How is United Way addressing the issue of systemic racism in our region?
The entire team at United Way is deeply committed to our mission, to unite the goodwill and resources of our community so everyone can thrive. We believe that working to eradicate systemic and structural racism is a key part of this role.
We work tirelessly to address disparities and increase opportunities by funding partners that improve health, education and economic mobility for local people.
We also lead and actively participate in activities that harness the collective will and resources of organizations and individuals across our region. For instance, United Way was one of the first to join the Racial Equity and Justice Initiative (REJI) in our area; we are the host, fiscal agent, and an active participant with the Rochester-Monroe Anti-Poverty Initiative (RMAPI); we play an active and coordinating role with the Monroe County Systems Integration Project; United Way serves as a convener for ROC the Future; we plan and host speakers on critical topics for United Way’s own Leadership Giving Networks and United Way conducts some of our region’s most recognized Leadership Development Programs, including AALDP, LLDP, and PLDP, to help increase the diversity of our community’s future leaders.
We require all of our Community Impact Fund Partners to abide by RMAPI’s guiding principles in order to receive United Way funding.
We are also deeply committed to the growth of our own team, conducting regular workshops and lunch-and-learn events for United Way employees.
United Way is a 100+ year-old organization that has been committed to community improvements since our inception. But we recognize there is more to be done, and we are increasing our efforts. We cannot have a thriving community until racial equity and justice are achieved.