Racial Justice
Confronting Inequality. Building Stronger Communities.
Inequity continues to influence education, criminal justice, health outcomes, and economic opportunity. UFSI is committed to lifting communities UP by helping them understand these realities and take meaningful steps toward lasting change. Our work brings people together to learn, listen, reflect, and act with purpose so that the next generation can rise UP in a world that treats every person with dignity and fairness.
Why Racial Justice Matters
Racial justice is essential for building communities where every young person can rise UP with confidence and equal opportunity. Although society often claims that racism is behind us, many families still face barriers created by stereotypes, unequal treatment, and systems that have not been fully transformed. These challenges affect how youth see themselves, how institutions respond to them, and how communities care for one another.
UFSI provides education that brings truth, context, and humanity back into the conversation. Participants learn how historical events shape present realities, why representation matters, and how everyday interactions can either reinforce harm or lift people UP. This work builds a foundation for healing and prepares communities to move forward with clarity and purpose.
Education and Cultural Training
UP From Slavery Initiative provides training for schools, youth programs, law enforcement, government departments, and community organizations. These sessions introduce cultural context, historical insight, and practical tools that improve communication, reduce misunderstanding, and build stronger relationships between institutions and the people they serve.
Participants learn how racial bias can shape decision making, how stereotypes impact youth identity and opportunity, and how cultural knowledge supports healthier and safer environments. This training strengthens leadership teams, supports students, builds trust in communities, and encourages ongoing reflection that leads to sustained positive change.
Reentry Awareness and Systemic Change
Many families experience the impact of incarceration in ways that reach far beyond time spent in jail or prison. Barriers in employment, housing, transportation, and mental health services create cycles of instability that affect entire communities. UFSI provides reentry simulations that allow participants to experience these barriers firsthand, helping them understand how overwhelming the process can be and why support is essential.
This work encourages more compassionate policies, stronger partnerships between service providers, and improved community understanding. When people recognize how difficult reentry is, they are more prepared to help reduce recidivism and support long-term restoration.
Leadership, Advocacy, and Community Presence
UFSI takes an active role in conversations that shape racial equity across Kitsap County and beyond. Our leaders speak at conferences, summits, schools, and community events. They guide discussions that help people confront uncomfortable truths and move UP toward shared understanding.
These gatherings bring educators, youth, law enforcement, policymakers, and families into the same room. They provide a safe space to listen, reflect, challenge harmful ideas, and build trust. Every event lifts the community UP by strengthening relationships and opening new pathways for growth.
Inspiring the Next Generation to Rise UP
Young people deserve a world that supports their identity, protects their dreams, and recognizes their potential. Racial justice education helps youth understand the truth about history while also showing them that their voice matters and their story has value. UFSI encourages youth to rise UP with confidence, self-respect, and awareness of their own cultural identity.
This work strengthens families, supports schools, and prepares the next generation of leaders who will shape more equitable communities. When youth are given knowledge, support, and opportunity, they grow UP with a clear sense of belonging and purpose.
Invite Us to Train Your Organization
UFSI believes every community can rise higher when education, honest conversation, and compassion come together. If your organization wants to build stronger relationships, reduce bias, and support youth more effectively, we are ready to partner with you.