About

OWOF stands for One World One Family.

Our official name is The Chelsea Area One World One Family Task Force, Inc.

Mission Statement

Adopted 11/13/20

One World One Family is committed to justice and equity for all*. We work to be anti-racist and to oppose discrimination in any form. We engage and empower people to have an impact and change systems to ensure everyone can participate fully in a diverse society.

* all / “ahl” / Noun 1.The whole human family, regardless of actual or perceived age, color, disability, familial status, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, height, disability status, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, source of income, veteran status, or weight. Are you represented?

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One World One Family is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. We follow all Federal and State guidelines governing charitable organizations. We have a 9-member Board of Directors that serve one-year terms. We generally meet once a month. Meeting dates and locations are posted on our Facebook page or please email us.

Our History

For many years, different groups of Chelsea residents had quietly discussed the (unfortunate) fact that Chelsea has a fairly homogeneous population, that racist attitudes were evident, and that our children were growing up without the tools to live in a diverse world. This all seemed symbolized by the fact that Chelsea had never acknowledged Martin Luther King Jr. Day even though it had been a Federal holiday since 1983.

In November 2001, a group of citizens were finally motivated to action. They organized Chelsea’s first Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration in January 2002. To everyone’s surprise and joy, over 500 people turned out.

From this beginning, OWOF has continued to grow. We have organized MLKJr. Day celebrations each year since. In 2003, we began an essay contest which we hope to continue. We have sponsored, along with the District Library, Chelsea’s Community Reads. The first year, the book was Warriors Don’t Cry by Melba Patillo Beals, who is one of the Little Rock Nine.

Joanne Ladio, President
Jane Pacheco, Vice-President
Carolyn Stilwell, Secretary
Sandra Vadlamudi, Treasurer
Mark VanDeWege
Christa Williams
Rene Heberle
Debbie Osborne

Board Capture 10-12-21

On Saturday, April 19, 2025, in Western Washtenaw County, Michigan, local experts were asked to share stories to help us connect what is happening on the national level to the impacts it is having on our community. Watch the 2 minute promo video here: owofchelsea.org/resources Our trusted friends, neighbors, and family members gave 3-5 minute speeches on a variety of topics. Full event video and all individual speeches will be posted soon at owofchelsea.org/resources Thanks to all the speakers, organizers, and volunteers. Special thanks to Culture Pop Films and @maximilianfilms3994 (YouTube) for capturing the video and photos from the event! 50501 Michigan, Indivisible Guide, Western Washtenaw Democrats, Voters Not Politicians, Washtenaw County Democratic Party #handsoff, #50501, #Indivisible, #LocalStories, #rally, #westernwashtenaw

Reminder for Saturday! It's time to be seen! BRING A NON-PERISHABLE DONATION FOR FIA (Faith-In-Action).

New readings posted! Let's get together and talk next week! Wed, April 23, 7pm Articles, link and meeting info here: https://owofchelsea.org/resources/community-discussion/

Mr. Martinez participated in our immigration panel discussion on March 31. This happened the very next day!! Please call your representatives to stop the abuses of ICE and share with your friends and neighbors so they know what is going on!

Several new housing projects will be discussed ! Come learn.

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