Our Mission
To create racial unity in our community by fostering empathy through relationships, understanding through education, and transformation through civic engagement.
Our Vision
A community where race is no longer a barrier to unity, where diversity is celebrated, and the intrinsic dignity of every individual is recognized.
Our Story
Emerging from a moment of profound challenge and awakening, Racial Unity Now (RUN) was founded on July 5, 2020, following a local march against racism that faced armed opposition and threats. In response, local Christian leaders united, recognizing the urgent need to overcome deep racism within our community.
RUN’s strategy is simple yet transformative: fostering empathy through relationships, understanding through education, and transformation through civic engagement. Through programs like Peace Camp, Flavors of Community, Be the Bridge book groups, migrant support kits, and partnerships with local task forces, RUN creates pathways for honest dialogue, relational trust, and hands-on justice work—believing that community transformation begins with personal transformation.
Our Leadership
RUN’s board is half majority-culture allies and half people of color. Nearly all our board members belong to transracial families. Members include local educators, business leaders, faith leaders and farm leaders. This shared governance models the reconciliation we work to build.
Founding Statement
Racial Unity Now (RUN) strives to create racial understanding both now and in the future. With a focus on North Whatcom County, we are listening and learning about systemic racial injustice and will propose actions to overcome such patterns and behavior. This begins with searching our personal prejudices, and leads to “acting justly, loving mercy and walking humbly with our God.” While rooted in Christian beliefs, we will include voices from other faith traditions, given our shared values. Together we will resolve to advance racial equality, respect, and love in our diverse community.