About us
Metro Organization for Racial and Economic Equity (or MORE², pronounced “More Squared”) is Kansas City’s première faith based community organizing group, comprised of dozens of congregations (interfaith), non for profits, and individual members. We cross the lines that divide us, race, religion, geography, age, ethnicity, etc, to build relationships and, ultimately, power, to transform our communities.
Our work is led by our members. Our membership is made up of diverse congregations from many faith traditions and individuals who believe we can create a more equitable metropolitan area. Being a member gives you opportunities to build relationships, be an active part of our work, and shape the future of equity in our region. If that sounds like you, we would love for you to join us.
Training and Developing Faith & Community Leaders
We serve the greater Kansas City region, with a shared mission of justice and equity, believing that ordinary people coming together can build more equitable communities.
Much of our work is behind the scenes, joining with congregations and community groups to train and develop leaders. We prioritize relationships among our members, within congregations and the broad community. We bring those congregation members together around shared interests, training and developing them to be the leaders who directly impact changes.
Our community-focused, leader-centric model creates real change. We train our members to seek changes that are winnable, and our membership has an impressive track record of winning public policy and systemic changes that have improved outcomes and changed lives in both Kansas and Missouri. With the collective power of our community, we turn belief into results.
JOIN OUR comMUNITY
Working with us is more than a good cause—it’s a chance to be part of a dynamic community that will connect you with other advocates, grow you as a leader, and make a tangible difference in our world.
Our members are the true leaders of our organization. By becoming a member, you can help guide our work to transform our community—and the world.
You can also give a monetary investment to amplify our work.
Medicaid Expansion in Missouri
In August of 2020, Missouri voters
approved a vote for Medicaid Expansion.
We worked in coalition with MOVE
to get it on the ballot and passed!
Food Stamp Bill
In May of 2014, the state legislature passed a bill, (CURLS) to eliminate the lifetime ban on Food Stamps for people with drug related felonies in Missouri. We worked on this bill for nearly SIX YEARS and it was written by MORE² staff.
Saved KCPS From Charter Takeover
In December of 2013, we broke the biggest story in the state when we revealed "hidden emails" between the state and local foundations who were trying to decimate Kansas City Public Schools in favor of an all charter school district.
Chief Ziegler Retired (EARLY) From KCKPD
In June of 2019, we publicly demanded that Chief Terry Zieler, one time partner of shady, scandalous detective Roger Golubski, be fired from KCKPD. In July, he announced his (early) retirement!
Safe and Welcoming Passing in KCK
In February of 2022, the Unified
Government of Wyandotte County
passed an ordinance to give municipal
ID's to immigrants and others. We
worked on this for years with org's like
ACLU of Kansas.
Opportunities for Black Owned Businesses
In 2020, Councilwoman Melissa Robinson
and MORE² worked together to get Black Owned Businesses greater contract opportunities with the City of Kansas City.
Chief Smith Retired Early
We demanded multiple changes from him, to no avail, like not putting officers back to work after they killed someone until after an investigation. In March of 2022, Chief Smith announced that he would be retiring.
Modified Liquor Licenses
In 2014, the city modified its Liquor License Ordinance to give more opportunities for people with felonies to get jobs in restaurants. We modified it three times before it was ultimately banned last year; now, no low wage workers have to get a liquor license in KC!
Community Benefits Agreement MODOT Bridge
In 2008, working with National Gamaliel Partners, Full Employment Council, and Missouri Dept. of Transportation, we developed a Community Benefits Agreement to ensure jobs for women and people of color building the Kit Bond Bridge!
Sunday Bus Routes
In 2010, Wyandotte County, KS, approved additional bus routes on Sundays.
Lamonte McIntyre Exonerated
In October of 2017, Lamonte McIntyre was exonerated in Wyandotte County, after serving nearly 24 years in prison for a crime he didn't commit, exposing decades of corruption by KCKPD, courts, and prosecutors. We were there in the courtroom when he was released!
Honest Conversations on Race
When Mike Brown, Jr. was tragically killed by a Ferguson, Missouri police officer, we launched a series of conversations on race in our congregations, training over 900 individuals!
Ban the Box Johnson County
In June of 2016, Johnson County, Kansas County Executive Hannes Zacharias supported our demands to 'Ban the Box,' removing the criminal history questions off all employment applications for Johnson Co. government jobs, increasing access to 2,000 job opportunities for people with convictions.