One Community was formed in response to intolerant and xenophobic rhetoric heard around the country, including in our own neighborhoods. We observed escalating bias against segments of our community, including people of color, immigrants and refugees, individuals who practiced other faiths, and more. Welcoming signs were being destroyed, threatening notes were left at schools, unkind and unsettling words were being directed at minority populations.
 
We felt the need to not only speak up against such prejudice, but to take an active role in connecting people that builds understanding across neighbors of diverse backgrounds, to publicly show up for inclusive values, to create learning opportunities that help all of us better appreciate the experiences of others, and to advocate for policies that make our community warm and equitable for all. 

Our work has encompassed storytelling gatherings, conversations on race, celebrating our diverse neighbors at July 4th parades, standing in solidarity for just treatment of all, co-hosting speakers, proposing and successfully advocating for passage of the Welcoming Community Resolution and establishment of the Community Relations Commission in Glen Ellyn, and much more.