Introduction

America stands at a crossroads, a moment both challenging and full of possibility. Yet, within this struggle lies an opportunity—to rediscover the shared values and aspirations that have the power to bring us together. By working toward a collective vision grounded in hope, fairness, and belonging, we can begin to confront the forces that divide us and build a nation where individuals are respected, valued, and have a meaningful place in shaping our shared future.


2024 marked a turning point for EPU as we continued to refine and focus our programming. What sets EPU apart is our deep, data-driven understanding of the region and its people, combined with our commitment to applying behavioral science in ways that drive measurable progress. One of our most important lessons, though challenging, was the realization that true, transformative results require engaging two levers of change simultaneously. By addressing both individual behaviors and the larger systems in which they operate, we aim to create a sense of connection, understanding, and progress that uplifts entire communities and the individuals within them.


In 2024, we worked toward this vision:

  • 49 Unum Fellows are either leading or launching impactful community-focused initiatives with the support of our team of policy advisors and learning partners.
  • We announced two new cohorts of our Unum Academy, bringing together Southern college students from 12 states to cultivate the next generation of collaborative, compassionate leaders.
  • We continued to curate and resource a network for healing, collaboration, and shared understanding through our Unum Alliance—a group of over 60 community organizations, academic institutions, faith-based groups, and government-affiliated programs working toward connection and opportunity for all.

Our multimedia partner series with the award-winning media outlet The Bitter Southerner continues to share powerful stories of transformation and how communities across the South are creating change through the work of our Unum Fellows. A new podcast, Reimagining Us, co-hosted by EPU’s Eminent Scholar Dr. Nichole Argo and EPU Executive Director Scott Hutcheson, has quickly become an invaluable resource for audiences looking to bridge divides in their communities by exploring the science behind human behavior as a tool to address polarization.


Our policy team also released EPU’s 2024 Policy Priorities and Principles, which serve as an educational guide to building systems of fairness, belonging, and opportunity. These include insights on 9 crucial legislative issue areas and 26 detailed issue briefs that provide a blueprint for driving sustainable and meaningful change. Additionally, through government relations programming and direct collaboration with policymakers, we’ve worked to advance these priorities on the ground. Between our visits and the efforts of our Fellows, we are fostering progress rooted in purpose across over 50 communities in 13 Southern states.


This is just a snapshot of EPU’s work and success in 2024. Through every program and initiative, EPU is striving to build a South—and a nation—where fairness, opportunity, and a shared sense of belonging are a reality for all. Read on to discover the full impact EPU has had across the American South this year and what’s ahead!

Read the Report Below!

https://www.unumfund.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Final-Draft-Progress-with-Purpose-1.pdf