All for All Immigrant Inclusion Initiative Expands to Coalition Model to Continue to Build a More Welcoming Region

PITTSBURGH (January 7, 2020) — All for All, now powered by The Global Switchboard, announced today that it is expanding to a coalition model as a response to the momentum built by the network of its partners for a more inclusive Pittsburgh region. 

Launched in September 2016, All for All is an immigrant inclusion effort that is guided by the Immigrant Community Blueprint, a comprehensive community-informed plan for Allegheny County slated for implementation within five years of its release. The work of All for All centers around connecting people, organizations, and communities in order to work toward a common goal. By growing into a coalition model of leadership The Global Switchboard will convene existing partners and long-term allies to cooperatively guide the ongoing implementation of All for All, working together to coordinate programs and actions that build a welcoming and inclusive region for all.

“We are thrilled to see this work expand from being a comprehensive plan for Allegheny County to an initiative that has built partners and champions across the Pittsburgh region to this next phase as the All for All Coalition,” said Fredrick Thieman, Esq., Henry Buhl Jr. chair for civic leadership at the Buhl Foundation and All for All Steering Committee chair. “It is clear that All for All, thanks to its community of partners, is well poised to achieve its original 2016 mandate to engage the broader community in this important work over the next three to five years.” 

The initiative has formed diverse partner connections and activated various regional sectors through more than 440 hours of activity in its second year alone and has impacted thousands more through primary and secondary networks. In 2019, All for All engaged 2,117 people in direct programming and connected with more than 1,000 Pittsburghers over the course of its three-day annual summit — expanded in its third year to include a forum, neighborhood tours, and block party.

“This work has always been about partnerships. All for All sought to accelerate local efforts to advance immigrant inclusion, shine a light on the strengths immigrants bring to our region, and create new allies across sectors,” said Betty Cruz, former project director for All for All. “I can think of no better partner to coalesce the All for All network, build on these achievements, deepen its collective impact, and address the gaps that still exist in our region than The Global Switchboard.” Cruz transitioned from her role as director and will begin a new charge as president and CEO of the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh on January 21st. 

The Global Switchboard takes a network stewardship approach aimed at transforming Pittsburgh into a more globally engaged and equitable community. All for All is currently a part of this network and its vision is aligned with the Switchboard’s strategic goals, which include the promotion of cultural diversity and exchange for a welcoming and inclusive region for all, in addition to complimentary target areas like education and global learning as well innovation and sustainable development. The Global Switchboard will use its expertise in building coalitions to grow All for All, including establishing a governance model that fosters shared accountability, ownership, and access to new opportunities and resources. 

“In 2016, when All for All began, we entered as fiscal sponsor, supporting their team from launch through three strong years of growth,” said Nathan Darity, executive director of The Global Switchboard. “To this ongoing relationship, we now bring additional convening and coalition-building experience. We’ll work in 2020 to ensure the important evolution toward a full coalition leadership model.”

The ongoing projects of the All for All Coalition will continue to run uninterrupted and will be guided by the same project manager and the same team of AmeriCorps Vistas. The current steering committee will be extended the opportunity to participate in the new coalition governance structure in 2020, with additional opportunities for serving on the board of directors for The Global Switchboard.

About The Global Switchboard

The Global Switchboard stewards a diverse network of people and organizations to transform the Pittsburgh region into a more globally engaged and equitable community. The organization bridges local and global concerns. More information can be found at www.theglobalswitchboard.org.

About The All for All Coalition

All for All connects people, organizations, and communities to actions that build a welcoming and inclusive region for all. Driven by collaboration with community and cross-sector partners, All for All aims to advance economic opportunity, break down barriers, and further immigrant inclusion across the Pittsburgh region. All for All is guided by the Immigrant Community Blueprint, a comprehensive community-designed plan for Allegheny County. Learn more at www.allforall.world. 

Media Inquiries: Sarah Mayer, Shift Collaborative, sarah@shiftcollaborative.com, 412-225-2310