United We March Forward

08/21/2026

𝙎𝙚𝙬𝙣 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙎𝙠𝙞𝙡𝙡 & 𝘾𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙩𝙮

What happens when creativity, culture, and new skills come together? Beautiful kitenge dresses like these! ✨🧵

We're proud to celebrate our latest SEW cohort and the beautiful pieces they created. Each dress represents the time, effort, creativity, and sewing skills they developed throughout the program.

From fabric to finished piece, they made it happen. ONE STITCH AT A TIME. 💛

#𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭

07/23/2026

Every stitch tells a story.

In our latest blog, we reflect on the first month of the Sewing Empowerment Workshop (SEW) and the inspiring journeys of participants who are building practical skills, preserving cultural traditions, and creating new opportunities for themselves and their families.

Read the full story here:
🔗 https://www.unitedwemarchforward.org/unitedwemarchforward1/posts/sewing-more-than-fabric-how-sew-is-empowering-women-preserving-culture-and-building-confidence

#𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭

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07/14/2026

What an amazing week at United We March Forward!

After a short holiday pause, our 10 Sewing Empowerment Workshop participants returned ready to learn, create, and continue developing their sewing skills. It was wonderful to see their enthusiasm and commitment as they picked up right where they left off.

Earlier in the week, we also welcomed a group of young leaders from St. Paul’s United Methodist Church to our Grow Pamoja Urban Garden. Together, they learned about Iowa’s agricultural practices, explored the importance of community gardening, and even harvested amaranth (Lenga Lenga), a nutritious leafy vegetable enjoyed in many African cultures.

Moments like these remind us that learning happens in many forms. Whether it’s developing a new vocational skill, growing fresh food, or building relationships across cultures and generations, every experience strengthens our community.

Thank you to our participants, volunteers, and partners for making this week one of learning, growth, and connection.

Education. Encouragement. Empowerment. Together, we continue to march forward. 🌱🧵

07/01/2026

Every milestone tells a story.

This past quarter, we celebrated new beginnings through our community garden, launched the Sewing Empowerment Workshop (SEW), recognized the achievements of our DEFI graduates, and honored inspiring leaders within our community.

These moments remind us that meaningful change happens when people come together with a shared purpose.

Read our latest blog to see how we're growing hope, opportunity, and empowerment, one step at a time.

https://www.unitedwemarchforward.org/unitedwemarchforward1/posts/growing-together-reflecting-on-a-quarter-of-progress-and-community

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06/27/2026

Today, if you walk into the sewing room, you’ll hear laughter, the snip of scissors, the swoosh of measuring tape, and conversations filled with curiosity and encouragement.

Every table is busy. Every student is focused. Every stitch is another step forward.

Our ten students are in the exciting stage of dreaming and shaping what their garments will become. They’re learning how to turn an idea into something they can wear, share, and be proud of. It’s a process that takes patience, creativity, and confidence, and each week those qualities continue to grow.

More than sewing, this is about learning a skill, building community, and discovering that creating something with your own hands is incredibly empowering.

One pattern. One cut. One stitch at a time.

We can’t wait to see their finished creations. 🧵✨

06/25/2026

The calendar says we're halfway through the year.

But for a child finding hope, a family receiving support, or a neighbor getting a fresh start, every new day is another opportunity to make a difference.

Let's use the months ahead to continue showing up for one another, lifting our community, and proving that small acts of kindness can create lasting change.

We're almost halfway through the year—and together, we can make it our most impactful yet.

What will you do to make a difference in your community? 💙

06/20/2026

06/20/2026

Today we officially launched the first day of our SEW (Sewing Empowerment Workshop ) Program with 11 participants!

The women had the opportunity to meet one another, explore sewing materials, and learn their machines. Over the next six weeks+, participants will develop sewing skills while creating a traditional Mumu dress and building confidence through hands-on learning.

A heartfelt thank you to Dawn for sharing her talents, to our volunteer Diane, Barb, and community partners, and to St. Paul's United Methodist Church, Cedar Rapids for providing space for this exciting new opportunity.

When women gain skills, families and communities grow stronger.

06/15/2026

This past Saturday we officially launched the UWMF Sewing Empowerment Workshop with a wonderful meet-and-greet session at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church.

Participants had the opportunity to meet one another, learn about the program, and see examples of the beautiful garments they will create over the coming months. We are excited to help women build sewing skills, confidence, creativity, and opportunities for personal growth.

A special thank you to Dawn, Diane, St. Paul’s UMC, our volunteers, and everyone who helped make today possible. We look forward to beginning hands-on sewing classes next week!