Our Commitment to Advancing Equity

“Equity is the intentional inclusion of everyone in society.  Equity is achieved when systemic, institutional, and historical barriers based on race, gender, sexual orientation, and other identities are dismantled and no longer predict socioeconomic, education, and health outcomes.” (from the United Way Worldwide Equity Framework)

We recognize structural racism and other forms of oppression have contributed to persistent disparities which United Way seeks to dismantle. Our United Way network strives to engage community members, especially those whose voices have traditionally been marginalized. We work with residents and public and private partners to co-create solutions that ensure everyone has the resources, support, opportunities, and networks they need to thrive. We commit to leveraging all of our assets (convening, strategic investments, awareness building, advocacy) to create more equitable communities. 

So what do we do about it?  Well, let’s start by stating the obvious:  United Way cannot and will not do this alone.  We have incredible leaders and organizations in our community that have been working toward justice for many years and we hope that our work will come alongside their longstanding commitment as well as elevate the voices of people who are most directly impacted by systemic injustice.

Equity isn’t a program.  This can’t be said enough.  We are committed to using the framework established by United Way Worldwide to ensure that equity is a part of all of our work.  

Our Goals

1. Reach and impact more diverse ALICE households

2. Working with both board, staff and external stakeholders, develop a clear action plan for our internal and external operations to ensure a solid foundation of equity in all that we do.

3. Support our funded community partners in conducting an equity audit

Our Commitment

In partnership and solidarity with United Ways throughout our network, we recognize structural racism, ethnic discrimination and other forms of oppression have contributed to racial disparities that have existed in the past and persist in the present.  We acknowledge those inequities are the result of policies and practices that work to marginalize entire populations of people.  We unequivocally denounce racism/ethnic discrimination because it undermines the well-being and vitality of our communities.  Our United Way seeks to dismantle disparities and strives to engage residents and community members, especially those whose voices have traditionally been marginalized, in the shared work of fortifying equity and empowerment.