By Barb Hyde
In a nation that continues to be divided over social and political ideologies, We the People Warwick (WTPW), a grassroots organization formed in early 2021 by Warwick resident Beverly Braxton, continues to do the work of identifying ways to bridge divides, build connections, and unite our community. This work has recently been honored by two national awards that recognize WTPW’s approach of utilizing dialogue, the power of story, a focus on social emotional wellness, and youth engagement to strengthen community bonds and nurture understanding across differences.
In June, WTPW was selected as a recipient of the Courage Project Award, which honors organizations and individuals from across the nation who are taking specific actions to strengthen bonds and build consensus around common areas of need in their communities. Some initiatives contributing to this recognition include WTPW’s Dialogue Series, Warwick Story Share, A Day in the Life, and Pathways to Flourishing, a youth program supporting the social and emotional well-being of teens. The Courage Project seeks to lift up “the quiet, often unseen acts of heroism that reflect the best of the American spirit and strengthen democracy at the community level.”
In addition to this distinction, We the People Warwick was selected as one of five organizations from across the country to receive the George Washington Unity Award from the Listen First Project. The Listen First Project elevates grassroots efforts that address polarization by cultivating trust, fostering meaningful dialogue, and developing collaborative solutions to community problems. WTPW members, Beverly Braxton, Barb Hyde, and Nancy Fernandez will proudly represent WTPW at the awards ceremony to be held at George Washington’s Presidential Library in Mount Vernon, VA on September 24th, and were invited to stay two additional days to share the work of WTPW at Listen First’s Bridging Movement Summit where they will exchange ideas with bridge-building leaders from across the nation. A video of WTPW’s work will be featured at the 2025 Bridge-Building Innovation Showcase as part of the awards ceremony. In response to the video, Karissa Raskin, CEO of Listen First Project, said, “I am literally in tears watching this video…I am inspired, humbled, and ever so grateful that we have the opportunity to lift up your incredible work at our showcase next month, and dive deeper into your programs at the breakout session at the Summit.”
We the People Warwick is hosting several community events this fall and invites all residents to take part in efforts that foster connection and strengthen civic engagement. Throughout September and October, the Warwick Voice through Photos public exhibition will be on display at Warwick Town Hall. The organization’s signature Dialogue Series will be held at the Warwick Community Center on Tuesday evenings in October from 6:30 to 8:30 pm beginning October 7th.In November, We the People Warwick will present two storytelling events at the Albert Wisner Library: A Day in the Life on Wednesday, November 5 and Warwick Story Share on Friday, November 19.
For more info about WTPW’s approach, programs, current initiatives and to sign up for upcoming events, visit: wethepeoplewarwick.org
Community focused news can only succeed with community support. Please consider the various subscription levels.