About Us
History and Background
About Us
Uniting people to fight systematic injustice and transform our communities.
Mission
Our mission at United Congregations of Metro-East is to be a powerful faith-based organization committed to combating the root cause of systemic injustice by uniting people and transforming our communities.
Our mission drives us to mobilize our communities to address and transform the issues that perpetuate inequality. This effort is rooted in our principles of leadership development, community resilience, justice (to protect Human Rights) and equity. We believe lasting change comes through collective action and commitment to these values. We are dedicated to fair treatment and opportunities for all, regardless of background, and this principle is the underlying foundation of every action and campaign we launch.
Recognizing diverse community needs, we strive to create equitable solutions for everyone. By adhering to these principles, UCM works tirelessly to cultivate a just and equitable society where every member is valued, respected, and empowered.
History
United Congregations of Metro-East (UCM) was established in 2000 by a coalition of faith-based leaders to address systemic injustices in the Metro-East region. Driven by a vision of equity and commitment to their communities, these leaders created an organization capable of enacting meaningful change. Over the years, UCM has grown to include a diverse network of congregations and community partners, each contributing unique perspectives and strengths to our collective efforts.
Initially, UCM’s focus was grassroots organizing, building trust and collaboration among its members. This foundation enabled us to tackle significant challenges, such as advocating for fair housing policies, improving public transportation, and addressing environmental justice issues. Our dedication to these causes has resulted in numerous victories that have improved the quality of life for countless residents.
Throughout our history, UCM has remained steadfast in its mission to unite people of faith against systemic injustice. By adapting to the evolving needs of our communities and leveraging the power of collective action, we have successfully championed policies and initiatives that promote fairness and equity. Today, UCM stands as a testament to the power of unity and faith-driven advocacy. Our journey reflects the resilience and determination of our members, and we remain committed to building a just and equitable society for all.
Overview of Team
Board Members
Donna Brooks-Sanders
President
Southern Mission Missionary Baptist Church, East St. Louis, IL
Larry Evans
Vice President
New Bethel United Methodist Church, Glen Carbon, IL
Larry E. Hopkins, Jr.
Secretary
Southern Mission Missionary Baptist Church, East St. Louis, IL
Rev. Charles Burton
Treasurer
Unity Fellowship Church, Godfrey, IL
Fr. Carroll Mizicko
Board Member
St. Augustine of Hippo, East St. Louis, IL
Michael Bedesky
Board Member
St. Louis, MO
Virginia Woulfe-Beile
Board Member
Sierra Club – Piasa Palisades, Alton, IL
Rev. Brian Sauder
Board Member
Faith in Place, Chicago, IL
Dr. Sajiya Jalil
Board Member
St. Clair Masjid & Education Center, O’Fallon, IL
Staff
Darnell Tingle
Executive Director
darnelltingle@ucmetroeast.org
Rev. Stefanie Ward
Operations and Grants Manager
info@ucmetroeast.org
Bria Brown
Development and Communications Coordinator
bria@ucmetroeast.org
Natalie deLeon
Communications Manager
pr@ucmetroeast.org
Christian Gully
Communications Associate/Donor Cultivator
christian@ucmetroeast.org
Amos Wright – Grant Manager
Jasmine Brooks – Administrative Assistant
Mariam Sani – Community Organizer
Pratigyan Bhusal – Community Organizer
Sakena Cannon – Grant Manager
Isaac Sanders – Community Organizer
Values, Principles and Pillars
Each brick that lays the foundation for United Congregations of Metro-East is weighted with the urgency to revitalize our connected communities and propel our mission to combat the root cause of systemic injustice in our region.
Leadership Development
Leadership development is the intentional process of equipping individuals with the tools, training, and support needed to lead with integrity, compassion, and vision. It means cultivating grassroots leaders who are grounded in community, guided by faith-based values, and empowered to challenge injustice while building sustainable change.
Community Resilience
Community Resilience is the ability of a community to withstand, adapt to, and recover from challenges, whether social, economic, environmental, or political. It reflects the strength and capacity not only to bounce back from hardship, but also to ensure that every person, family, and neighborhood has the support, voice, and infrastructure needed to thrive—even in the face of adversity.
Justice (to protect Human Rights)
Justice is the principle of fairness, moral rightness, and the administration of laws to ensure accountability and equality. It involves giving individuals what they are due—whether through legal systems, ethical considerations, or social standards.
Equity
Equity addresses differences in individual circumstances to ensure everyone has access to the same opportunities.
Our values and principles guide our three foundational pillars:
Integrated Voter Engagement – UCM works to increase the number of actively informed voters and civic engagement that leads to policy changes that affect their communities by addressing voter suppression, participation, and education.
Environmental Justice – UCM works to safeguard our everyday living for the interest of public health focusing on dismantling environmental racism and the restoration of our ecosystem.
Transformational Justice – UCM seeks to dissolve punitive policies and procedures while establishing new systems and restorative practices for equitable justice.
Get Involved
United Congregations of Metro-East currently consists of various organizations in Illinois throughout St. Clair and Madison County. The purpose is to create core teams within organizations, places of worship, and even individual homes to build power within a shared community. Leaders will be identified and trained to build power around issues that impact their surrounding community.
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