Valley Interfaith Project

Valley Interfaith Project (VIP) is a broad based, non-partisan organization committed to building relational power through organizing people for sustainable social and economic improvement.  VIP members are institutions: dues-paying member congregations, schools, unions and non-profits.

Our work is accomplished by:

  • institution-based leadership development;
  • building relationships within and between institutions;
  • identifying and researching issues of mutual self-interest;
  • disciplined, organized action.

Through this organizing strategy, VIP develops a constituency of leaders to become citizens in the fullest sense: participants in democratic decision-making and agents of the creation of a more just society through the exercise of relational power.  

Valley Interfaith Project is affiliated with the Industrial Areas (IAF), the oldest and largest national organizing and leadership development network in the United States and the West / Southwest IAF.


  • Latest from the blog

    VIP Faith Leaders Stand with the Immigrant Community

    [Excerpt] The Trump administration has expanded immigration enforcement to include schools and places of worship, reversing long-standing guidance. This policy change has prompted...Valley Interfaith Project in Phoenix to take action, educating religious congregations about their rights and protections under the law. "They've definitely ratcheted up in intensity," said Mike, a board member of the Valley Interfaith Project, referring to the increased urgency felt by the community. Valley Faith Leaders Collaborate to Safeguard... Immigrants in Places of Worship, ABC 15 Arizona [pdf]
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    VIP Advances 'Yes in God's Backyard' Legislation for Affordable Housing

    [Excerpt] ...faith leaders and lawmakers from both sides... support two bills. The first: HB 2815, known as “Yes in Gods Back Yard”. About HB2815, Rev. Sarah Oglesby-Dunegan, Minister at Valley Unitarian Universalist Congregation said, “Many of our congregations are sitting on unused land that they're eager to convert into affordable housing. This bill would adjust zoning to make it easier to do so. With restrictions on density to ensure projects fit with neighborhoods and requirements that the units be affordable to low- and middle-income people." Then there’s HB2576. This would renew the state's low-income tax credit.  Both bills work to address a long-term affordable housing solution while leveraging private equity. Religious Leaders Calling on State Lawmakers to Address Housing Crisis, ABC 15 [pdf] Religious Institutions Want AZ Law to Allow Low-Income Housing on Their Property, KJZZ [pdf]
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