What a shame to learn that “Unite Cloud” is closing. It feels like the passing of an era.
For the past eight years, that nonprofit organization has developed and encouraged individual and collective efforts to foster a sense of inclusive community for all who live in the greater St. Cloud area. The “all” includes people who happen to be Somalis, Blacks, Whites, Latinos-Latinas, Vietnamese, Hmong, LGBTQ people and all others who live here and elsewhere.
Led by founder-director Natalie Ringsmuth, who grew up in Sauk Rapids, Unite Cloud was an organization led by visionary board members who drew upon the finest volunteers in implementing cultural workshops, facilitators, volunteers, getting-to-know-you meetings, equity-and-inclusion workshops, educational sessions, guest speakers, enlightening exhibits and many more activities that brought people together in all of their vibrant diversities to form – together – stronger communities. The positive outcomes of their work – their help in weaving a healthy social tapestry – have had lasting, ongoing successes.
In a goodbye message on the Unite Cloud website, it states the following:
“Although we are shutting our doors, we encourage you not to lose hope in the vision of peace and social justice that so many of you share with us. Your support and encouragement through(out) the years kept us going, even when the fight was rough. While there are still many struggles throughout our communities, we know first-hand of the people and organizations in the St. Cloud area who will continue to show up and stand up against all forms of oppression.”
Yes, indeed, and those who will “show up and stand up” include those who were such dedicated members of Unite Cloud.
The goodbye statement goes on to state this:
“Through unique cultural and anti-racism education and actionable steps, we encouraged and equipped our communities to know, love and stand up for their neighbors. We heard people say they felt truly seen by us, and that through social-justice efforts from us and our local partners, they even started to see themselves as truly part of their own community, something that was not the case a decade ago in Central Minnesota.”
Unite Cloud’s mission was (still is!) “to advance social justice in Central Minnesota through education and actionable steps to help people know, love and stand up for their neighbors.”
Unite Cloud’s vision was (still is!) “to foster a safe and trusting Central Minnesota community free of discrimination and oppression.”
And in its wake, Unite Cloud’s mission and vision have been strengthened over time; they have taken root; and they will continue to promote peace, justice, encouragement and kindness among those who live here.
There is always more work to be done, of course, but Unite Cloud has created a nurturing ground from which so many kind and loving connections can grow and bloom.
Thank you, Unite Cloud!
