MovementForward, Inc. - Comprehensive Analysis Report
Summary
MovementForward, Inc. (MFI) is a modern, inclusive social change organization established in 2015 by emerging faith leaders in Atlanta, Georgia. It is dedicated to protecting, promoting, and advancing the civil and human rights of all people. MFI's core mission is to realize the "Beloved Community" envisioned by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by facilitating reconciliation and fostering connections through innovative, inclusive, and solution-focused advocacy. The organization plays a significant role in bridging divides, particularly between law enforcement and communities, and strives to engage individuals from all backgrounds to build a society rooted in peace and justice.
1. Strategic Focus & Objectives
Core Objectives
MovementForward, Inc. aims to address challenging societal issues through coalition-building, creativity, innovation, and a commitment to actionable solutions. Key objectives include:
Professionalizing Community Engagement: Actively working to professionalize the subfield of community engagement within law enforcement to foster collaborative interactions.
National Programs: Implementing a network for sharing best practices, organizing annual national events in thousands of communities, and offering annual training for practitioners in community engagement.
Racial Reconciliation and Equity: Broader goals encompass racial reconciliation, economic equity, educational parity, political and cultural development, and a single standard of justice universally applied regardless of race, class, religion, gender identity, or sexual orientation.
Specialization Areas
MFI specializes in creating deep connections between law enforcement and the communities they serve. This involves depolarizing issues, particularly concerning policing and public safety, by implementing solutions that garner support from all stakeholders. Their unique value proposition lies in their ability to convene diverse groups and facilitate dialogue and action towards social change and reconciliation.
Target Markets
MovementForward, Inc. primarily targets communities across all racial, class, professional, and ideological backgrounds, alongside law enforcement agencies nationwide. Their market positioning strategy focuses on being a facilitator and implementer of practical, inclusive solutions for civil and human rights advancement and improved community-police relations.
2. Financial Overview
Funding History
MovementForward, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. For the year 2024, the organization reported revenues of $875,000 and expenses of $1.04 million. Total assets were recorded at $158,000, with total liabilities at $178,000. The organization's annual 990 forms are publicly available from 2018 to 2022.
A notable partnership for funding and support is with the Stand Together Trust, which collaborated on the launch of the Law Enforcement Community Engagement Network (LECEN). Stand Together Trust invests in social entrepreneurs addressing societal problems through "bottom-up" solutions, particularly in criminal justice reform.
3. Product Pipeline
Key Products/Services
MovementForward, Inc. implements several key initiatives and programs:
National Faith & Blue Weekend:
Description: An annual event reinforcing connections between law enforcement professionals and the communities they serve.
Development Stage: Established, with the 2026 event scheduled for October 9-12.
Target Market/Condition: Law enforcement and communities across all 50 states.
Key Features and Benefits: Involves over 4,000 locally organized engagements, collaborations with over 1,600 houses of worship and 1,000 law enforcement agencies. It builds trust and understanding.
Professionalizing Law Enforcement-Community Engagement Training (PLECET) Conference:
Description: An annual specialized training, networking, and professional development conference for sworn and non-sworn personnel in law enforcement community engagement roles.
Development Stage: Established, with the 2025 conference held from May 27-31, 2026, and plans underway for the 2026 conference in Dallas, Texas.
Target Market/Condition: Law enforcement professionals involved in community engagement.
Key Features and Benefits: Provides critical training, networking opportunities, and professional development.
One Congregation One Precinct (OneCOP):
Description: MFI's signature program, facilitating positive, ongoing partnerships between local law enforcement agencies and diverse congregations.
Development Stage: Established and active, connecting law enforcement with over 2,000 houses of worship in 36 cities.
Target Market/Condition: Local law enforcement agencies and diverse faith-based congregations.
Key Features and Benefits: Activities include crime and violence prevention, public safety briefings, cultural and sensitivity trainings, officer appreciation events, and community safety workshops.
Law Enforcement Community Engagement Network (LECEN):
Description: Launched in partnership with Stand Together Trust in February 2023, LECEN is a national network providing ongoing training and support for law enforcement personnel tasked with community engagement.
Development Stage: Active and expanding since its launch in 2023.
Target Market/Condition: Law enforcement personnel focused on community engagement.
Key Features and Benefits: Offers access to best practices, peer support, industry expertise, and current research, utilizing "Intergroup Contact Theory" for effective engagement.
4. Technology & Innovation
Technology Stack
MovementForward, Inc. leverages innovative approaches in its social change initiatives, including the development of a community-policing app, "Community by MovementForward." This app is designed to connect community members with law enforcement agencies and aims to reduce violent and property crimes.
Scientific Methodologies
The Law Enforcement Community Engagement Network (LECEN) specifically utilizes "Intergroup Contact Theory," a research-based approach pioneered after World War II. This theory guides the conditions for successful engagement between different groups, including the types of activities and leadership roles required. Members of LECEN learn to apply and evaluate these approaches to maximize their impact.
5. Leadership & Management
Executive Team
The Reverend Markel Hutchins
Position: Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer
Professional Background: Noted human and civil rights leader who founded MovementForward, Inc. in 2015.
Key Contributions: Leads the organization in building a multiracial, multifaceted, and intergenerational movement for social justice, economic parity, educational equity, racial reconciliation, and global peace.
LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/revmarkelhutchins](https://www.linkedin.com/in/revmarkelhutchins)
Jared Feuer
Position: Chief Operating Officer, Treasurer
Professional Background: Serves in key operational and financial leadership roles for the organization.
LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jared-feuer-98a4625b](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jared-feuer-98a4625b)
Ambreen Hernandez
Position: Manager of Operations and Administration
Key Contributions: Responsible for the operational and administrative management of the organization.
LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ambreen-hernandez-670a8219](https://www.linkedin.com/in/ambreen-hernandez-670a8219)
Angela Yarbrough
Position: Executive Administrator
Key Contributions: Provides executive administrative support within MFI.
Kevin Martinez
Position: Partnerships & Outreach Coordinator
Key Contributions: Handles partnerships and outreach efforts.
Pam Burkes
Position: Coordinator, Meetings & Special Projects
Key Contributions: Coordinates meetings and special projects.
Mackenzie “Micki” Wheeler
Position: Partnerships & Outreach Coordinator
Key Contributions: Contributes to partnerships and outreach efforts.
Board of Directors
The Reverend Markel Hutchins: Chairman, President & CEO, MovementForward, Inc.
Mr. Dean Esserman: Board Member, Senior Counselor, National Policing Institute.
The Reverend Ernest Brooks: Vice Chair, Senior Associate, Isaacson Miller.
Ms. Lacrecia Cade, Esq.: Board Member, President, Atlanta Life Insurance Company.
Ms. Meghan Greene: Board Member, Marketing Account Manager, AT&T.
Mr. Stanley Raynor: Board Member, Managing Director, Travelers.
Ms. Nancy West: Secretary, Retired Educator.
6. Recognition and Awards
Industry Recognition
MovementForward, Inc. is recognized for its significant impact in revitalizing the civil rights movement and depolarizing societal issues.
National Faith & Blue Weekend: This initiative has achieved substantial scale, with thousands of engagements across all 50 states, underscoring broad community and law enforcement participation and recognition as a powerful force for reconciliation.
Professionalizing Law Enforcement-Community Engagement Training (PLECET) Conference: The annual conference attracts thousands of attendees from across the nation, establishing it as a critical platform for professional development in community engagement within the law enforcement sector. These figures indicate the organization's growing influence and the perceived value of its programs within relevant industries and communities.
7. Strategic Partnerships
MovementForward, Inc. actively engages in strategic collaborations to amplify its impact.
Stand Together Trust: This is a key philanthropic partner that supports innovative social entrepreneurs, particularly in criminal justice reform. This collaboration was instrumental in the launch of the Law Enforcement Community Engagement Network (LECEN), providing substantial support for its development and ongoing operations.
Local Faith-Based and Community-Based Organizations: The National Faith & Blue Weekend initiative relies heavily on partnerships with thousands of local faith-based and community-based organizations across the country, alongside law enforcement agencies.
Law Enforcement Agencies: The One Congregation One Precinct (OneCOP) program fosters direct partnerships between local law enforcement agencies and diverse congregations in 36 cities. The PLECET Conference also involves collaborations with leaders from law enforcement, government, civil rights, and community engagement to provide specialized training.
8. Operational Insights
MovementForward, Inc. distinguishes itself by focusing on bridging divides between law enforcement and communities through innovative and solution-focused advocacy. Its distinct competitive advantage lies in developing and implementing large-scale, structured initiatives such as National Faith & Blue Weekend, PLECET Conference, OneCOP, and LECEN. These programs are designed to create collaborative interactions based on evaluated best practices, particularly the "Intergroup Contact Theory." The organization's emphasis on professionalizing community engagement within law enforcement and providing a national network for support sets it apart from other social change organizations. Operational strengths include robust program design, extensive community and agency networks, and a clear methodology for fostering positive intergroup relations.
9. Future Outlook
Strategic Roadmap
MovementForward, Inc.'s strategic roadmap points towards the continued expansion and deepening of its core programs and initiatives.
National Faith & Blue Weekend: The organization plans for the seventh annual installment of this key event, scheduled for October 9-12, 2026, indicating sustained commitment and anticipated growth.
Professionalizing Law Enforcement-Community Engagement Training (PLECET) Conference: This annual conference will proceed with plans for 2026, further solidifying its role in providing essential training and networking for law enforcement professionals.
* Law Enforcement Community Engagement Network (LECEN): Having launched in 2023, LECEN is set for continued expansion of its membership and aims to provide ongoing training and support, suggesting future growth in its reach and impact within the law enforcement community.
These initiatives are strategically positioned to enhance MFI's influence in fostering reconciliation and improving police-community relations nationwide, ensuring the organization's continued relevance and impact in the social change landscape.
