One U City

One U City’s mission is to radically reimagine, liberate, and activate our community in service to our children.

One U City (1UC) is the family and community organization that supports the early childhood center, elementary schools, and middle school of the School District of University City. We are one of the the first organizations in the country to successfully combine all of the schools’ Parent-Teacher Organizations into one in order to more equitably share resources and build community across the district. Each of our actions is rooted in creating an equitable, inclusive, and joyful community.

History

In 2019, a team of parents and alumni from across the SDUC recognized that the traditional PTO systems we had in place were perpetuating systemic inequities. In partnership with our Superintendent, Dr. Sharonica Hardin-Bartley, we committed to combining our resources across all schools to ensure equitable distribution and access. In July of 2022, One U City was officially born as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

How does it work?

All fundraising is done at the 1UC level, and funds are distributed annually to each school based upon their population numbers. 1UC sponsors district-wide events, enrichment activities, and teacher appreciation. Locally, each school has a team that plans community-building activities using their budgeted funds.

What events does 1UC sponsor?

Our calendar varies from year to year, but typically includes the following:

• Community Connect: a community meeting and celebration at the beginning of the school year
• Fall Fest: pumpkin carving and trunk-or-treat, usually the Saturday before Halloween
• Trivia Night: a community event and fundraiser, usually in the spring
• U Spark (formerly World Tour): a celebration of connection, culture and care, usually in the spring
• Rummage Sale: a community event and fundraiser, usually in early summer
• Teacher Appreciation: different initiatives throughout the year

1UC also manages the FIRST LEGO League for SDUC throughout the year and helps communicate and celebrate elementary and middle school sports:

• soccer: signups in spring, season runs August-October
• basketball: signups in fall, season runs January-March
• teeball, softball and baseball: signups in winter, season runs March-May

1UC Structure

The 1UC board consists of 2 co-presidents, 2 co-VPs, 2 co-secretaries and 2 co-treasurers. We also have positions to support student enrichment, teacher appreciation, and event organization.

Each school has 2 co-leads and a financial liaison, but schools are welcome to organize in other ways as best suit the needs of their school community.

Our Core Values

• Cultivate and steward trust
  • We commit to a culture of trying and will hold ourselves accountable to ensure our actions reflect our core values.
  • We include and consider all voices and intentionally bridge differences across race and class.
  • We ask for and give help.
• Embrace discomfort
  • We speak truth to power when necessary to disrupt systems of oppression.
  • We claim our power and influence for the collective good of our children and our community.
  • We commit to actions rooted in active anti-racism.
• Reject a zero-sum mindset
  • We approach challenges and opportunities with a mindset of abundance.
  • We know that we are stronger together, and we rally around and for each other.
  • We abandon privilege for the collective goal of equity.
  • We firmly believe what is best for all of our children is what is best for each of our children.
• Be the LOVE
  • We show love in all situations; focusing on grace when things are not perfect.
  • We amplify our community’s joy.