Equity
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the heart of what it means to LIVE UNITED.
At the center of the UNITED to THRIVE model is Equity, because the only way our community can thrive is if every central Iowa has the same opportunity to thrive. Equity is inherent in our work, as significant disparities exist in our community and our society. By overtly focusing on equity issues across all five elements of a thriving community, we ensure that our work is designed to ensure equitable access in every area of our work.
Equity & Disparity
Examining outcomes through an equity lens is one component used to inform our resource investment decisions. Equity considerations will be a key part of our strategy development and evaluation across the 5 elements of a thriving community. Specifically, United Way will integrate equity into its work in the following ways:
- We will seek every opportunity to be a prominent, consistent, and resolute voice in central Iowa on issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Equity principles will be incorporated into our investment and grant making processes.
- We will set goals to diversify our board, various cabinets and other volunteer leadership positions.
- We will set goals to improve engagement from diverse donors, advocates, and volunteers.
- And we will find opportunities to diversify our vendor, corporate, and community partnerships.
- We will develop and promote volunteer opportunities focused on supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
- We will advocate for policies at the local, state, and federal level that address root causes of disparity and inequity.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement
United Way of Central Iowa strives to be a model of diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of our work. We seek to represent and advocate for the many people who proudly make up our community and we value and promote inclusiveness in all aspects of our work. The organization employs and promotes individuals, recruits volunteers, and partners with programs that inclusively support the diversity of our local community.
In all levels of staff and governance, United Way of Central Iowa is dedicated to greater diversity within the organization and to providing equal opportunity to people, without regard to race, religion, skin color, gender, national origin, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental abilities, genetic information, pregnancy, disability, age, family or marital status, veteran status and socio-economic status or other characteristics protected by applicable law.
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