On January 15, 2019, The DuPage County Board, members of Unity Partnership and several of our police partners honored the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin King Jr. by formally recognizing the historic African-American Fraternities and Sororities collectively known as the “Divine Nine."  These organizations have a rich history of service in the west suburban counties, and support education, and a variety of social and charitable causes. We are so proud to celebrate their efforts!  The event was sponsored by Unity Partnership,  

​Below is the the Proclamation commemorating the community service of the "Divine Nine."

 
First Responder Wellness Conference
College of DuPage

Members of Unity Partnership attended the First Responder Wellness Conference to get a better understanding of what it’s like to serve on the force and to become familiar with the coping mechanisms officers use in daily life while dealing with an often toxic work environment. Kent Williams from Breach Point Consulting calls it, “The Caustic Risks of Performing Well in Law Enforcement.”    As the promotional materials state, his training is “based upon the principles of Servant Leadership, and how simple shifts in organizational perspective can profoundly reduce the stress, frustration and open anger expressed throughout the typical law enforcement agency. “ There are tools law enforcement officers can utilize to prevent failed careers, marriages and relationships.   “His work on the predictable transitional issues confronting the police officer’s family has led to numerous speaking engagements designed to keep the family of a police officer emotionally and spiritually healthy.”   The benefit of such training is that it allows officers a better perspective on their situation, which can improve their outlook and interactions with others.    Everyday life can be stressful for anyone no matter their career, education or status...people can suffer from many frustrations.  I came away with the hope that these tools might help officers not only in their relationships at work and with family, but in dealing with civilians as well.    I also left the workshop with a new outlook on how challenging police work can be. We, as a society, put a lot on officers’ plates.  It is a unique and very demanding career, one I appreciate, but would not want to take on.
Regina Brent
Unity Partnership
President and Founder

On Sunday afternoon, January 6, 2019, members of Unity Partnership kicked off the new year by attending an event hosted by several different faith-based organizations.  This event was held in Naperville at Wentz Hall. Tom Cordaro, from St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, organized the event and served as the moderator. They keynote speaker was from the Sikh community.  Representatives from a variety of faiths shared their reflections.  I represented the DuPage AME Church, and used as my theme the allegory of The Long Handled Spoons, a parable which has become part of the folklore of several cultures.   My message was that sometimes, thinking solely our own personal gratification, we stop caring for each other.  In so doing, we unconsciously harm ourselves since we are all interdependent.

​In reference to law enforcement too, we must realize that both civilians and police need one another.   Acknowledging our interdependence will ensure that we treat each with respect, and achieve our goal of life, liberty, and justice for all.  Remember, change begins with ordinary people, and it can begin with you.
 
Regina Brent, Founder & President
Unity Partnership