Berrien Forward is a nonpartisan civic organization building power, voice, and participation across Berrien County, one conversation at a time.
Meet Our Director
“My name is Chokwe Pitchford and I have been the Executive Director of Berrien Forward for the last four years.
In that time we have grown from a small startup nonprofit with a single angel donor into a $1,000,000 entity with over 250 unique donors, Labor Union funding, and massive civic education events across Berrien County”.
Our Story
Berrien Forward was founded on a simple belief: lasting civic change happens when people are engaged where they live, work, and gather. We are proud to serve working families, students, and residents across Benton Harbor, Saint Joseph, and every community in Berrien County.
We are organizers, canvassers, volunteers, and neighbors. We show up at doors, at events, and in conversations across every corner of Berrien County. We connect residents to information on voting, labor rights, housing, and public safety and we help them take action.
This is not campaign work. This is community work, sustained year-round, built on trust and relationships.
Our Approach
Three ways Berrien Forward shows up for residents across every corner of Berrien County.
On the Ground
Knocking doors and making calls to reach residents where they are.
In the Community
Events and programs connecting residents to issues that shape their lives.
Building Leaders
Training volunteers and young people to organize and lead.
Vision
Berrien County, from Benton Harbor to Saint Joseph and across Southwest Michigan, is home to working families, students, long-time residents, and new voices who deserve to be heard in the decisions that shape their lives.
Our Team
Led by local organizers, Berrien Forward is guided by Executive Director Chokwe’s civic leadership and commitment to community power.
President
Director
Director
Secretary
Chair of Programs
Chair of Finance
Member
Initiatives
Your gift directly funds the canvassers, programs, and community events that keep Berrien County moving forward.
Local Presence
Proven Impact
True Partnership
