A series of seven global community calls focusing on different action areas were organized from June – December 2022 aimed at highlighting different aspects of the URI efforts around the world, building friendships and connections, enriching the sharing and discussion of best practices, and inspiring the URI global community.

The community calls increased the URI network’s value and capacity for meaningful grassroots action by providing opportunities for members (Cooperation Circles and Individuals) to share and receive information. 

We invite you to read all about the calls and watch video recordings.

"Together with URI" Celebrating URI 
The first call focused on how URI started. A community of over 75 participants from Cooperation Circles, global trustees, staff, and friends of URI from different regions connected and shared stories of URI’s birth, their experiences, and values in the interfaith movement during the virtual community call. Please click here to read about the call and view the video. 

"Together with URI" - Environment 
This "Together with URI" global community call will highlight URI's environmental efforts around the world. This discussion will be facilitated by URI Climate Action Coordinator Lauren Van Ham. Please click here to view the video. 

"Together with URI" - Youth Leadership 
This "Together with URI" global community call highlighted URI's engagement with young people and, more specifically, focus the discussion on experiences of intergenerational solidarity, which is the UN's theme for International Youth Day this year. This discussion was led by URI Associate Director of Global Programs Sarah Oliver and URI Senior Consultant Sally Mahé. For the video and a recap of the event please, click here.

"Together with URI" - Peacebuilding  
In 1981 the United Nations established September 21 as the International Day of Peace to highlight “commemorating and strengthening the ideals of peace both within and among all nations and peoples.” The 2022 theme identified by the UN is "End Racism. Build Peace".
Each year many Cooperation Circles around the world celebrate the International Day of Peace. This year URI also celebrated it as a global community through a "Together with URI" zoom call. We will focus on peacebuilding efforts in URI. URI staff shared stories, then we will break into small groups for participants to share their own peacebuilding work. This discussion was led by URI Director of Global Programs, Alice Swett.  For the video and a recap of the event please, click here.

"Together with URI" - .Indigenous Voices
“We respect the sacred wisdom of each religion, spiritual expression, and indigenous tradition.” - URI Principle 2.
Indigenous voices have been an essential part of URI since its beginning. Cooperation Circles act to protect Indigenous peoples' rights to live and thrive in accordance with their traditions. This "together with URI" global community centered around the wisdom of Indigenous traditions and how brings light to the economic, environmental, political, and social challenges facing our Earth community.  For the video and a recap of the event please, click here.

"Together with URI" - Women Empowerment
URI is committed to the equitable participation of women and men in all aspects of the organization, as stated in Principle 8.
This call focused on Women in URI and women’s leadership and highlighted the positive impact of URI in supporting women’s empowerment worldwide. For the video and a recap of the event please, click here.

"Together with URI" - Human Rights
URI believes that all people deserve basic human rights and works together with Cooperation Circles and partners to ensure that no one is left behind. In support of the International Human Rights Day (December 10), URI featured a call with speakers including URI Executive Director Jerry White, Founder and President of United for Peace Against Conflicts International James Offuh, and AYEPO. For the video and a recap of the event please, click here.

Information About URI

United Religions Initiative (URI) is comprised of over 1,100 member groups, called Cooperation Circles, in more than 110 countries. 

MISSION

URI is a global grassroots interfaith network that cultivates peace and justice by engaging people to bridge religious and cultural differences and work together for the good of their communities and the world.

We implement our mission through local and global initiatives that build the capacity of our member groups and organizations, called Cooperation Circles, to engage in community action such as conflict resolution and reconciliation, environmental sustainability, education, women’s and youth programs, and advocacy for human rights.

VISION

URI envisions a world at peace, sustained by engaged and interconnected communities committed to respect for diversity, nonviolent resolution of conflict and social, political, economic and environmental justice.

PURPOSE

The purpose of the United Religions Initiative is to promote enduring, daily interfaith cooperation, to end religiously motivated violence and to create cultures of peace, justice, and healing for the Earth and all living beings.