About Us
Mission Statement:
The Grove Initiative seeks to grow and nurture a community of engaged change makers to contribute to a more just and generous world.
Background
The idea for The Grove Initiative emerged during the development of Macalester Plymouth United Church’s (MPUC) Strategic Plan for 2025 - 2028. In the planning process, MPUC learned that while only 20% of the surrounding neighbors were interested in being part of a church community, 60% shared MPUC’s values of antiracism, immigration, hunger, and environmental justice. Wanting to respond to the increased community need for social connection at a time when people are increasingly isolated, as well as wanting to offer meaningful opportunities for personal reflection, the Church decided to support the creation of The Grove Initiative.
While the initial idea stemmed from a progressive Christian community, The Grove Initiative provides a safe and welcoming space regardless of your beliefs. While there are other organizations that work in these areas, The Grove Initiative is unique in that it will offer opportunities for community members to grow through action, learning, and building community.
Why are you called The Grove Initiative?
Sparked by the name of our immediate neighborhood, Macalester-Groveland, the Grove imagines a collection of people, like a collection of trees, connecting, growing and reaching out together. Just as a grove of trees stands stronger against the elements than a single tree, The Grove Initiative is based in the belief that people are stronger together, united in collective action. We added the word Initiative to suggest the outward energy of this effort and the power that comes from people willing to take action.
