ABOUT US
MISSION
We believe that when given the opportunity, all youth can succeed and thrive. We use sports and the arts to promote healthy behaviors and help develop concentration, communication, teamwork, creativity, compassion, empathy and leadership in young people. We emphasize positive role modeling, interactivity, and fun in all of our activities. Our programming currently includes public health and drowning prevention camps, a youth public health ambassadors program, service learning trips, impactful community-led research, and more. All our programs are inspired by respect, benefit, sustainability, and joy .
HISTORY
Energy in Action, previously known as Ray United FC, began in 2014 after Ray Wipfli first visited Uganda with his mother. During his trip he discovered the power of sports like soccer (football) to break through cultural barriers and generate teamwork between people with vastly different backgrounds. He initially leveraged his experience to fundraise for soccer camps that provide professional soccer coaching to youth in rural Ugandan communities, as well as provide public health education and leadership training. What started as annual soccer and health camps has grown into a powerful movement dedicated to harnessing the energy of youth to advance health, education, and opportunity in communities throughout Uganda and beyond.
The organization is run by a small group of international volunteers and paid country staff. Ray Wipfli remains the Chief Executive Officer, providing oversight and input on all organizational activities alongside Heather Wipfli, who serves as the overall Chief Operating Officer. The Organizational Board is comprised of 13 invested individuals who meet twice a year to review the organizations activities and financial management. Meet our Board Members!
PARTNERS
We have a number of core partners that make our programs possible. Our longest lasting partnerships are with the University of Southern California's Global Research, Implementation, and Training Lab and Makerere University. Students and faculty from both schools consistently serve as EIA facilitators, trainers, and researchers. Other core partners include Reach a Hand Uganda, Children's Chance International and Swim Safe Uganda. Through these partners we also work closely with a host of other agencies, including the US Peace Corps, Ugandan Ministry of Health, Uganda Swimming Federation, Uganda Swim Coaches Association, and the Uganda Scouts.