INCLUSION, DIVERSITY AND EQUITY
United Way’s Equity Vision
Inclusion
Authentically bringing traditionally excluded individuals and/or groups into processes, activities, and decision/policy-making in a way that shares power.
Diversity
Each individual is unique, and groups of individuals reflect multiple dimensions of difference including race, ethnicity, gender, class, sexual orientation, age, physical abilities, religious beliefs, political beliefs, and cognitive styles.
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.
United Way’s Equity Vision
We recognize structural racism and other forms of oppression that have contributed to persistent disparities that 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 ensures 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.
Equity Fund
Heart of Missouri United Way recognizes some needs in the community are going unaddressed by our Community Impact 3-year grant cycle model. Our Equity Fund makes grants for strategic engagement, awareness building, and advocacy to create more equitable communities.
Make your investment to advance equity today. Donate now.
We affirm
We affirm the inherent dignity and value of every person and strive to maintain a climate for work and learning based on mutual respect and understanding.
We affirm
We affirm the right of each person to express thoughts and opinions freely. We encourage open expression within a climate of civility, sensitivity, and mutual respect.
We affirm
We affirm the value of human diversity because it enriches our lives and our organizations. We acknowledge and respect our differences while affirming our common humanity.
We reject
We reject all forms of prejudice and discrimination including those based on age, color, diverse ability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, and veteran status. We take individual and collective responsibility for helping to eliminate bias, and discrimination and for increasing our own understanding of these issues through education, training, and interaction with others.
We pledge
We pledge our collective commitment to incorporate these principles into the Heart of Missouri United Way’s mission and strategic plan.
The Heart of Missouri United Way is a company of diverse individuals possessing a variety of perspectives, identities, and lived experiences. We recognize that to create an inclusive and intellectually vibrant community, we must understand and value both our individual differences and collective similarities. The Principles of Community are aspirational statements that embody this commitment and reflect the ideals we seek to uphold. Therefore, we adopt and practice the following principles as fundamental to our ongoing efforts to increase access and inclusion and to create a community that nurtures learning and growth for all of its members:
