About Us
NCCJ began in 1927 when interfaith leaders came together to address rising religious intolerance by creating safe spaces for dialogue and understanding across differences. Originally founded as the National Conference of Christians and Jews, it has grown into a lasting force for building connection and respect across communities.
How we started...
In 1927, in response to rising anti-semitism and anti-Catholic sentiment in the United States, a group of interfaith leaders–including activist Jane Addams, U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice Charles Evans Hughes, and lawyer Benjamin N. Cardoza–wanted to create spaces where people could come together and have safe, supported dialogue across difference to find understanding. Their response to social discord was the National Conference of Christians and Jews, which would become a resource for communities across America in building ties across religious difference.
Now known as the National Conference for Community and Justice (NCCJ), our commitment to strengthening communities through communication, education, and advocacy has not changed. Adding nine additional identities since its foundation, NCCJ continues to provide individuals, organizations, communities, faith institutions, and corporations with the tools that build and sustain healthy cultures founded on respect and the basic dignity of every human being.
NCCJ provides opportunities for groups of all ages to collaborate, spark change, and work together towards their common goals of equity and inclusion. We celebrate diverse identities and the strength and perspective they bring to our communities. Interested in our ongoing programs?
NCCJ designs and delivers programming and consulting to thousands of participants nationwide each year. With our wide range of offerings including
Helping humans human better together is not just our mission, it is our call to action.
- Organizational or community assessments
- Affinity group development
- Focus groups
- Group facilitation
- Community conversations, and
- Individual coaching
Meet Our Team
The NCCJ team is full of committed, knowledgeable professionals who dedicate their expertise to creating a more equitable, just world for us all. Our consultants bring a depth of experience, cultural competency, and a passion for equity to every engagement, partnering with organizations to foster inclusive environments where all individuals can thrive. Through thoughtful facilitation, education, and strategic guidance, NCCJ consultants empower communities and workplaces to build understanding, strengthen relationships, and advance meaningful, lasting change.
Sandra Vonniessen
Consultant
Jason Sirois
Consultant
Donn Reid
Consultant
Ace Ricker
Consultant
Taylor Tucker
Consultant
Merrie Harrison
Consultant
Donnie Taveras
Consultant
LaToya Tyson
Consultant
Get Involved
Through coaching, workshops, focus groups, and culture assessments, we uncover the real experiences within organizations. We help individuals and teams better understand identity, communication, and the challenges affecting their culture, bringing clarity to what needs to change.
