Events.
Events.
At UCM, we believe in the power of community and collective action. Our events are designed to inspire, educate, and unite individuals from all walks of life to create meaningful change in the Metro East region. Explore what’s coming up, join the movement, and let’s build a stronger, more inclusive Metro East—together.
Your voice matters.
Your presence counts.
Be part of the change!We’ve been working hard on events throughout the year. Check out our past events in our gallery!
Events Calendar
All Events
GOTV Canvassing
Talk with community to get out the vote for the IL Primary Election on Tuesday, March 17th. No experience needed; please bring a smart phone and prepare for the weather. Let us increase voter turnout to prepare for Fall 2026.
GOTV Canvassing
Talk with community to get out the vote for the IL Primary Election on Tuesday, March 17th. No experience needed; please bring a smart phone and prepare for the weather. Let us increase voter turnout to prepare for Fall 2026.
GOTV Canvassing
Talk with community to get out the vote for the IL Primary Election on Tuesday, March 17th. No experience needed; please bring a smart phone and prepare for the weather. Let us increase voter turnout to prepare for Fall 2026.
Ntosake Mini Session
Ntosake is launching its 2026 mini-session training series next month! This series is designed by women for women inside and outside the Gamaliel Network and is scheduled for the following Thursdays: March 19, May 21, and July 16. All sessions will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. CT (7:00 to 9:00 p.m. ET/4:00 to 6:00 p.m. PT).
Building Power Together: Regional Community Organizing Training
Is there an issue in your community pulling at your gut? If you are serious about taking action, but need to train or re-train for working with others towards policy change. The morning session will allow us to move from issues into action. Please register as lunch will be provided, then we will continue in the afternoon getting serious about what propositions need to made to community leaders that will organize with you in 2026.
Environmental Justice Task Force Meeting
Environmental Justice work is stronger when we come together. Join us for a campaign-wide update and strategy meeting focused on the full scope of environmental justice issues affecting our communities. Connect with faith-based and community leaders, share local concerns, and strategize together to shape the path forward.
Free Legal Advice: Child Support Modification
Land of Lincoln is hosting a free legal clinic on child support modification. If you are eligible for services, you will be able to meet with a family law attorney during the clinic to receive legal advice on modifying your child support. To be eligible for services, you must complete an intake, have an active child support order in St. Clair County, and have had a significant change in circumstance since your last support order.
Community Day
Join us for a dynamic, community-powered day designed to open doors and celebrate progress. Connect with employers through on-site interviews, explore talent and innovation at the CEJA Graduate Showcase, and get direct support offering expungement assistance, voter registration, licensing guidance, and pathway stations to education, employment, and resources. Experience the power of community storytelling, enjoy live music, and share a meal as we build connections, restore opportunity, and move forward together.
Disco and Disruption
Join United Congregations of Metro-East as we boogie for a purpose at Disco & Disruption! Get ready for a night of high energy, bold impact, and meaningful celebration. This unforgettable experience will spotlight the disruptors—those who challenge the status quo and lead radical change in our communities. We’ll also showcase the transformative work UCM is doing to build a stronger, more just Metro-East.
Enjoy live entertainment, dancing, and powerful moments of recognition as we honor those making waves and moving our region forward.
Ntosake Mini Session
Ntosake is launching its 2026 mini-session training series next month! This series is designed by women for women inside and outside the Gamaliel Network and is scheduled for the following Thursdays: March 19, May 21, and July 16. All sessions will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. CT (7:00 to 9:00 p.m. ET/4:00 to 6:00 p.m. PT).
Ntosake Mini Session
Ntosake is launching its 2026 mini-session training series next month! This series is designed by women for women inside and outside the Gamaliel Network and is scheduled for the following Thursdays: March 19, May 21, and July 16. All sessions will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. CT (7:00 to 9:00 p.m. ET/4:00 to 6:00 p.m. PT).
Community Resource Expo
One location, two and half hours, and three sessions to share information about Illinois Solar for All, Illinois Access to Justice, and Financial Literacy. We have created this event to meet the needs of many community members. This event is designed to maximize engagement and participation through a flexible, rotating session format. Three interactive sessions will run simultaneously, and each session will be repeated three times throughout the event. This structure allows participants to attend every session without having to choose between topics. Whether you’re looking to learn, collaborate, or dive deeper into the discussion, you’ll have the opportunity to experience the full program.
Dear Democracy...Lets Talk
Join us for an interactive evening of bold conversations and real perspectives. From immigration and the electoral process to today’s political climate, this event creates space for open dialogue, thoughtful debate, and meaningful engagement.
Hear diverse viewpoints, challenge your assumptions, and explore how different perspectives shape our reality while also inspiring action. Whether you’re passionate about politics or just curious to listen and learn, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.
Environmental Justice Task Force Meeting
Environmental Justice work is stronger when we come together. Join us for a campaign-wide update and strategy meeting focused on the full scope of environmental justice issues affecting our communities. Connect with faith-based and community leaders, share local concerns, and strategize together to shape the path forward.
Clergy Coalition Meeting
A communal dialogue on love, liberation and unity will be led by Pastor Charles Burton, of Unity Fellowship Church in Godfrey, United Congregations of Metro East (UCM), and Webster University. The Charter for Compassion, scripture and proven bridge-building strategies will be leveraged throughout the event.
Come and Respond: The Human Impact of Injustice
Recent events, including a shooting involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), raise a critical question for the Metro East: who is protecting our children? This moment is not an isolated incident, but part of a broader pattern of policy choices that prioritize militarized enforcement over care, transparency, and community well-being. United Congregations of Metro-East has consistently responded to these injustices by hosting actions, gatherings, and advocacy efforts that center faith, dignity, and accountability.
We invite you to deepen this work by virtually attending Come & Respond: The Human Impact of Injustice on February 11 to organize a coordinated response and discuss ways to protect children, uphold accountability, and support families affected by this kind of violence. Your voice and participation are vital as we work together toward just and compassionate solutions.
Press Conference and Vigil
Join us this Friday, January 30 at 4:00 p.m. at Southern Mission Missionary Baptist Church for a press conference and vigil. Hear from Metro East leaders. Come to stand in solidarity, demand accountability, and take actionable steps to protect our children and community members.
Listen. Lead. Share. Illinois Solar for All: Non Profit and Public Facilities
Come learn if your property is eligible for on-site solar. Get connected with qualified, vetted and approved Illinois Solar for All vendors. Solar installation is not just about savings on energy bills, but also about reducing air pollution for all people and the planet. This event is free and open to the public.
Clergy for Courageous Conversations
Local pastors and clergy will leave this event with a consensus on the message that must be delivered to their congregations through sermons and other teachable moments to bring about more unity and compassion in our community through a vision of shared needs and feelings.
Listen. Lead. Share. Illinois Solar for All: Non Profit and Public Facilities
Solar installation is not just about savings on energy bills, but it also about reducing air pollution for all people and the planet. Find out if your property is eligible for on-site solar. Talk with qualified, vetted, and approved solar vendors. This is a free event and light refreshments will be provided.
UCM Pillar Monthly Zoom Phonebank
Experienced and new phone bankers gather on zoom for outreach to the community around UCM pillar actions. Each month can be a different script, so first 20 minutes will be orientation to Every Action Phone Banking software and script followed by a debrief of this experience. You will phone bank on your own time after this training.
TJ Task Force Meeting
Monthly meeting for staff, leaders, and community members to discuss Transformative Justice issues and create solutions.
Clergy Coalition Meeting
This is a place for clergy to come together to talk about policy change in the MetroEast Region.
Main topics include: Clergy Outreach and Homelessness.
Civil Rights for Immigrants Meeting
All are welcome who are concerned about the treatment of individuals in our communities and the systems that create the injustice.
Reserve Your Spot