One Common Unity

I have done work with OCU for over a year and a half, getting to personally see plenty of the positive impact this organization has been able to have. I've been to their Fly By Light after-school programs at multiple different school sites and also been along to many of the different events held during that time, witnessing in every instance just how necessary the work this organization does is not just for helping the youth of the present, but for the future of the communities here and across the nation. The world could use more positive organizations working to bring everyone together to build a better future; this one is an excellent example of an organization on the rise looking to do just that.

I started interning for One Common Unity about 3 weeks ago and I already feel right at home. Everyone is treated like family here, and the staff constantly checks in to make sure you feel included and comfortable with the work you are doing. OCU does incredible work that truly inspires our communities on a spiritual and intellectual level, and I could not be more thankful that I get to be apart of such an amazing organization.

I first learned about OCU about three years ago at a Fly By Light screening. I was incredibly inspired by the amazing work that this organization does. I am happy to say that I am now interning with OCU and could not have asked for a better experience so far. The staff here is so passionate about OCU's mission and works tirelessly to accomplish amazing things. Every day at OCU is inciting and I look forward to spending more time here.

I started working at OCU about 2 weeks ago and when I say this place is amazing I mean AMAZING! I have never enjoyed going to work everyday and as an undergrad student to find something so fulfilling and satisfying is a challenge! OCU has really taught me the true meaning of "truth and service". I am so astound and proud of this organization that I even go home working on projects. I admire the REAL work they're doing for our communities and I am so proud to be apart of the process. OCU is changing lives out here!

I am so inspired by the work of One Common Unity. There is such a critical need for non-violence work, especially among youth, and this program brings dynamic programming to build a future team of peacemakers in local communities and beyond. I'm incredibly happy to know this work is happening and even more so to support it myself.

While I've only been involved with OCU for a few weeks, I've been blown away by the organization, its team, and the students involved. OCU is doing work that is good for individuals and good for the world, and is engaged in a myriad of initiatives and programs to be that change. My greatest admiration for OCU comes from its commitment not to itself as an organization, but to its principles- spreading the work and practices of non-violence, pushing emotional and social healing to the forefront of youth development, and empowering others to shine their light. We have an amazing team that is made up of kind and caring folks who are both committed to one another and committed to doing amazing work. OCU is doing big things and will only be growing and shining brighter.

I have been involved with OCU for the past half-year and have been truly inspired, both spiritually and intellectually, by the work they have been doing with youth. The power of social-emotional and creativity to inspire change is exponential and I can't recommend OCU enough!

I have been blessed to experience two Rejuvenation Retreats w/OCU: these events are very profound for all who participate. The gifted organizers validate every individual person's experience and the One Common Unity that exists upon parting time is very powerful.
The meaningful events and fundraisers throughout the year are exciting and renew one's hope in our stress-filled world. I simply can not thank Hawah and the others for all they do and for sharing their gifts and talents so generously. God Bless, Lynne (Delaware)

I have learned about OCU in 2007. A friend invited me to attend an amazing event where OCU team was performing. I was moved by their art, music, genuine love for diversity and for children, and especially, by their positive energy. HawaH is a true candle in the world, bringing LIGHT where there is still darkness. His presence is a blessing, he is tuned into the Universal Consciousness; his teamwork at OCU is a divine gift to our society, a clear pathway toward a world of peace and oneness. OCU MUST GO ON!!!
The world is grateful to you, OCU!

I've worked for peace in one way or another for all of my 66 years, and I admire OCU for combining all the elements I have seen to be most effective. Peace education will be as essential to our One Common future as the 3Rs. Hawah and his friends deliver it through the arts, those universal languages, and through other whole-body experiences like yoga and drumming. They inspire young people, and people of all ages, by radiating peace and joy. I'm delighted to see this excellent organization gain the recognition it deserves.

I learned about OCU from a friend and was immediately interested in their unique offering of peace education through Arts and Music. Their work with inner-city youth is transformational and their promotional events inspire world-class artists. After volunteering with OCU for over a year, I was invited to sit on the Advisory Council and am honored to be a part of such an amazing organization

I became interested in OCU because of the innovative peace education programs it has developed and offers to the DC community. As an intern, I joined a team of very dedicated and hardworking staff. I was also able to meet some of the members of the Board of Directors and Advisory Council. I am constantly inspired by their ideas, work and drive. I am looking forward to learning a lot more about arts-based peace education and contributing in OCU's efforts for development and expansion!

I came to be an intern at OCU because they needed someone to edit video for them. I did this and much more, because the people at OCU made me want to get involved. Their overwhelming positivity and the importance of the work they do is impossible to ignore. They are doing great things in DC, uniting people with music and art and encouraging change without violence. People seem to respond very well to what they do and they definitely do it well.

When I first discovered One Common Unity as a prospective intern, I had an instant connection with it from reading the mission. Peace education through the arts is an avenue where I would hopefully like to pursue further in the future but for now, I enjoy seeing how positive changes unfold from being here. Through the organization I was even able to go to Busboys and Poets for the first time and I really enjoyed it. There are a lot of issues that are not noticed in the US and OCU is part of a network that serves to make the public aware of these issues and do something about them.

When I was asked to join the board of One Common Unity, it was an incredible honor. My fellow members of the board are extremely compassionate, intelligent, passionate, strong and fun-loving individuals who are dedicated to creating a peaceful world. They are all artisans with their individual gifts, whether as restaurateurs, green executive officers, life coaches, business owners, poets, school administrators, attorneys, and consultants. Individuals with ties to this organization carry themselves with integrity and grace as they seek common ground and thread that ties us all together. I am proud to be associated with such an outstanding, reputable organization which will only continue to embrace peace through the arts and dialogue while building community.

I've known of OCU for many years and LOVE their work. I joined their board last year and am thrilled to be helping OCU build peace and compassion through the arts. There is a nearly inescapable culture of violence in the United States and we intend to foster a movement to counter that culture. Our sights are set high and given the creative energy driving the folks OCU, I have no doubt we will continue to spread effective peace education, programming, and art.

I have been serving on the Advisory Council for One Common Unity for about 8 months, and have been exposed to its work for over a year. I approached OCU's Executive Director and asked to volunteer my time for the organization because I was so impressed with its mission and programs. As a young professional working in the field of international development, with a particular focus on conflict resolution an gender violence, I have come to see how critical proactive and positive messages are to the promotion of peace. It's not enough to condemn violence--we have to give an alternative. And that is exactly what OCU does: it provides a diverse and enthusiastic community of support for youth engaging in peaceful activities, and for those courageous enough to want to make a difference; and it addresses some of the most pressing concerns facing society today with unparalleled creativity. I have been thrilled to be involved with--and touched by--this great organization.

I have worked with One Common Unity on a wide variety of programs. The hands on arts based learning that OCU promotes is wonderful opportunity for personal growth and development, not only for the youth but for all involved. In the last couple of years I have had the opportunity to assist teens with film production on the "I May Not Get There With You" MLK film and work with hundreds of young adults with the CDF Freedom Schools Training. OCU is providing wonderful tools for arts, healing and personal growth.

The one thing OCU could benefit from is funding, it's amazing how much they do with the limited resources they currently have. The vision they have is huge and wonderful and deserves major support.

As an intern with One Common Unity, I'm learning a huge amount about the kind of work small grassroots organizations do. OCU puts on a number of fantastic events that reach large numbers of the DC community, such as monthly concerts looking at different social justice issues. Additionally, they provide resources and a place for discussion and interaction for artists, educators and youths who care about living non-violently. They also try to get the word out to at-risk communities through youth education programs at schools and so on. OCU's vision is really inspiring--creating a culture of non-violence through the arts and culture.

I worked with One Common Unity several years ago and still treasure the experience. The use of the arts as a tool to empower the youth of DC to live above violence, is highly effective and rewarding to all involved. This organization is powered by those with a passion to make the world a better place.
Not only does OCU provide creative outlets for the kids involved, but also provides each one of them with an opportunity to make a contribution to a larger project- the chance to learn and grow. If art is the thing that makes us human, than OCU is humanizing DC one kid at a time!

One Common Unity (OCU) is a wonderful nonprofit that utilizes community support and volunteerism to combat violence in Washington, DC, mainly among youths. I worked as an intern last summer and I learned first-hand the dedication and passion of each individual involved with OCU towards addressing violence at the community level. I had the chance to work with youths in local schools and community centers, teaching nonviolence and peace education through music, arts, and media. Each person served, whether an adult, young adult, or child, expressed graditude for the work OCU has done and continues to do within their communities. There is a great need for organizations like One Common Unity that address violence at the community level and uses creative techniques to relate to youths and teach nonviolence and peace education.

One Common Unity is powered by compassionate, committed individuals who give of themselves to make the world a better place. Their outreach to children trapped in a culture of violence is vital work.