Initiatives of Change - Hope in the Cities: Newsroom

'The work of trust building may be our most humble investment, yet the one that promises the greatest return.'

In his remarks at the United Way of Greater Richmond’s Campaign Celebration Breakfast in March, IofC–USA Executive Director Don Cowles applauded individual campaign supporters and their combined efforts to improve lives and impact service systems across the Richmond, Virginia metropolitan region.

But even as he celebrated their $20 million in contributions, Cowles, the chair of the United Way’s Community Building Committee, encouraged supporters to consider their investment more broadly.

'You are building trust across race, class and jurisdiction by spreading a vision of the common good.'

This sense of community has great value, Cowles said, especially in light of the troubling findings of Dr James Crupi’s report on the region, "Putting the Future Together."

Crupi’s report describes a region divided, where longstanding historic and cultural rifts obscure tremendous geographic, economic and demographic advantages. 'Without a unifying vision,' Cowles explained, 'we may never realize our regional potential and fulfill our purpose together.'

Such a vision – one that responds to pressing issues that include concentration of poverty, education, affordable housing, transportation and workforce development –requires that we all work to bridge the cultural divides that undermine trust, breed caution and prevent bold action.

Such work is humble, but transformative, Cowles said. "You do it simply—by caring for one another."

Read the full text of Cowles' speech.