Community Updates
The word “Harambee” is a Swahili word that means “to pull together, to come together, and to push together.” It reminds us that we’re stronger together than we are alone. In 2021, One Common Unity organized a Harambee Summit at Roosevelt Senior High School to serve as the climax of a professional development series hosted at the school.
Read More
In early 2015, a colleague invited me to see “Fly By Light,” a new film premiering at a local community spot in Washington, DC. Once I saw the movie trailer, I jumped at the opportunity to see it.
Read More
Our students are returning to school after an extremely challenging year, one in which many have grappled with extreme stress and trauma. More than ever, we need to support youth, not punish them, when they are faced with difficulty.
Read More
“It is so thrilling to start with a small idea or concept, then to come together and combine our strengths and resources to create something bigger and more beautiful than we could have imagined.” ~ Michele, OCU School-Based Mental Health Clinician One Common Unity (OCU) and DCPS’ Perry Street Preparatory (PSP) Public Charter School began…
Read More
What’s so special about retreats? One Common Unity’s retreats are where some of the most transformative magic happens. It’s a significant component of our curriculum and something that makes our program stand apart. Students can really immerse themselves, allowing the values and tools we teach to become lifelong allies. We can plan for months to…
Read More
Dear Community, After over 20 years, I will be leaving my role as Executive Director (ED) of One Common Unity (OCU).Birthing and serving as the Director of this organization has been one of the greatest joys, learning experiences, and privileges of my life. I’m not going to say I never dreamed we would be this…
Read More
OCU distinguishes itself from other mental health service organizations because we practice a unique approach to breaking cycles of violence. By integrating art and music as a healthy outlet/coping mechanism to achieve a peaceful resolution. My role as a mental health professional with One Common Unity entails providing mental health services to students, staff, and…
Read More
“Our young people are not just the leaders of the future, they are the leaders of today. We hope that through this pillar they build personal relationships with the planet and an understanding of the interdependence between the health of the planet and the health of our communities.” -Madison OCU’s fifth pillar is Environmental Leadership.…
Read More
Hawah Kasat, the Co-Founder / Executive Director at One Common Unity (OCU), has dedicated his life to facilitate interactive workshops, perform, and teach peace. He also leads special trainings for teachers and students in conflict resolution, non-violent communication, positive youth development, social-emotional literacy, mindfulness, social justice, and arts empowerment. “Training the Trainers” One Common Unity…
Read More
It’s been just six days since the last mass fatality event. Another mass shooting. Another public venue. Another 10 lives lost—another 21-year-old male suspect in custody. Countless families traumatized. Devastated. Grieving the loss of their loved ones. Let’s remember their names: Officer Eric Talley, 51, first responder; Denny Stong, 20; Neven Stanisic, 23; Rikki Olds, 25; Tralona Bartkowiak, 49; Suzanne…
Read More