Our Story: The Beginning of ONE COMMUNITY UNITED
On March 5, 2015, twenty-two citizens from Rome and Floyd County came together over lunch with a shared concern: the rising tide of racial discord and violence across the nation. They asked a powerful question—could such conflict happen here, in our own town where two rivers meet?
This diverse group included one Asian-American, nine African-Americans, and twelve white Americans. Politically, they represented the full spectrum—Republicans, Democrats, and Independents—yet they were united by a common purpose. They spoke candidly and courageously about race relations in our city, and what they saw was clear: despite our best efforts, our community remained too divided along racial lines.
Out of those honest conversations came a commitment—to work together to build a more unified, inclusive Rome and Floyd County. And so, ONE COMMUNITY UNITED was born.
From the start, we have been proudly multi-racial, multi-faith, and culturally diverse. We are Americans from many backgrounds, standing together with a shared goal: to help our community become, in the words of our founding ideals, “a shining city on a hill”—a place where peace, harmony, and racial reconciliation are not just dreams, but reality.
Guided by Purpose, Driven by Unity
Vision
A Floyd County where race no longer determines life outcomes.
Mission
To foster racial harmony so our community can thrive together.
Foundational Belief
Authentic relationships across dividing lines create collective power, which is the foundation for addressing systemic inequities.
The Problem
In Georgia, poverty affects people differently depending on their race. About 1 in 5 Black Georgians live in poverty, compared to about 1 in 10 white Georgians. This gap is also seen here in Floyd County, where 15.1% of all residents live below the poverty line.
Our community is made up of 69.4% White, 13.5% Black, and 12.0% Hispanic residents. But resources, opportunities, and power are not shared equally among these groups. This creates real challenges when trying to address poverty and build a more fair and united community.
Focus Areas
1
Education Reform
Goal: Improve educational outcomes for all Rome City/Floyd County students, with particular focus on eliminating racial disparities.
2
Voter Rights
Goal: Ensure all Floyd County residents have equal access to civic participation and representation.
3
Health Equity
Goal: Reduce health disparities and improve access to quality healthcare for all Floyd County residents.
Our Core Approach
Building Relationships
This foundational approach creates spaces for dialogue, storytelling, and authentic connection across racial, religious, and economic divides. We believe that meaningful relationships are the bedrock of collective action and systemic change. Through facilitated dialogue and intentional community-building, we help develop the trust and shared understanding necessary for collaborative problem-solving.
Organizing Community Service (Mobilizing Social Equity)
Beyond dialogue, we mobilize volunteers and resources to meet tangible community needs. This approach transforms relationships into action, allowing diverse community members to work together toward common goals. By coordinating service initiatives, we demonstrate the power of collaborative action while addressing immediate community challenges.
Promoting Civic Engagement
For lasting change, we equip community members to participate in and influence public decisions. This approach focuses on building the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed for effective civic participation. Through education, organizing, and advocacy, we help community members engage with decision-making processes that affect their lives.
Theory of Change Sequence
IF
we build authentic relationships across racial, religious, and socioeconomic lines through dialogue events, storytelling sessions, and intentional community-building,
AND
we organize service initiatives that mobilize resources and volunteers to address tangible community needs in education, voting access, and healthcare,
AND
we promote civic engagement through voter education, advocacy training, and creating spaces for community members to influence public decisions,
THEN
communities in Floyd County will develop the collective power needed to address systemic inequities that have historically divided residents along racial lines,
RESULTING IN
concrete improvements in educational outcomes, civic participation, and health equity that benefit all Floyd County residents, particularly those from historically underserved communities.
Meet Our Board
Our board is more than just a group of accomplished professionals—they are a dynamic force committed to shaping the future of One Community United. With deep expertise across diverse industries, a shared passion for innovation, and a strong dedication to our values, each member brings a unique perspective that propels us toward achieving our bold goals. Get to know the inspiring leaders who are steering us toward a brighter tomorrow.