Diversity and inclusion
UWRC Anti-Racism Policy
Adopted 8/25/2021
United Way of the River Cities recognizes that structural racism, ethnic discrimination, and other forms of oppression have contributed to racially-based disparities that have existed in the past and persist in the present.
We acknowledge that these inequities are the result of policies and practices that work to marginalize entire populations of people.
We unequivocally denounce racism and ethnic discrimination because they undermine the well-being and vitality of our communities.
We envision a community where everyone has the tools and opportunity to thrive. To make this a reality we strive to engage community members, especially those whose voices have traditionally been marginalized, in the shared work of achieving equity and empowerment. We are committed to racial equity both internally through our work environment, and externally through our community partners.
We commit to creating and upholding a more equitable and thriving River Cities by leveraging all of our assets alongside our partners, through collaboration, strategic investments, education, and advocacy.
Equity Statement
United Way of the River Cities stands in solidarity with community members and other organizations calling for systemic change to address racial disparities, here at home and across the nation. United, we must end the entrenched inequities and injustices that endanger the dignity, future, and lives of people in our community. EVERYONE deserves to live in a society where they are respected, protected, and safe to be who they are.
Our mission is to partner with our diverse community to solve its greatest challenges. In light of recent events, we are committing to look first at our own diversity, equity, and inclusion practices and take steps to improve them. We will actively strive to use our platforms to amplify the voices that need to be heard but have not always been counted, and we will seek dialog with community leaders, non-profit partners, and members of our community to define United Way of the River Cities’ most effective role in forward-looking solutions. In these ways we hope to use our power and privilege to shape positive change.
The way forward must include all of us, thriving together. This is truly the time to LIVE UNITED.
United Way of the River Cities strives to be a model of diversity and inclusion. Our board, supporters, team, and volunteers reflect the many faces, cultures and walks of life that proudly make up our world.
We respect, value and celebrate the unique attributes, characteristics and perspectives that make each person who they are. We also believe that bringing diverse individuals together allows us to collectively and more effectively address the issues that face our communities. It is our aim, therefore, that our partners, strategies and investments reflect these core values.
Statement of Principle
More than 125 years ago, the diverse community leaders who founded United Way crossed cultural, religious and economic boundaries to make a difference through collective action. Today, diversity and inclusion remain vital to achieving our mission, living our values and advancing the common good.
United Way fosters and promotes an inclusive environment that leverages the unique contributions of diverse individuals and organizations so that we can collectively and effectively create opportunities for a better life for all.
United Way takes the broadest possible view of diversity, going beyond visible differences to affirm the essence of all individuals including the realities, background, experiences, skills and perspectives that make each person who they are. Engaging the power of diverse talent and partners results in innovative solutions and the community ownership necessary to address complex community issues.
Diversity and inclusion are at the heart of what it means to LIVE UNITED.
