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About United We Go
Our Story — Why United We Go Exists
United We Go began with a community gathering in 2022 that brought together massage therapists, holistic healing practitioners, independent artists, and community members who lacked strong representation and visibility in Bay City. That event revealed a powerful need for inclusive spaces where diverse voices could be seen, heard, and celebrated.
Inspired by the connections formed and the stories shared, United We Go was officially founded in 2023 with a clear purpose: to make arts, culture, and community programming accessible to all while uplifting voices that too often go unheard.
From the beginning, our work has been rooted in fostering unity, celebrating diversity, and supporting youth development. We believe in guiding the next generation through creativity, confidence-building, and community engagement — planting seeds of peace, belonging, and togetherness in young hearts at an early age.
Today, United We Go continues to bring people together across cultures, identities, and generations through creative expression, youth empowerment, and meaningful community connection.
Welcome to United We Go(Mission & Vision)
A Creative Youth Development Nonprofit
At United We Go, we believe in the power of youth voice, creative expression, and community connection to shape more inclusive and thriving communities. Founded in 2023 and headquartered in Bay City, Michigan, United We Go is a creative youth development nonprofit dedicated to empowering young people, fostering belonging, and creating platforms where all voices can be heard and celebrated.
Our Mission
We empower youth through storytelling, creative expression, and community engagement to amplify their voices and inspire positive change.
Our Vision
We envision a future where young people are recognized as creators, changemakers, and contributors shaping more connected and inclusive communities.
Our Mission
United We Go is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community across the Great Lakes Bay Region through youth voice, creative expression, and meaningful community engagement.
Founded in Bay City, Michigan, we create welcoming spaces where young people and communities connect, collaborate, and contribute to positive change.
Our mission is to empower youth through storytelling, creative expression, and community engagement to amplify their voices and inspire positive change.
Our Vision
We envision a future where young people are recognized as creators, changemakers, and contributors shaping more connected and inclusive communities.
Our Values
• Unity
• Diversity
• Belonging
• Creative Expression
Bringing Our Vision to Life
We bring our vision to life through four signature initiatives that amplify youth voice, foster creative expression, and strengthen community connection.
Core Creative Youth Development Initiatives
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Voice of Youth Podcast Program
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City of Mural Community Festival
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I AM Youth Empowerment Program
Community Care Initiative
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Happy Birthday Fund
Our Community Impact
United We Go plays a crucial role in fostering a thriving and inclusive community across the Great Lakes Bay Region. By promoting collaboration, diversity, and equitable opportunities, we uplift youth, support small businesses, amplify underrepresented voices, and strengthen community connections through creative engagement.
Since our founding in Bay City, Michigan, United We Go has expanded its reach far beyond county lines, serving communities across Bay County, Saginaw County, and the broader Great Lakes Bay Region. Our programs also attract youth and artists from Metro Detroit and beyond, creating meaningful cultural exchange and regional connection.
Through our City of Mural Community Festival and public art initiatives, we have helped install 15 large-scale murals across Bay and Saginaw counties. These murals not only beautify neighborhoods, but also reflect local identity, celebrate diversity, and inspire pride in shared community spaces. We have collaborated with over 30 mural artists from across the country and around the world, bringing diverse artistic perspectives into our region.
Youth empowerment is at the heart of our work.
To date:
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over 200 youth have participated in our I AM Youth Fashion Show and confidence-building programs,
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more than 60 youth have developed their voices through our Voice of Youth Podcast Program,
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and 50 families have been supported through our Birthday Fund initiative.
These programs create safe, supportive environments where young people grow in confidence, self-expression, and leadership.
We see real transformation in the youth we serve — increased confidence, stronger communication skills, and a deeper sense of belonging. We also see transformation in our cities, as art, storytelling, and creative collaboration bring people together across cultures, generations, and backgrounds.
Through inclusive leadership and community-driven creativity, United We Go continues to shape a more connected, expressive, and empowered region.
We believe by collabroating with eachother, by honoring the diversity, by celebrating the harmony, our community is home for all.
Our Commitment to Inclusion
United We Go is committed to welcoming people from all walks of life, including youth, families, seniors, veterans, individuals with disabilities, minority communities, and creative entrepreneurs. We believe that everyone deserves access to creative spaces where they feel seen, heard, and respected.
Our programs are designed to remove barriers to participation by offering accessible, low-cost or free opportunities for community members to engage in arts, culture, and creative expression. We strive to create environments that honor diverse identities, cultures, abilities, and lived experiences.
Through inclusive leadership, thoughtful program design, and community partnerships, we work to ensure that every individual feels valued, represented, and empowered to share their voice. Whether through public art, youth programs, cultural events, or storytelling platforms, United We Go fosters a sense of belonging where creativity becomes a bridge for connection, understanding, and unity.
At United We Go, inclusion is not just a value — it is the foundation of everything we do.
“United We Go serves youth from Bay City, Saginaw, Midland, and beyond, including participants from Metro Detroit.”
Media Coverage & Community Visibility
Since United We Go was founded in 2023, our programs and services have been featured by a variety of local and regional media outlets, including WNEM Focus 5, ABC12, MidMichigan Now, Route Bay City, Bay City Times, local radio stations, and more.
This coverage highlights the impact of our community-based arts, youth empowerment, and public art initiatives — helping raise awareness of the creative opportunities available to residents across the Great Lakes Bay Region. Through the support of our media partners, more families, youth, and community members are able to learn about and access the programs and services United We Go provides.
We are grateful for the continued support of local media in sharing our story and amplifying the voices of the communities we serve.
1. Our Grant Launching day new coverage by ABC12 back in 2023
2. 2023 City of mural festival on ABC 12
3. 2024, our 1 year anniversary on ABC 12
4. 2024 I AM Youth Fashion show link on ABC 12
5. 2024, on TV5 talking about our birthday fund program
https://youtu.be/a0hFVZ0nyug?si=KeFhOSfMKRbvzFyt
6. 2025 Bay city times coverage for youth fashion show 4/8
7. 2025 City of Mural Festival on Mid Michigan now on fox66 and Nbc25
8. Focus 5 covers our friendship wall project
https://www.wnem.com/video/2025/09/11/focus-5-ever-living-friendship-wall-part-one/
https://www.wnem.com/video/2025/09/11/focus-5-ever-living-friendship-wall-part-two/
Join Us
United We Go is built on the power of community. Whether you’re an artist, educator, student, business owner, parent, or simply someone who believes in unity and creative connection, there is a place for you here.
There are many ways to get involved:
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Volunteer
Support our events, youth programs, and community initiatives by sharing your time, skills, and passion.
2. Become a Sponsor or Partner
Help us expand our impact through financial support, in-kind donations, or collaborative partnerships.
3. Apply for an Internship
Gain hands-on experience in arts, nonprofit leadership, community engagement, media, and event planning.
4. Join a Committee or Advisory Group
Contribute your ideas, leadership, and voice to help shape the future of our programs and initiatives.
5. Participate in Our Programs
Take part in our youth programs, community events, public art projects, and creative experiences.
If you’re not sure how you can contribute to this big mission — we’d still love to hear from you.
Reach out, start a conversation, and explore how your unique gifts can support unity, creativity, and community connection.
📧 Email: info@unitedwego.org
🌐 Website: www.unitedwego.org
Together, we grow. Together, we create.
Together, We Go.