Who We Are
Fifteen years of community building in Northside Minneapolis
Our Story
Founded in 2009, One Family One Community emerged from a simple but powerful belief: that every resident of Northside Minneapolis deserves a voice in shaping their community's future.
What started as grassroots conversations in living rooms and community centers has grown into a cornerstone organization that bridges the gap between residents and decision-makers, amplifies historically excluded voices, and creates pathways to meaningful civic participation.
Our roots run deep in North Minneapolis, where we've witnessed both challenges and incredible resilience. Through economic shifts, policy changes, and community transformations, we've remained committed to our core mission: ensuring that those most affected by decisions are the ones making them.
Today, we're proud to serve as a catalyst for community-led change, training leaders, influencing policy, and creating the conditions for lasting equity and prosperity in our neighborhood.
Mission & Vision
The guiding principles that drive our work every day
Our Mission
To amplify the voices of historically excluded communities in Northside Minneapolis through participatory research, community organizing, and leadership development that creates equitable opportunities for all residents.
Our Vision
A thriving Northside Minneapolis where every resident has the power to shape their community's future through meaningful participation in civic life and economic opportunities.
Our Core Values
The principles that guide everything we do
Equity
We work to dismantle systemic barriers and ensure fair access to opportunities and resources for all community members.
Inclusivity
We create spaces where all voices are heard, valued, and centered in our work for community change.
Empowerment
We build individual and collective power through skill-building, leadership development, and organizing.
Collaboration
We partner with residents, organizations, and institutions to leverage collective impact and shared resources.
Transparency
We operate with openness and accountability, sharing information and decision-making processes with our community.
Respect
We honor the dignity, experiences, and wisdom of all community members in our work together.
Our Team & Leadership
Meet the dedicated leaders driving our mission forward
James Washington
Program Director
James oversees our leadership development programs and has trained hundreds of residents in advocacy skills. A Northside native, he's deeply connected to the community.
Sarah Chen
Climate Justice Organizer
Sarah leads our climate equity initiatives and Green Zones partnerships. She specializes in environmental justice and climate preparedness planning.
Community Voices
The true measure of our success is found in the stories of residents whose lives have been transformed through leadership, advocacy, and community connection
Angela Rodriguez
Community Leader & School Board Member
Leadership Development Graduate
Five years ago, I never imagined I'd be sitting on the school board or our city's climate action committee. One Family One Community didn't just give me training – they helped me discover the leader I already was inside.
Malik Thompson
Youth Advocate & College Student
Youth Civic Leadership Program
I came in my first event as a 16-year-old just looking for something to do. Now almost done I'm studying public policy and I've helped organize three major community forums. This place taught me that you don't determine your ability to make change.
Sarah Kim
Small Business Owner
Economic Development Partner
When I wanted to start my café, One Family One Community connected me with local suppliers, helped me navigate city permits, and showed me how to hire from the neighborhood. They don't talk about economic equity – they create the networks that make it happen.
Marcus Williams
Community Organizer
Long-time Northside Resident
The participatory research training changed everything for me. I learned how to turn our community's lived experiences into data that policymakers actually listen to. Now I'm leading efforts to improve public transit access in our neighborhood.
15 Years of Transformation
of leadership program graduates remain actively engaged in civic activities
residents have completed our comprehensive leadership training
policies influenced through community-driven advocacy
residents reached through workshops and events