RISC Partnership
About RISC - Richmonders Involved to Strengthen our Communities - is a faith-based grassroots organization made up of about 600 members across 27 faith communities seeking justice throughout Greater Richmond. We use the power of large numbers of organized people and a systems change approach to address critical community problems. RISC is currently seeking more funding for affordable housing and healthy mobile homes, as well as the implementation of an evidence-based gun-violence prevention program.
First UU is one of the largest RISC congregations, and we have won several awards for the strength of our participation. Our justice ministry network, made up of about 50 First UUers plus some friends, consistently shows up to demonstrate our commitment to improving local conditions that contribute to significant struggles for many Richmonders.
On March 24, at our Nehemiah Action, RISC celebrated a victory years in the making: Richmond committed $63 million over the next five years to affordable housing. This is what persistent, organized people can accomplish — and we are grateful for the leadership of Councilwoman Ellen Robertson and our own Kenya Gibson for helping make it real.
Now we keep the momentum going.
On Monday, April 27, we will gather at City Hall as the City Council finalizes the 2026–2027 budget. Your presence shows our city that we are not done fighting for justice — and that we stand with Kenya as she continues to champion this work.
Meet us at the Ninth Street entrance at 5:30 p.m. Wear red and black, stand with your RISC family, and help us show the power of a community that refuses to give up.
Let’s show up strong. Let’s show up proud. Let’s keep building the Richmond we believe in.