Riana Alexander, Arizona Students for Mental Health

"When I first met with VIP leaders, I was a very passionate teenager with great ideas, but I lacked the power and skills to turn these ideas into something that could create strong improvements to my community. I learned the power of organizing through weeks of house meetings, conversations within institutions, and building relationships.  I know how to talk to people effectively, build relationships, and use these skills to create long-lasting change on issues I am passionate about, and that is vastly due to the effort VIP puts into developing leaders."

Bekah Unsworth, Shepherd of the Hills UCC

"Before I became an engaged leader with VIP, I would often see things happen in my community that upset and infuriated me. I’ve seen homeless families with children on the sidewalks under tarps, I’ve heard the despair from friends as their rents continue to skyrocket. I felt so much frustration because ultimately, I felt powerless. VIP has taught me how to build power to address these issues."

Rev. Sarah Oglesby-Dunegan, Valley Unitarian Universalist

"VUU recently hosted a local action that highlighted the gains we’ve made working on mental health care in the Chandler Unified School District and work we’ve been doing in Mesa and Chandler on affordable housing. City leaders began to see that there was a group of people committed to dialogue and real information who were also connected to faith communities and organizations that were tracking these issues. This is why it's important for institutions to join us in this work–we can do together what we can’t do alone."

Diane Webb, Shepherd of the Hills UCC

"I joined VIP because I found it full of people who are working for justice, the homeless, behavioral health, and general care for the earth and everyone living on it. They work hard and get results, even through setbacks. They won’t give up. That is my kind of a good organization!"

Mike Frederick, St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church

"Since joining the VIP team at St. Francis, we have met with city officials about safety and security – especially for 27th Ave. We drove many of the changes that are being enacted now. We have met with community police officers and park officials about safety concerns at city parks. Some of the best words for how I’m feeling about being part of VIP are: optimistic, inspired and more powerful."

Leaders aren't created by accident. It takes time, effort, and money to prepare people to create lasting change in their communities.