One Common Unity (OCU), is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that for 16 years, has provided young people with supportive and positive spaces in which they can learn how to effectively resolve conflict, prevent violence, heal from trauma, and grow in mindfulness. Through music and arts centered curriculum OCU helps to develop emotionally literate youth who are the leaders of positive change in their schools and communities.

At the major high schools in which the Fly By Light program runs, proficiency in math and reading can be as low as 29% and 19% respectively. Over 90% of Fly By Light's participants are African-American or Hispanic and are students in schools with graduation rates as low as 38.10%.

In response to this need, our programs provide clear alternatives to violence while also, providing them with outlets for artistic expression that lead to greater academic success.

Our weekly after-school workshops keep youth off the streets and participating in positive extracurricular activities that lead to positive growth outcomes. Music and art provides the platform on which to reach D.C. youth and a framework on which to build their emotional literacy in the safe-spaces of creativity and fun.  

In addition to the main programming, youth participate in sweat lodge ceremonies, drum circles, yoga/ meditation classes and group dialogue sessions. This transformational experience leaves youth with:

• An appreciation and love for nature
• Social-emotional skills that increase happiness
• An ability and desire to handle conflicts nonviolently
• An understanding of music and art as tools for self-expression and cultural change
• An ability to critically engage with their environment and people of different racial, ethnic, socio-economic and cultural perspectives
• Increased feelings of self-confidence, value, worth, and empowerment
• A personal set of life goals
• Positive relationships with peers, artists, educators and counselors that last a lifetime

OCU needs your help to continue to grow and expand the impact of this important program!

The program needs $20,000 to continue and be successful, this includes: class facilitation, renting of the venues, accommodations (for the overnight retreat), transportation, curriculum development, books and art supplies, insurance, evaluations, food, outreach for youth, and stipends for peace educators.

Where Your Donations Go:

$10 — covers one youth’s travel cost for our Fly By Light after-school program

$25 — provides healthy snacks for one after-school workshop session

$50 — one workshop stipend for an arts & peace education facilitator

$100 — supports transportation, food, & workshops for one youth to visit a national park

$227 — covers one youth for half of our Fly By Light annual retreat

$455 — covers one youth for the entire Fly By Light annual retreat

$1,343 — pays the cost for one student to participate in our year-long after-school program

$6,715 — pays the cost for five students to participate in our year-long after-school program

Or, give from your heart as you’re able, and we will put it to good use for the students!

ONE COMMON UNITY

Fundraising Campaigns

Peace Ride 2019

Fly By Light: Youth Program

Multiple Teams Campaigns

One Common Unity Peace Ride 2018