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"A new world order is in the making, and it is up to us to prepare ourselves that we may take our rightful place in it."
— Malcolm X
OUR STORY
We are not a charity.
We are a movement.
We Are 1 is a strategic, action-only organization dedicated to transforming disadvantaged
communities from the inside out. We don't believe in waiting for systems to change — we build
our own. Through education, workforce development, food security, and housing, we create the
conditions for our people to thrive on their own terms.
Our universal code of unity means we operate free from manipulation, jealousy, envy, and fear of
one another. We are one mission. One family. One love.
Focus areas
Years active
Families served
United family
4
5+
500+
1
MEET THE FOUNDER
William Powell
Founder & President
"We fully submerge ourselves into a servant leadership mindset. We ensure that other people's highest-priority needs are being served."
Built from purpose,
not permission.
William Powell launched the We Are 1 Movement with a simple but radical belief: that the most powerful force for change in any community is the community itself. As a youth advocate, public speaker, and specialist in communication and technology-driven education, William has dedicated his life to building systems that serve people — not the other way around.
Through the We Are 1 Movement, William Powell has turned that belief into action by building a community-centered movement focused on education, workforce development, food security, and affordable housing. Through Player 1 Academy, the educational division of the We Are 1 Movement, along with the movement’s mentorship initiatives, grocery assistance efforts, and housing advocacy, William and his team are creating real pathways for children, families, and communities to thrive. From Rochester, New York and beyond, the vision of unity has become a driving force for measurable, ground-level impact.
What we stand on
Servant leadership
We share power and put others'
needs first -- always
Unconditional love
Action only
THE OATH OF ENGAGEMENT
"Our love for one another is both unconditional and everlasting. We become ears to those who need to be heard, eyes to those who need sight, a voice for those who are afraid to speak up, and strength to those who need to be protected."
Every member of We Are 1 lives by this oath. It is not a slogan. It is a commitment.
OUR JOURNEY
How we got here
The movement is founded
In the height of the COVID‑19 pandemic, William Powell launched the We Are 1 Movement in Rochester, NY. What began as a crisis‑response effort quickly became a community lifeline: going door‑to‑door, checking on families, identifying urgent needs, and delivering free groceries, clothing, and essential supplies directly to residents’ doorsteps. The movement’s foundation was simple but powerful — show up, serve first, and make sure no one is left behind.
Grocery assistance program launches
In the middle of the COVID‑19 crisis, the We Are 1 Movement expands into full-scale relief work across underserved Rochester neighborhoods. Volunteers go door‑to‑door to understand each family’s needs and deliver free groceries, clothing, hygiene items, and essential supplies directly to their homes. This is also the year the Greater Rochester Health Foundation steps in as a key partner, helping strengthen and sustain the movement’s growing impact.
Youth mentoring program expands
As the We Are 1 Movement grows beyond emergency COVID‑era relief, its youth mentoring work scales into a structured, neighborhood‑based program. What began with informal check‑ins and doorstep conversations evolves into consistent mentorship, leadership development, and positive‑pathway guidance for teens across Rochester. With community trust already established through months of direct service, the program becomes a safe anchor for young people seeking support, direction, and connection.
Major Funders Join the Mission
With the Greater Rochester Health Foundation already supporting the work, this year marks a new wave of partnership as ESL Federal Credit Union and Macy’s come on board. Their support helps the We Are 1 Movement expand its reach, strengthen its programs, and deepen its impact across Rochester’s underserved neighborhoods.
National Expansion Takes Shape
The We Are 1 Movement grows from a Rochester‑based initiative into a multi‑chapter, multi‑city network. New chapters launch across the country, each rooted in the same model of servant leadership, direct community support, and youth‑centered empowerment. What began as a local response during the pandemic has evolved into a nationwide movement driven by volunteers, partners, and communities committed to showing up for one another.
OUR JOURNEY
Our people, our moments
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North Carolina Chapter — A defining snapshot of our North Carolina team as they step into the movement with unity, service, and community pride.
Weekly Door‑to‑Door Community Engagement — A moment from our Rochester team’s weekly rounds, checking in on families, listening to needs, and showing up with care, consistency, and genuine connection.
Grocery Assistance for Seniors — A snapshot of the founder delivering free groceries directly to seniors’ doorsteps, reflecting the hands‑on service and compassion that shaped the We Are 1 Movement from the very beginning.
A few members of our Rochester chapter, united in service and community pride, representing the spirit and solidarity that continue to drive the We Are 1 Movement forward.
Weekly Community Clean‑Up — Rochester, NY — A glimpse of our Rochester chapter out in the neighborhood, bags and grabbers in hand, keeping our streets clean and showing what community pride looks like in action.
Macy’s Leadership in Community Action — Macy’s store and district managers from across New York and Connecticut joined our team as part of their leadership training, stepping into hands‑on service and strengthening a partnership rooted in community impact.