Des Plaines Faith Community

On Tuesday, June 12 I met with a group of leaders from Des Plaines’ faith community and social service and government agencies to introduce Uniting America.  The Des Plaines Ministerial Association holds a monthly meeting to share updates and ideas about their respective organizations.  The Association often invites speakers to share about special issues and concerns in the community, and they were gracious hosts to me that day!
Since becoming a UA Fellow, I have been concentrating my efforts in Skokie and Niles Township.  However, as a longtime member of a church in Des Plaines myself, I felt that it was important to meet with the key religious leaders in that area.  I shared our short but dynamic history as a program and engaged in a discussion about the relationship between immigration, volunteerism, and faith.
By no means is this group new to the concept!  It was very encouraging to hear about the different ways they have been trying to unite the Des Plaines area by serving immigrants as well as seniors, the homeless, youth, and victims of domestic violence.  As a well-established panel of leaders committed to building a better community, I hope Uniting America can partner with them on a creative project in the future!