Invest in our 2025-2026 Capital Campaign to Build Action for Justice!

How We Work

MCU activates congregation members to put their faith into action by identifying and working on issues on three levels: beginning in their congregations and neighborhoods, then expanding efforts to their larger community, and finally culminating into connection with regional and statewide issues. 

  1. Strengthening Relationships Inside the Congregation 
  2. Strengthening Relationships with the Neighborhood 
  3. Building Collective Power that Impacts the Region or State 
  4. Increasing Leadership Capacity Among Members 

How We Build Power

As a faith-based community organization, we believe that when our values and our faith are violated by injustice, we must take action. We work to transform our anger and rage to build power through raising money and building relationships. This groundwork develops our leadership and affords us the financial and social capital necessary to create transformational change for our communities. Currently, 36 congregations and other faith-based organizations are active members of MCU. You can read the MCU Membership Agreement here.

Affiliate Organization of Gamaliel National Network

MCU is a proud affiliate organization with the Gamaliel National Network, which includes 45 affiliates in 17 states. Gamaliel’s mission is to empower ordinary people to effectively participate in the political, environmental, social and economic decisions affecting their lives. Truly grassroots, the members of MCU and the other Gamaliel affiliates work together to set the national priorities agenda for Gamaliel Network members and come together multiple times a year for training and leadership development. Visit gamaliel.org for more info.

Affiliate Organization of the Missouri Organizing and Voter Engagement Collaborative (MOVE)

MOVE is a nonpartisan hub providing strategic and technical support for grassroots organizing groups committed to voter engagement. The Missouri Organizing and Voter Engagement Collaborative (MOVE) exists to empower ordinary people to reclaim democracy in the state of Missouri. MOVE’s role is behind-the-scenes, supporting existing grassroots movement organizations in developing and executing strategic integrated voter engagement plans. In doing so, MOVE coordinates the largest volunteer-led 501c3 integrated voter engagement program in Missouri. Learn more at movemo.org.

MCU Clusters: Our Regional Approach to Community Organizing

MCU currently consists of eight (8) clusters throughout the St. Louis Metropolitan Region

We are actively working to reconnect, re-engage, and rebuild our community clusters, or "groupings," based on geographical locations where MCU Organizers focus their organizing efforts. The goal of these clusters is to create core teams within organizations, places of worship, and even individual homes to build power within a shared community. Community Leaders are identified, built a relationship with, and provided organizing training to build power around issues that impact their community.

Our Cluster Strategy

Our clusters aim to bring together individuals and groups within specific areas to form strong, interconnected communities. These clusters are designed to foster collaboration and mutual support, ensuring that community members can effectively address the issues that matter most to them. By focusing on local strengths and resources, we strive to empower residents and create lasting change.

Leadership Development

Each MCU Cluster is supported by a dedicated Community Organizer who is responsible for training and developing local Leaders. These Leaders will be equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to mobilize their communities and drive positive change. Our Organizers are committed to nurturing leadership potential and helping individuals build the confidence and capabilities necessary to advocate for their communities.

Our Organizers and Their Clusters

Our Organizers are the backbone of our efforts, working tirelessly to connect with community members, listening first to understand their needs, and provide the support and training necessary to build resilient, empowered communities. Each Organizer brings a unique set of skills and experiences to their cluster, ensuring a tailored approach to community organizing that respects and builds upon local strengths. See our Organizer’s cluster assignments below:

  • Beth Gutzler
  • DeMarco Davidson
  • Demaris Ridgell
  • Dietra Wise-Baker
  • Myisha Johnson

Together, we are creating a network of empowered communities ready to tackle the challenges they face and build a brighter future for all. Join us in this transformative journey to reconnect, re-engage, and rebuild our communities from the ground up.

MCU puts faith into action by developing leaders who move their congregations, organizations and communities to change public policy for the common good.
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