One Common Unity breaks cycles of violence and builds compassionate, healthy communities through the One Common Unity is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization started in 2000 by a group of artists, educators, and community organizers intent on promoting non-violent conflict resolution in light of a rash of street killings impacting neighborhoods throughout Washington DC.
Our mission is to use media & arts-based programming to educate youth, educators and communities on peaceful resolutions to conflict and violence. For almost 20 years, OCU has facilitated training programs that promote the use of the arts and social-emotional learning (SEL) based strategies when working with young people impacted by violence and other risk factors in their communities. The recent
Our mission is to use media & arts-based programming to educate youth, educators and communities on peaceful resolutions to conflict and violence. For almost 20 years, OCU has facilitated training programs that promote the use of the arts and social-emotional learning (SEL) based strategies when working with young people impacted by violence and other risk factors in their communities. The recent
Operating as usual
đTake a deep breath.
Although its a rainy day, we can always shine a light on ourselves. Try to practicing being in the moment.
Here at OCU, we practice mindfulness through yoga, meditation, and creative expression. Through our work in DC schools, we have seen students transform once given the tools of holistic healing!đą
đIn celebration of not only Black History Month, but Presidentâs Day, we honor former president Barack Obama.
On January 20th, 2009, Barack Obama made history as being the first Black president of the United States of America. He not only had an impact on a national and global level, but right here in DC. His presidency contributed to DCâs changing demographics of youthful voices eager to make a difference.
His charisma and urge to make a change inspired the nation. The Chicago Nativeâs legacy is being honored by the Obama Foundation is constructing the Obama Presidential Center on Chicago's South Side in Jackson Park
đLearn more about Barack Obamaâs impact and legacy by heading to our bio
âď¸âď¸Wintertime can be a difficult time for all of us. The cold air doesn't help when trying to stay active.
đHere is a #throwback of some of our high school students building gingerbread houses.
Since it is chilly outside, we all could use a fun activity to pick our spirits up. Building gingerbread houses is just one of the many ways you can get creative inside. Find an activity that not only keeps you warm but warms you insideâď¸!
â¨Today, we celebrate and honor the great Duke Ellington. As an originator of big-band jazz, Ellington composed thousands of scores.
This DC Native is a true example of the healing powers in music and artistic expressionđ¨
đ˘ Calling all change-makers, earth-shakers, peace-keepersâthis 40-hour training is for you!
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đą Sharpen your peacebuilding toolset and bring the movement for youth-led community healing home to your school, city, and community.
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Designed for educators, youth workers, artists, healers, and activists, this is your once-a-year opportunity to participate in a profoundly transformative healing experienceâboth for yourself and your students.
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đ Get certified in the award-winning #FlyByLight program model and receive access to the full evidence-informed curriculum.
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đ See you in Washington, DC this July 25-29!
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đĄ Learn more at OneCommonUnity.org/Training and follow the link at the bottom to sign up for the first Information Session next Friday, Feb 11 at 12 pm EST.
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#socialemotionalliteracy #SEL #professionaldevelopment #teachertraining #selfcare #wellness #meditation #nonviolentcommunication #peaceeducation #training #DCevents #dcps #dcpcs #artisticexpression #artivism #socialjustice #youthempowerment #FBLNationalTraining #teachersofinstagram #teacherlife #teachermentalhealth #socialjusticeskills #resotrativejustice #selfcareforeducators #socialjusticeeducation
đ˘ Calling all change-makers, earth-shakers, peace-keepersâthis 40-hour training is for you!
.
đą Sharpen your peacebuilding toolset and bring the movement for youth-led community healing home to your school, city, and community.
.
Designed for educators, youth workers, artists, healers, and activists, this is your once-a-year opportunity to participate in a profoundly transformative healing experienceâboth for yourself and your students.
.
đ Get certified in the award-winning #FlyByLight program model and receive access to the full evidence-informed curriculum.
.
đ See you in Washington, DC this July 25-29!
.
đĄ Learn more at OneCommonUnity.org/Training and follow the link in bio to sign up for the first Information Session next Friday, Feb 11 at 12 pm EST.
____________
#socialemotionalliteracy #SEL #professionaldevelopment #teachertraining #selfcare #wellness #meditation #nonviolentcommunication #peaceeducation #training #DCevents #dcps #dcpcs #artisticexpression #artivism #socialjustice #youthempowerment #FBLNationalTraining #teachersofinstagram #teacherlife #teachermentalhealth #socialjusticeskills #resotrativejustice #selfcareforeducators #socialjusticeeducation
đđDid you smile today?
We all know how contagious smiling can be!
Share a smileđđ¸
â¨Here at One Common Unity, we are constantly working to help our youth find joy within themselves. We recognize that smiling is not all that is needed to change our circumstances, but it is a step.
Our #FlybyLight programđĄfacilitators work daily with the youth in our schools by providing them with tools and resources to uplift themselves. Through artistic expressionđ¨, we help students to identify and heal from the trauma they may be experiencing.
đżThere isnât always a simple solution to the challenges we face, but having a positive mindset and outlook can make a difference. Whether you are having a bad day or a good one, sharing a smile will not only uplift you, but others.
Happy Black History Month from OCU!
We work daily in our schools and through our programming to break the cycles of oppression that hold our youth back from being all they can be. Part of this work is knowing our history and celebrating those individuals who paved the way.
Black History IS American History and itâs critical that we celebrate and acknowledge the impact of Black historical figures such as Carter G.Woodson all year long, throughout every school, and in every city.
For this #blackhistorymonth, we will highlight past and present Black Washingtonian thought-leaders, human rights advocates, and artivists.
That's us! Check out our short film about the Intention Room program, out now on lightbeam.tv
Shout out to Lightbeam for featuring OCU's short film about our Intention Room program on their streaming site! You can watch it starting this Wednesday, January 26th on lightbeam.tv
đ
As we celebrate and acknowledge Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. today, let us not forget what he stood for: Equality and human rights for all victims of poverty and injustice.
Together, we can close the disparity gaps that persist in our society.
Here are some local ways you can get involved locally and nationally:
Washington D.C
Spend time distributing meals, warming kits, and groceries with Islam Relief USA
Maryland
Participate in a conversation about the Financial Lessons from Dr.Martin Luther King Jr. Must be at least 27 to participate. Learn more by visiting volunteermatch.org
Virginia
Support teacher's supplies drives and other volunteer opportunities by visiting
volunteer.leadercenter.org
Nationwide
Take action for Voting Rights. Text 'MLK' to 56005 to call your Senators and ask them to support the voting rights legislation.
âď¸âď¸Don't forget to bundle up and watch the ice! But also, look at this as an opportunity to relax, maybe catch up on a show, or go out and have a snowball fight with your family and friends.
At OCU, we admire the healing powers of natuređ! Its sometimes challenging for us to slow down and enjoy things, but when nature calls...don't be afraid to soak it all in and enjoy your snow day!
đTake a look at how some of OCU's youth have enjoyed our snow days in the past!
Our Close The Gap campaign is still up and running!
Help us reach our $21k goal by making a donation and bidding in the online auction!
With your giving, OCU can hire more program staff and support more youth on their healing journeys.
Visit give.classy.org/OCUCloseTheGap
Place your bids at galabid.com/OCUCloseTheGap
Reminder that the Close The Gap campaign is still up and running! Help us reach our $21k fundraising goal by making a donation or bidding in the online auction!
We hope to hire more program staff in the new year, but we can't do it without your support! Help us reach more DC youth and donate today!
give.classy.org/OCUCloseTheGap
galabid.com/OCUCloseTheGap
The online auction is still up and running through December 31st! If you want to get a unique gift for your loved ones this holiday season, check out the catalogue of items up for bidding!
You could win professional photography prints by Michael Christopher Brown, discounted yoga memberships, couplesâ getaways, and more!
Place your bids here! galabid.com/OCUCloseTheGap
Every bid gets us closer to our goal of $21k by the end of the year!
THANK YOU to everyone who tuned in to our Close The Gap virtual benefit concert last night!
It was a beautiful show full of empowering messages and amazing performers. For those who missed the premiere, you can watch it on the OCU YouTube channel!
One Common Unityâs virtual âClose the Gapâ Benefit Concert & Fundraiser!: https://youtu.be/bwWZfv6WnI0
Our Close The Gap campaign is still up and running! Help OCU reach our $21k goal by the end of the year! We want to expand our services to serve more youth, and we canât do it without your support.
Visit give.classy.org/OCUCloseTheGap to make a contribution â¤
You can also help us reach our goal by bidding in the online auction, open through December 31st. You could win professional photography prints by Michael Christopher Brown, discounted yoga memberships, family vacays, couplesâ getaways, and more!
Place your bids here! galabid.com/OCUCloseTheGap
Ready, set (wait).... okay, GO!
Close the Gap is launching in 20 minutes! Join us on YouTube Premiere at 8 pm ET!
You're in for a very special treat!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwWZfv6WnI0
Welcome to One Common Unityâs virtual âClose the Gapâ Benefit Concert & Fundraiser!Help us raise awareness of the gaps that persist in our society today and ...
Today is the day! OCUâs Close The Gap VIRTUAL Benefit Show airs tonight on YouTube at 8pm ET!
Get your tickets here: give.classy.org/OCUCloseTheGap
Free with suggested donation!
Catch performances by Rising Appalachia Music, Dior Ashley Brown Music, Rochelle Rice Music, AZTEC SUN, Fly Zyah, and Baba Ras D!
Bid on professional prints by world-renowned photographer Michael Christopher Brown, exclusive yoga memberships, family vacays, couplesâ getaways, and more!
Visit galabid.com/OCUCloseTheGap
We are eager to announce Close The Gap featured artist⌠Fly Zyah!⨠fly.zyah
This 10-year-old DC native has been rapping since she was just 2 years old! Her debut release was 2013âs âPeanut Butter Remix,â set to the beat of âTruffle Butterâ by Nicki Minaj. For Zyahâs mom and dad, teaching her to be an authentic artist is crucial. While her parents help her write her songs, Zyah writes most of her lyrics on her own, which often reflect the love she has for her city.
Check out the video for âThe Time is Nowâ by Fly Zyah and Ahmad Woodard! â
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5F1A3Z9qFs
Catch Fly Zyahâs performance in OCUâs Close The Gap VIRTUAL Benefit Show, airing TOMORROW, Tuesday, December 21st at 6pm ET on YouTube.
It is one you wonât want to miss! đ
Tickets at give.classy.org/OCUCloseTheGap
Close The Gap online auction item announcement!
Join the DAYBREAKER community of 500,000+ magical humans around the world who break their days with dance, energy, intention, and joy. Daybreaker+ yearly membership is $299, but you can bid to get it at a discounted price in our online auction!
Place your bids here! galabid.com/OCUCloseTheGap
What you get: Full access to the entire Daybreaker+ content library, where you can stream 300+ mind/body practices. Join the multigenerational, substance-free, sunrise dance partyâa 1hr wellness practice followed by a 2hr dance party to start your days off with joy.
Tickets for Close The Gap VIRTUAL Benefit Show THIS TUESDAY here: classy.org/OCUCloseTheGap
2437 15th St NW
Washington D.C., DC
20009
As an organization, we aim to produce a variety of positive and uplifting community projects and events that create space for dialogue and personal transformation; to develop strategic partnerships and collaborate with organizations and institutions with similar missions; and to inspire youth and adults to live nonviolently by providing quality and comprehensive SEL education programming. Donate today at http://www.onecommonunity.org/donations/
Arts-based Peace Education and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) including Mindfulness, Social Justice, Environmental Stewardship, and Health and Wellness for Youth & Families.
Fly By Light documentary film.
Be the first to know and let us send you an email when One Common Unity posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Send a message to One Common Unity:
Join us this Wednesday for our VIRTUAL Spring Showcase! More info can be found here: https://bit.ly/3ebdEuB Hawah Kasat Princess Best Speaks - Hiphopmomma Madison McCoy Manny Manuel Tyler Perry Alicia Keys Prince Ea Pharrell Williams
In conjunction with Mental Health Awareness Month, One Common Unity is opening our mental health tele-services to those struggling with the profound emotional and psychological impact of this Covid crisis, but we need your help! We have launched a COVID-19 Mental Health Services Campaign fundraiser to ensure that our communities, and most importantly, our children, can receive the vital mental health care needed to combat the unprecedented emotional distress of the COVID-19 crisis. Click HERE to help support OCU's COVID-19 Mental Health Services Campaign - https://give.classy.org/OCUMentalHealth "Love Yourself" - Performed by Nfinity Zhy, SneakyBarShar, Dougie D, and D*o*c Produced by One Common Unity (OneCommonUnity.org) "One Common Unity breaks cycles of violence and builds compassionate, healthy communities through the transformative power of music, arts, and peace education."
In conjunction with Mental Health Awareness Month, One Common Unity is opening our mental health tele-services to those struggling with the profound emotional and psychological impact of this Covid crisis, but we need your help! We have launched a $50,000 COVID-19 Emergency Mental Health Services Campaign to ensure that our communities, and most importantly, our children, can receive the vital mental health care needed to combat the unprecedented emotional distress of the COVID-19 crisis. Click HERE to help support OCU's COVID-19 Mental Health Services Campaign - https://give.classy.org/OCUMentalHealth "Love Yourself" - Performed by Nfinity Zhy, SneakyBarShar, Dougie D, and D*o*c Produced by One Common Unity (OneCommonUnity.org)
#Repost @mamaprincessbylight ⢠⢠⢠⢠⢠Hey Fly-By-Lighters! WE ARE GOING IN ONLINE STARTING TODAY @12P Join myself, @tybylight, @jahbylight & more 4 an AMAZING week of FBL programming online brought 2 U by @onecommonunity!!! Register HERE! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fly-by-light-online-sessions-tickets-101897738880 Music By Light Live: Led by FBL facilitator Princess Best Join your host the HipHopMomma Princess Best for a time of music making, music sharing and magic making! This will be a special lunchtime event featuring our brilliant youth alumni facilitators, special youth artists and OCU friends! Join us Monday from 12:00-12:30pm on Instagram and Facebook. Parenting by Light: Led by FBL facilitator Princess Best Want to learn techniques for setting up creative workspaces for you and your family? Need to escape your place but have nowhere to go? Canât seem 2 get in telework mode? Donât feel confident homeschooling or assisting with your childâs teleschool? Too worried about the future of the world 2 be focused on work today? We get it, you ain't wake up like this (cue BeyoncĂŠ), you ainât wake up like this! But you will survive! Join OCU for Parenting By Light with the HipHopMomma: An online wellness training for teleworking parents. We are coming to you live this Thursday from 1:00-2:00pm on Zoom. Fly By Light Mindful Art Activity: Led by FBL facilitator Tyler Grigsby Join an OCU facilitator each week for a short 30 minute workshop of mindfulness & art activities, with creative prompts to process whatâs going on through visual art, poetry, visualizations and breathing exercises. Join us to get present in the moment, & create something inspiring while social distancing. This activity is for humans of most ages (11+)! Join us Wednesday from 12:00-12:30pm on Zoom. Dance By Light: Dance Party with facilitator Johnee Wilson Join us for weekly Fly By Light dance party! Give your body a beautiful opportunity to move, release and connect! In this virtual d
This summer, YOU can participate in a dynamic and highly interactive training for educators, teachers, youth workers, community organizers, artists, and activists from around the country who are passionate about integrating and deepening their knowledge and skills in trauma-informed care, mindfulness, arts empowerment, restorative justice, conflict resolution, social-emotional literacy, and community organizing campaigns. Learn more at OneCommonUnity.org/training
Embassy of Ecuador in Washington, D.C.
20009-4102Embajada del Ecuador en los Estados Unidos
2535 15th St NW, Washington, DCCDA Council for Professional Recognition
2460 16th St NWLietuvos ambasada VaĹĄingtone / Embassy of Lit
2622 16th Street NWEmbajada de Cuba en Estados Unidos
2630 16th St NWHousing Counseling Services, Inc.
2410 17th St NW, Ste 100CARECEN-Central American Resource Center
1460 Columbia Road NW, Suite C-1Embassy of Equatorial Guinea in the United St
2020 16TH ST NWDC Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administrati
2000 14th St NW
DC Mayor's Office on Latino Affairs
2000 14th St NW, Fl 2nd
Medical Society of DC - Young Physicians' Sec
1250 23rd St NW, Ste 270
MisiĂłn Permanente de MĂŠxico ante la OEA
2440 Massachusetts Ave NW
National Council of Urban Indian Health
924 Pennsylvania Ave SE
National TRIO Alumni Association
1025 Vermont Ave NW, Ste 400