Feel Good Friday - United We Dream

Today is Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, a day when India celebrates the contributions of its diaspora and honors the day Mahatma Gandhi returned home from South Africa in 1915 to lead the fight for justice. That makes this a perfect Friday to spotlight United We Dream.

Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., United We Dream (UWD) is the largest immigrant youth-led network fighting for dignity and respect for all immigrants in the United States whether they’re coming from India or any other country. The mission of UWD is to "create welcoming spaces for young people – regardless of immigration status – to support, engage, and empower them to make their voice heard and win!”

The organization grew from a loose network of young undocumented students into a powerful movement. UWD puts immigrant youth at the center of decision-making, with over 60% of members identifying as women and 20% as LGBTQ. Their vision celebrates diversity through multi-ethnic, intersectional organizing that addresses immigration alongside racial justice, LGBTQ rights, education, health, and climate change.

The network operates through several key programs. Their DACA Renewal Fund provides direct financial assistance to help DACA recipients pay the $495 renewal fee. Since they began, UWD has helped more than 1,700 immigrant youth access DACA renewals through partnerships in 16 states! Other programs include Deportation Defense with Know Your Rights trainings, Education Justice to clear pathways to higher education, the UndocuHealth Initiative for mental health support, and the Queer Undocumented Immigrant Project for LGBTQ immigrant youth leadership. 

UWD has had a big impact across the country. The organization has grown to over 1 million members nationwide, with more than 100 local groups operating across 28 states. They reach over 4 million people every month through their social media platforms, email, and text messaging.

If you'd like to support United We Dream, there are many ways to do so. You can make a general donation or contribute to their DACA Renewal Fund where 100% goes directly to recipients. You can also join their network as a member and share their work on social media. Follow United We Dream on Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or YouTube and share their stories of empowerment and justice with your network.

Feel Good Friday - Winning Futures

Happy New Year! January  is National Mentoring Month, making it the perfect time to spotlight Winning Futures and their transformative approach to helping students plan their futures.

Founded in 1994 and headquartered in Troy, Michigan, the mission of Winning Futures is "to be an exemplary business-education partnership that inspires and prepares young people to be self-reliant and successful through workforce preparation, life skills, strategic planning, mentoring, and scholarship programs.” 

Winning Futures runs a unique seven-year Workforce Prep Mentoring Program that starts when students are in 10th grade and continues through four years of college, trade school, or other continuing education. Each student is paired with a volunteer career mentor from the business community who attends monthly sessions at participating schools across Metro Detroit—including Detroit, Harper Woods, Warren, Sterling Heights, Hazel Park, and Pontiac. This video explains more about what mentors do and the impact they have.

The program covers everything from career exploration and goal setting to financial literacy, emotional intelligence, and strategic planning. Students learn to create five-year academic and career plans, develop resumes, practice interviewing, and build the life skills they need to thrive. That means tackling topics like time management, overcoming obstacles, networking, and coping with stress—all the real-world skills that don't always get taught in traditional classrooms.

Winning Futures has had a big impact in the community. Since they began, they’ve worked with more than 50,500 students and awarded over $2.2 million in scholarships! In the 2024-25 school year alone, 98% of their seniors graduated from high school, and 92% of Year 3 students reported being more prepared to persevere through challenges. A University of Michigan study found that the program has a statistically significant and equitable impact across all races, income levels, and genders.

Winning Futures is the first and only mentoring program in Michigan to earn the National Quality Member designation from MENTOR: The National Mentoring Partnership—a testament to their commitment to excellence.

If you'd like to support Winning Futures, there are many ways to do so. You can volunteer as a career mentor or help with scholarship judging, make a donation and amplify their message on social media. Follow Winning Futures on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn, or subscribe to their YouTube channel, and share their stories of student success with your network.

Feel Good Friday - Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History

Today is the first day of Kwanzaa so let’s kick off the celebrations with the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History an organization that celebrates African American heritage year-round.

Founded in 1965 and headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, the mission of the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, known as The Wright, is "to open minds and change lives through the exploration and celebration of African American history and culture.” 

Dr. Charles H. Wright, a Detroit obstetrician and civil rights activist, envisioned a space where African Americans could explore their history and take pride in their heritage. What began in Dr. Wright's home in 1966 has grown into one of the world's largest museums dedicated to the African American experience. Each year, more than 500,000 visitors explore The Wright's collections, making it a cornerstone of Detroit's cultural landscape.

The heart of The Wright is And Still We Rise, a powerful permanent exhibition spanning more than 20 galleries. This interactive journey takes visitors from ancient African kingdoms through the Middle Passage to the Civil Rights Movement and beyond. The Wright houses more than 35,000 artifacts including documents from leaders like Malcolm X and Rosa Parks. It's also home to the National Museum of the Tuskegee Airmen.

Beyond its exhibitions, The Wright produces the African World Festival, one of the largest festivals celebrating the food, fashion, music, and dance cultures of the African diaspora. The museum also offers over 300 annual programs including film series, lectures, performances, and workshops in their newly renovated theater.

Starting today, The Wright is hosting a seven-day Kwanzaa celebration in partnership with seven community organizations. Each day honors one of the Seven Principles (Unity, Self-Determination, Collective Work and Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity, and Faith) through ceremonies, African drum and dance performances, libations, youth showcases, poetry, and vendor marketplaces. Check it out if you’re in Detroit!

Visiting the museum is one way you can support The Wright, and there are many others. Become a member or a volunteer, make a donation, or shop for African and African American art, books, and merchandise at their museum store. 

As always, you can amplify their message on social media by following The Wright on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, and sharing their stories of resilience and pride with your network. Happy Kwanzaa!