Uniting for Safe and Strong Communities in Southwestern Pennsylvania
Open to Pennsylvanians in Allegheny, Fayette, Greene, Washington, and Westmoreland counties who want to work together across differences to tackle urgent local issues. This program builds on UR Action’s previous work in Pennsylvania.
Program Overview
Uniting for Safe and Strong Communities (USSC) is a non-partisan grassroots civic participation program that brings together a cohort of Pennsylvanians from Allegheny, Fayette, Greene, Washington, and Westmoreland counties across lines of difference including politics, race, religion, age, geography, and other things that often divide us. Over the course of the 7-month program, these Pennsylvania Uniters will strengthen their collaboration skills, build new relationships, explore different perspectives on complex issues, and work together with local community organizations to tackle urgent local challenges.
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Note that Uniters receive a $500 stipend to cover travel costs and as a gesture of appreciation for their time.
Program Goals
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Strengthen individual collaboration skills and community cohesion and resilience.
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Increase understanding among people with different perspectives and experiences
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Address local challenges in collaboration with community organizations
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Build relationships across differences and decrease “othering”
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Reduce acceptance of violence as a means of resolving conflict
Program Schedule
All in-person gatherings include skill-building workshops, small group and one-on-one conversations, local activities, and shared meals.
April 2026
PHASE I
Build Relationships and Learn Together
Program Kickoff - build relationships and skills at constructive conversation across difference.
April 25 | 10AM - 4PM | Westmoreland Co.
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May - June 2026
PHASE II
Plan for Action
Analyze community issues and design projects in collaboration with community partner organizations.
May 16 | 10AM - 4PM | Fayette Co.
June 6 | 10AM - 4PM | Greene Co.
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June 27 | 10AM - 4PM | Allegheny Co.
July - September 2026
PHASE III
Take Action
Implement projects and gather with Uniters to share successes and challenges.
July and August | Dates and Times TBD | Virtual Check-Ins & County Project Team Meeting
Sept. 12 | 10AM - 4PM | Washington Co.​
October - November 2026
PHASE IV
Communicate Results and Sustain our Action
Plan for sustainability of projects beyond the end of the program and share results with the community.
Oct. 10 | 10AM - 4PM | Location TBD
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Nov. 7 | 10AM - 4PM | Location TBD