

800 PEOPLE

1-8 HR SESSIONS

“These sessions gave me skills and willingness to face racial divisiveness without fearing being offensive. There have been times I just brushed off racial tension. Now I know that there are ways to address those issues without confrontation.”

- JAMES, COHORT PARTICIPANT

MEET STEPHANIE.

“What does civic engagement have to do with justice?”

Creating Real Change

UNDIVIDED experiences help shape participants, but what about after? Pre- and post-cohort survey data from participants in 2023 showed the following changes:

“YOU FEEL A PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY TO WORK TOWARD RACIAL JUSTICE WITHIN SOCIETY/YOUR COMMUNITY.”

Increased from 82% of participants who agreed or strongly agreed to 87% after participating in UNDIVIDED.

“DO YOU TRY TO UNDERSTAND HOW PEOPLE OF ANOTHER RACE VIEW THE SITUATION?”

Increased from 66% of participants who agreed or strongly agreed to 80% after participating in UNDIVIDED.

What did participants do after the UNDIVIDED experience?

“UNDIVIDED showed me how I passively reacted to the topic of race within the church; we talk about it, but there was not as much tangible actions behind it. This helped create the urgency to not run from the pain, lament, and move towards action – bringing along those with different perspectives to be part of the solution.”

- SHANNON, COHORT PARTICIPANT

They signed up to facilitate cohorts to multiply the experience for others.

1,260 HRS

Facilitation hours for cohorts

In 2023, 24 people became newly trained facilitators for a total of 200 certified UNDIVIDED facilitators & producers.

They gave financially to the UNDIVIDED movement.

52

52 monthly donors opted to support sustainability through regular giving. 

755 gifts

There was a 7% increase in the number of gifts given and a 54% increase in total individual giving in 2023.

They volunteered in local justice initiatives.

183

Consistently active volunteers in relational community organizing through their local UNDIVIDED Hub.

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MEET JESSE.

“Doing what makes
you come alive.”

CALL TO ACTION

The Calling is Clear:

THE MOVEMENT TO LIVE UNDIVIDED TAKES ALL OF US.

Our hope is that you are inspired by the progress we are making together, and that you are encouraged to continue to press forward.

While there are so many different ways each of us can bring our gifting to this movement to make a difference – there’s one clear step we hope you will take: be a part of fueling the movement.

Frankly, action requires resources, change requires resources – and resources are ultimately how each of us reflect what is most important to us.

Will you take the step to fuel the movement by making a financial gift to UNDIVIDED today? Make the gift that is right for you.

READY TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW YOU CAN MAKE AN IMPACT? REACH OUT TO OUR TEAM TODAY TO FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN GET MORE INVOLVED THROUGH GIFTS OF TIME, TALENT, AND TREASURE.

A one-time gift to help underwrite LivingUNDIVIDED cohorts ($3,000 needed per cohort)

A monthly gift to demonstrate your ongoing commitment to racial healing & justice (as little as a cup of coffee or pizza order each month makes a difference over time)

A relational gift – buy a copy of the Living Undivided book for someone in your life.

FINANCIAL DATA AND

A NOTE FROM OUR BOARD CHAIR

When I was asked recently to share an update on UNDIVIDED’s progress with some of our incredible donors, I felt led to talk with them about imagination. It was a spark of imagination that first brought me to the work of UNDIVIDED in 2015 when Chuck began to share his vision for a future that could be. And it is the hope of imagination, fueled by the progress we have seen over the past few years, that keeps me in this work with all of you.

But there is more to this work of racial justice than what we can imagine ourselves. In his letter to Ephesians, the apostle Paul writes, “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us…” Our hope for racial healing and justice, when rooted in the power of Christ, is the confidence that God will do immeasurably more than we can even begin to imagine. What I love about this passage is that Paul reminds us that still have a role to play – even though the results are God’s and the power is God’s – he still chooses to be at work with us. We need to allow Christ to be fully at work in us and surrender our will to his, which helps us imagine transformation together, work together, pursue healing together, and champion justice together. But let’s also be reminded that God is able to do immeasurably more.

It has been a joy to serve as UNDIVIDED’s Board Chair over the last year. On behalf of the UNDIVIDED Board, thank you for partnering with us to imagine a flow of racial healing and justice that repairs wounds and cultivates equitable systems where all people flourish.

Thank you,

Illya Thomas, Board Chair

2023 Board Members

Illya Thomas, Board Chair
Alvin Herring
Kyle Ranson
Charla Weiss
Clare Blankemeyer

Revenue, Support and Gains

Expenses

GRATITUDE

All that happened through the UNDIVIDED movement in 2023 happened because of you – the people who fuel the movement. We are honored by the support and investment of our donors and champions who have taken the call to live undivided and made it their mission.

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A Donor Story, JESSica

TO OUR 2023 UNDIVIDED DONORS, THANK YOU! YOUR FINANCIAL SUPPORT AND GENEROSITY CREATE OPPORTUNITY, INSPIRE HOPE, AND ENABLE OUR IMPACT. 

Claudia Abercrumbie

Jennifer and Jerry Albers

Rhonda Aldrich

Shana Alexander

Matthew Allen

James Anthony

Jean Anthony

Kathleen Bachman

Theresa Bardua

Michael Barnes

Sherri and Michael Barnes

Catherine Basil

Beverly Bea-Reed

David Beaudry

Jim and Vivienne Bechtold

Dale Beck

Achmed and Kathleen Beighle

Elliott Blodgett

Matthew Boorujy

Danny and Heather Bowman

Thomas Bretz

Samuel Brewer

“I give because the work that is happening will directly impact my family for generations”

MONTHLY DONOR, ELLIOTT

Muzette Britt

Ryan Brooks

Doug I Burns

Michael and Tina Burry

DC and Stephanie Canty

Christine Cappel

Connie Carroll

Mary Cassidy

Queen City Church

Virginia Clark

Myra Clark-Foster

Lisa Cole

Jeffrey and Dana Cooper

Brandon and Kendra Coppage

Krys Corley

Eleanor Croley

Donna Davis

Michael Debrosse

Brian Dershaw

Gina Diehl

Danise Distasi

Joe Domiano

Katie Dwyer

Terumi Echols

Michelle and Rich Eggers

Cheryl Ensign

Andrew Finer

Neil and Jessica Forster

Nancy and David Fuller

Andrea Gallien

Rachel Garvey

Geri Geasland

John and Cindy Geer

Fred and Mary Carol Gennett

Judy Gierl

“I give to UNDIVIDED because I want to continue to see progress in the work of social justice and racial healing in our community and beyond. UNDIVIDED gave me the opportunity to learn about my own unconscious biases, and I have continued to be encouraged to read, listen, learn, and connect with others on this journey.”

MONTHLY DONOR, THERESA

Shelby Givens-Blackmon

Michelle Glenn

Anna Goroncy

Elizabeth Goshorn

Omar Gray

Wayne and Sherri Hach

Dane and Desiree Harding

John Harmon

Sue Harvey

Jerome and Michelle Hawthorne

Carol Heagen

Chris and Chrissy Heiert

Christopher and Nicole Heims

Steve Heinzman and Sharon Bergman

Nancy Herdeman

Lindsey Himmler

Brenda Homan

Jim Hudson

Sergei and Hannah Huerta

Season and Dave Huff

Mary Jackson

Troy and Amanda Jackson

Sandy Job-Rivera

Stephanie Johnson

Patrice Jones

Victoria Jones

Jessie Kinney

Tina Kitchings

Joshua Ko

Craig Koerth

“I give because I trust the work UNDIVIDED is doing and want to be a part of it. Learning to love justice and mercy is a process I am in. I feel like I was not born inherently knowing how to make a difference. I feel unequipped and inadequate but don’t want to stay there. I trust that UNDIVIDED can help me learn to pursue racial healing and justice.”

MONTHLY DONOR, HANNAH

Nancy Kozak

Vincent and Jennifer Lam

Craig and Patricia Lange

Becky Lee

Dan Lillback

Dianne Linstruth

Theresa Lowendick

Will and Natalie Lundstrom

April Mack

Donielle Madaris

Renee Mahaffey

Harris Angie

Marks Scott

Martin David and Kimberly Martineau

Tracy Mathews

Ashley Matthews

Ryan and Caroline Max

Micah McFadden

Nan McGinnis

Melissa McMillen

Thomas Mello

Mark Menifee

Jim Meyer

Wayne Box Miller

Dave Mills

Chuck and Maria Mingo

Cheryl Miyamasu

Lynn Money

Jeff Monnin

Jon Montani

Chuck Moore

“The experience of going through UNDIVIDED was eye-opening and game-changing enough for me to want to support its growth so more people can have the experience and education from it. Particularly in a time when governments are ceasing funding to D&I work in public schools and companies are following suit and reducing D&I work, having another resource that’s so experiential is extra critical.”

MONTHLY DONOR, TYANA

Darrell Murrell

Mitchell Mustain and Kristy Davis

Regina Neal

Mark Norman

Marchoe Northern

Mark and Babette Northrop

Genta OBrien

Tyana and Joshua Owings

Lucius Payne

Ray PeGan

Donna Pennington

Vito and Laura Peraino

Jeanne Piccola

David Porter

Russell and Pam Proctor

Delaney Pryor

Kevin and Tracy Rains

Daniel Rajaiah

Theresa Reekers

Donna Reinert

Patricia Ridgeway Kimberly Risma

Nancy Rowleu Christine Sam

Carl and Dawn Satterwhite

Jessica and Ben Sattler

Kathy Schaeffer

Art Schlemmer

Eric and Lindsey Schmidt

Michael Schmidt

Davette Shorter

Laura Shorter

Sandi Slaton

Danielle Smith

Mark Sova

Rick and Jeanene Stephens

Sarah Steverson

Roger Straz

Cole Tague

Teresa Tanner

Fran Tesmond

Illya and Patricia Thomas

Richard Towner

Judith Vermillion

Susan Visconte

A W

Carol Walker

Valerie Walker

Rachel Warden

Dale Ann Watkins

Diana Watkins

Kim Watling

Michael and Carolina Weppler

Nate and Emily Wiebracht

Felicia Williams

As Wilson

Julie Witt

Terry and Shirley Wuske

Darin and Pamela Yates

To our 2023 UNDIVIDED champions, we honor your investments of time and talent! Through your gifts of creativity, leadership, organization, activation, and so much more

Abby Hobbs

Achmed and Kathleen Reighle

Alvine Herring

Andrew Feil

Antiwan Decatur

Becky Lee

Benjamin Shat

Beth Rogers

Brian and Carla Greene

Candice Hayes-McInnis

Carl and Dawn Satterwhite

Carol Walker

Charles Montgomery

Chaz Culp

Chris Perry

Christine Shipman

Chuck Moore

Courtney Stewart

Craig and Patricia Lange

Dale Ann Watkins

Dan Deering

Dane and Desiree Harding

Dani McBride

Dani Williams

Danita Brewer

Darcia Scafidi

Darin Yates

DC and Stephanie Canty

Donna Reinart

Dorell Morrow

Elizabeth Cronlund

Emily Brooks

Emily Morgan

Eric Dorsey

Felicia Williams

Heather Bowman

Ilya and Patricia Thomas

Jasmin Sosa

Jazzy Buchannon

Jennifer Wislocki

Jenny Plumb

Jessica Criner

John & Stephanie Harmon

Joshua and Jessie Heizer

Keith Patridge

Krys Corley

Krystal McMahon

Kyle Ranson

Lane Lareau

Laura Korn

Lorrice Grant

Lucius Payne

Lynne Seibert

Mary Wilson

Megan LaCross

Michael Myers

Michael Weppler

Michelle Williams

Mickeve Regis

Mike Ploucha

Nan and Carl Merrow

Neil and Jessica Forster

Nicole McDaniel

Nora Truit

Phil Willson

Ray Kollbocker

Richard Mealle

Ryan Schaible

Sally Finn

Sandra Perry

Scot and Meagan Gillan

Scott and Carla Weiss

Shelbi Franklin

Shelley Etzenhouser

Stephanie Crider

Sue Harvey

Suzanne Brown

Taisha Rojas-Parker

Tasha Ness

Tatiana Schmidt

Terrah Hunter

Tina Ellis

Tom Seddon

Tony and Clare Blankemeyer

Tracy Mathews

Troy Culbreth

William Livisay

Charde Jones

Edward and Mindy Trujillo

Ashlee and Sam Mello

“I volunteer my time because my heart is broken by racial injustice and systemic inequities, and I asked the Lord to show me what I could possibly do to make a difference. I’m grateful to use my skills and abilities with UNDIVIDED’s talented team to contribute to this vital work in what seems like such a small way for all that is needed and all that they do.”

SHELLEY, LEARNING PRODUCER

SPOTLIGHT ON LEADERSHIP PARTNERS

Who are UNDIVIDED’s Leadership Partners?

Leadership Partners are a small group of committed individual donors who are joining together to fuel a significant step forward in the next chapter of the UNDIVIDED movement. Each Leadership Partner has made a multi-year commitment to support UNDIVIDED in order to provide a sustained base of support. Our agreement with Leadership Partners goes beyond financial giving and includes a commitment to relational connection and feedback.

To date, there are twelve households who have made this commitment to become Leadership Partners. We want to continue to see this circle of committed individuals grow – if you’re interested in learning more, email Caroline Max, Development Manager at caroline.max@undivided.com.

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UNDIVIDED

Annual Report 2023

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DANI’S STORY

“UNDIVIDED begins with me.”

Dani McBride’s journey into the depths of racial understanding and healing begins at the complex intersections of love and prejudice. It also starts at the intersections of her mixed Korean and white heritage, which shaped her experiences from childhood as she navigated racial identity and biases early on.

Her story is not just one of personal struggle and reconciliation; it stands out as a testament to the transformative power of open, heartfelt dialogue on race, and it mirrors the ongoing need for action in the pursuit of racial equity and biblical justice.

EMBRACING IDENTITY AND FACING CHALLENGES

During college Dani met her future husband, who was also biracial but of Black and white descent, and her proximity to Blackness introduced her to new perspectives and challenges. Through gradual, reflective moments during their deepening love—a love that would challenge the very foundations of her family relationships—she began confronting the realities of racial perceptions that differed vastly from her own.

This relationship also set her on a collision course with often unspoken yet deeply ingrained prejudices when her mother expressed strong reservations about her dating a Black man, rooted in stereotypes prevalent within her Korean community. Dani grew up under the loving and affectionate care of a mother who prayed fervently for her daughter’s future. Her mother’s protective nature was not just a reflection of maternal instinct but a prayerful concern for Dani’s well-being in a world she knew could be unkind.

HEALING IN COMMUNITY: THE ROLE OF UNDIVIDED

While her mother’s fears and protective stance intensified and led to a painful estrangement, Dani encountered UNDIVIDED, attending one of the first in-person cohorts. It was here, within the space of diverse, vulnerable stories, that Dani found the courage to voice her pain and the strength to confront it.

She also found a sanctuary for healing and revelation. The cohort facilitated crucial discussions that helped Dani navigate her estrangement and empowered her to embrace her biracial identity fully—neither half of one thing nor another, but wholly herself.

Dani’s involvement in UNDIVIDED expanded as she became a facilitator, guiding discussions that explored the complexities of race, identity, and reconciliation.

A RECONCILIATION WRAPPED IN GRACE

A turning point in Dani’s story was a poignant, grace-filled reunion with her mother during her battle with cancer, orchestrated through the persistent prayers of her faith network and her UNDIVIDED community.

Dani is grateful for this gift God lovingly gave both of his daughters—an outpouring of unconditional love that transcended years of fear, shame, and misunderstanding. This reunion, filled with hugs long missed and affection deeply yearned for, witnessed the power of forgiveness and the enduring strength of love. Supported by her community and husband, Dani was able to experience personal reconciliation and healing, even in the most heartbreaking circumstances.

FORWARD WITH PURPOSE

Today, Dani’s engagement with UNDIVIDED goes beyond her own healing. She continues to lead cohorts, fostering environments where others can also share and heal. Honoring her story’s lessons through racial justice work, Dani notably advocates for greater Asian American participation and the nuanced experiences of mixed-race individuals within the broader dialogues of race and identity.

Dani’s story is more than a narrative of conflict and resolution; it is a call to action—a reminder of the ripples of impact that understanding, community, and resilience can have on the world, and within our own stories.

To hear more about Dani’s journey and to see her discuss these experiences in her own words, we invite you to watch her complete story in our featured video.

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Michael’S STORY

“Navigating the terrain of DEI in 2023”

EMBRACING DISCOMFORT FOR GROWTH

Meet Michael Garcia, Chief HR Officer at Daughters of Charity Ministries, Inc. (DCM) whose approach to the evolving demands of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is fundamentally shaped by the faith of the organization, its powerful history and by his own faith—a faith that sees every individual as inherently valuable and as an interconnected child of God. This spiritual perspective drives his focus to address the DCM “Culture of Belonging” strategy and forge a deeper, enduring sense of belonging among employees. “We are interconnected children of God.” He emphasizes that true change starts with recognizing the Divine in everyone.
Michael has worked with his team to engage employees of his organization at a second campus (establishing another campus Advisory Team) to help build and execute an optimal, Culture of Belonging strategy for their unique campus. The goal is to have Culture of Belonging Advisory Teams at each location. The goal is to have Culture of Belonging Advisory Teams at each location. Michael understands that gaining local wisdom and employee engagement is a powerful tool to build and execute a sustainable Culture of Belonging strategy.

Michael benefits from Daughters of Charity Ministries’ well established Core Values: (Reverence – honoring the dignity of each person, Integrity – building relationships on trust, Generosity – giving of oneself in service, Unity – working together for the mission.) He has used these core values to encourage a “Culture of Belonging” and the key supportive initiatives that transcend typical DEI boundaries. Michael recognizes that the discomfort some of these initiatives create is not a barrier to success but a gateway to growth. “Leaning into the discomfort,” as he puts it, is essential for meaningful conversations about race, identity, growth and belonging. This philosophy has led him and his Advisory Teams to champion UNDIVIDED workshops that challenge, educate, and support – creating spaces where participants can confront uncomfortable truths, hear other co-worker’s perspectives and in the process, embrace opportunities for personal and organizational development.

“Any time you can get people to listen to messages of Belonging and share about their life experiences, opportunities for growth emerge.” He recognizes that some may become uncomfortable, but if optimally addressed, most people will learn and grow. This process is an opportunity for meaningful personal and work culture change, “Leaning into our challenges, creates growth opportunity.” Michael asserts, viewing uneasy conversations as a portal towards deeper understanding, change and reconciliation. Michael emphasizes education that speaks “to the spirit and the heart of the person,” delivered with kindness to provoke reflection and self-awareness. This educational approach ensures that learning about diversity and inclusion goes beyond cognitive understanding to touch on emotional and spiritual growth, which he believes is crucial for genuine transformation. He also understands this approach is aligned with the Values of his organization.

TRUST AS THE FOUNDATION OF CHANGE

Partnering with UNDIVIDED was a decision deeply rooted in shared values and mutual respect for each organization’s mission. Michael trusts in the power of this partnership to enhance the journey towards a genuine culture of belonging, where differences are not just acknowledged but celebrated as strengths. This collaboration has sparked initiatives that are not only inclusive but transformative, resonating with employees and aligned with the Daughters of Charity Ministries’ core values. 

Feedback is also a cornerstone of Michael’s strategic leadership. By surveying participants following each workshop and gathering insights from the Advisory Teams, Michael ensures that the workshops remain responsive and relevant to the employees’ needs. This feedback not only informs ongoing adjustments and innovations but also validates the impact of the Culture of Belonging efforts, ensuring they resonate with participants.

A VISIONARY'S PATH FORWARD

DCM’s commitment to creating a culture of belonging, supported by thoughtful education and genuine empathy, along with engaging the wise counsel of employee Advisory Teams, and using a forward focused solution model to build and execute a strategic plan, offers an example to others. Michael’s approach aligns with his organization’s core values, helps these values come alive to positively affect the work culture and offers examples about how businesses can contribute to broader societal healing and unity.

Inspired by Michael’s dedication to diversity and inclusion? Consider how your own organization can move beyond conventional DEI&B metrics to embrace a more holistic, interconnected approach that celebrates every individual’s contribution to the collective mission.

Stephanie’S STORY

“What does civic engagement have to do with justice?”

Stephanie Crider stands at the forefront of change—not just as an UNDIVIDED facilitator but also as a community organizer building pathways to reconciliation and community solidarity. As a volunteer with the Michigan chapter and a leader in community organizing, Stephanie’s journey is marked by a powerful realization: justice work is not just about raising voices but strategically organizing people for sustained impact. “This is about us recognizing our own identity and our own power,” Stephanie declares, sharing her conviction for a movement that transcends traditional political divides and speaks directly to the heart of community empowerment.

ORGANIZING AS A PATHWAY TO HEALING

For Stephanie, organizing is not merely a method but a mission to restore energy and endurance to those fighting for racial justice. More than a series of actions, civic engagement is a lifeline that connects individual stories to collective power. She believes deeply in the impact of shared narratives: “Who are you, and what have you gone through, and how has that shaped you into who you are?”

Stephanie often describes her role as twofold: first, to train communities about the power of relational organizing—a model that builds on personal connections and shared experiences to foster a collective call to action. Second, to channel their collective powerinto dismantling the very systems that perpetuate inequality.

Stephanie’s efforts also emphasize the importance of healing within the justice space. “Healing comes from knowing you’re not alone in this struggle,” she often shares in her cohort sessions, where she facilitates vulnerable discussions that confront racial histories and systemic complicity.

Through her work, she encourages others to harness their personal experiences to initiate conversations that create space for healing and build understanding. For Stephanie, being part of the UNDIVIDED movement provides a platform for these critical conversations and training. Through the organization, she accesses resources and networks that amplify her impact, reaching more communities and individuals eager to engage in this transformative work. It’s not just about making noise; it’s about making a difference by truly listening and responding to the needs expressed by the community.

A RIPPLE EFFECT OF EMPOWERMENT

As Stephanie and the Michigan UNDIVIDED team plan for future projects, her focus remains clear: expand the scope of civic engagement to include more voices, particularly those often marginalized in public discourse.

With a clear passion for relational organizing, Stephanie emphasizes empathy over sympathy—walking alongside or even ahead to lead by example. “We’re going to teach people empathy in terms of what it’s actually like to walk alongside someone,” she explains, speaking to part of the UNDIVIDED cohort’s CARE framework. This approach fosters genuine connections, building a foundation for sustained activism that pushes past awareness into heartfelt involvement and tangible connections.

And Stephanie’s vision extends beyond individual events or interactions. She challenges everyone to think beyond their limitations and to act within their capacities to forge a future that reflects shared values and racial equity.

Join Stephanie and the broader UNDIVIDED community in redefining what it means to be civically engaged. Step into a cohort, participate in a workshop, or simply start a conversation within your community or network.

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Jesse’S STORY

“Doing what makes you come alive.”

In the heart of New York City, amidst the vibrant chaos of the downtown art scene, Jesse Kreuzer crafts more than art; he invites dialogue. Driven by the tumult of 2020’s social unrest, Jesse uses his art to inspire viewers to explore the deeper narratives of American identity and the ongoing conversation around racial justice.

Jesse’s artwork does more than capture the eye—his studio is where challenging themes transform into compelling visual statements that invite onlookers to converse, question, reflect, and perhaps understand a little more about the world and themselves.

PAINTING DEEPER CONVERSATIONS

Jesse’s journey with UNDIVIDED began uniquely—with a painting. His art, born on the plywood that barricaded the city during tumultuous protests, caught UNDIVIDED’s attention, leading to a different conversation far from his studio. In Cincinnati, his engagement deepened, his art serving as a bridge to facilitate complex discussions about race, identity, and societal change. “I think there is some place for art that allows you to escape, but what I’m interested in is making art that allows you to look at something ugly for longer,” Jesse reflects on his approach to drawing observers into difficult discussions.

COHORT EXPERIENCE: A BRAVE SPACE IN 2023

In 2023, Jesse accepted the invitation to join an UNDIVIDED cohort. There, he found a “brave space” conducive to authenticity, where the exchange of diverse perspectives was not just encouraged but essential. It was here that he expressed mixed feelings about intensely divisive topics—views he’d hesitated to share even among close friends. This environment wasn’t just about safe exchanges but about honest and vulnerable conversations that allowed for growth and understanding. Jesse’s experiences highlight the importance of creating environments where individuals can explore and express their nuanced views on complex subjects like patriotism, policing, and identity without fearing immediate judgment. The UNDIVIDED cohort fostered a space where Jesse and others could express their opinions on deeply divisive topics in a setting that valued respect and growth over comfort.

Jesse found he was able to empathize and connect throughout his cohort interactions, whether discussing his conflicted feelings about the American flag or his skepticism towards institutional religion. His openness about these struggles did not alienate but instead drew others closer, offering a shared space for reflection. His art and his words became a healing mechanism, not only for himself but also for others within the cohort who found solace and understanding in his honesty.

THE IMPACT OF GENUINE AUTHENTICITY

Jesse’s art and discussions within the cohort underscore the healing power of authenticity and the impact of genuine self-expression. “All that was required of me was to be my most authentic self and share that with others,” he recalls. By staying true to his vision and embracing the discomfort that comes with confronting difficult realities, Jesse inspires a heartfelt engagement with the challenges and beauties of our time. His presence and his art curated a space for personal growth, enabling healing and a sincere connection among cohort members.

Jesse’s story with UNDIVIDED illustrates how art can serve as a powerful conduit for dialogue, justice, and healing. His work and his words continue to inspire uncomfortable proximity with challenging issues, demonstrating that impactful art does not simplify but complexifies, inviting in-depth reflection and understanding.

Let Jesse’s story inspire you to consider how your creative or professional endeavors could serve as platforms for dialogue and change. Embrace the uncomfortable, seek authenticity and vulnerability, and discover how your unique voice can contribute to broader conversations about identity, racial justice, and community healing.

Watch the accompanying video to hear more about Jesse’s artistic journey, including his new endeavor into stained glass. Click below to experience his transformative story firsthand.

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