United Vision for Idaho

Join Leadership Talks on Friday, July 28 at 1 pm EST for a live, online interview with Roger Sherman and Judy Brown from United Vision for Idaho (UVI), and 2005 Leadership for a Changing World awardees. Roger and Judy will the combination of research/analysis and organizing that they have used as a model for several years. UVI took shape in 1995, when a group of organizations decided to link their efforts to even the playing field for marginalized citizens. One striking aspect of the 24 groups that now comprise United Vision for Idaho is their diversity. The founders of UVI understood that narrowly focused groups could increase their effectiveness by creating a multi-issue organization that would consolidate power, expertise, and membership. Together, they bring voter-rights issues, campaign-finance reform and tax-policy ideas into the public spotlight. UVI's leaders are "motivated by our association with people who share a passion for organizing for social change."

Read the transcript from July 28, 2006 Leadership Talks Archive

"Bridge building is at the heart of our work," write the leaders of UVI. First, UVI helps groups develop the expertise to run effective campaigns in support of their individual agendas. Second, it presents a united front on issues that its 24 member groups have decided are important to all. Third, it nurtures relationships among groups that decide to collaborate on campaigns. Finally, it develops leaders and organizations to address unmet needs in Idaho.

As UVI leaders describe it, "We help put the work of each constituency in the context of a larger, cohesive movement." One example was the UVI-inspired public debate about tax policy in Idaho, which focused on how tax cuts have affected education, health, and environmental programs. UVI's analysis of the issues and subsequent public discussion changed the terms of the debate: Ordinary Idahoans joined in calling for a common-sense tax structure and the governor began championing raising taxes to pay for schools. UVI also took part in the public debate about a newly adopted legislative-redistricting plan, which gives Idaho's Latino voters a stronger voice in elections.

UVI also encourages start-up organizations and new alliances. It helped form the Fund for Idaho, which seeks to build a base for social-justice philanthropy in the state as well as founded the Interfaith Alliance of Idaho, Idahoans for Fair Elections, and the Idaho Progressive Student Alliance. One of UVI's start-ups is the Progressive Leadership Project, identifying and supporting people to become leaders of organizations and candidates for public office, particularly outside the metropolitan area of Boise. "We all see ourselves working in the movement for social change for the rest of our lives," say the leaders of UVI. Possibilities include leading other coalitions or consulting with similar organizations throughout the state. Increasingly, UVI members and leaders say they may consider running for public office.

"Together, all five have inspired countless people. Their approach is to make sure others get credit. Thus, they are not widely known outside Idaho, and that is fine with them. The work they are doing is gradually transforming this state, and there is plenty of credit to go around."
- Mary Lou Reed, Idaho State Senator 1982-96

For more information

United Vision for Idaho Leadership for a Changing World profile