One Common Unity

One Common Unity (OCU) is a non-profit organization based in Washington, DC, which began in 2000. OCU breaks cycles of violence and builds compassionate, healthy communities through the transformative power of music, arts, and peace education. For 18 years OCU has successfully created spaces to transform the lives of youth and families. Through arts-based peace education in schools, summer youth initiatives and filmmaking, we have reached over 21,500 youth and families with our work. OCU teaches people how to create media, arts, and music that reflect the stories of those working diligently to create communities which honor and respect one another and understand our inherent equality and interdependence. OCU believes violence is a learned behavior, and therefore, if someone can be taught violence, they can also be taught compassion, cooperation, and the skills necessary to create healthy and mutually beneficial relationships.