Diversity & Inclusion

United Way strives to be a model of diversity and inclusion. Our Board of Directors, staff and volunteers reflect the many faces, cultures and walks of life that proudly make up our community.

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.

di·ver·si·ty (d-vûrs-t, d-) n.: the quality of being different or unique at the individual or group level. This includes age; ethnicity; gender; gender identity; language differences; nationality; parental status; physical, mental and developmental abilities; race; religion; sexual orientation; skin color; socio-economic status; work and behavioral styles; the perspectives of each individual shaped by their nation, experiences and culture—and more. Even when people appear the same on the outside, they are different!

in·clu·sion (n-klzhn) n.: a strategy to leverage diversity. Diversity always exists in social systems. Inclusion, on the other hand, must be created. In order to leverage diversity, an environment must be created where people feel supported, listened to and able to do their personal best.

 

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.

United Way seeks to engage the entire community in our work without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, age, gender, gender identity and expression, disability, sexual orientation, veteran-status, familial status, or socio-economic status. That commitment will be reflected in all aspects of United Way’s work – service delivery, staffing, and volunteer participation.


 

United Way of the Blue Mountains believes that every person is entitled to a guarantee of fundamental human rights, freedoms, and dignity.

We are committed to the work of ensuring people of color have equal access to a good education, quality healthcare and financial stability.

United Way of the Blue Mountains’ staff, and Board of Directors are now and forever United Against Racism and United for Equity.

We believe that we must all do our part, working United, to make our communities the places that we need them to be – diverse, equitable, inclusive, respectful, and opportunity-filled.

Anti-Racism Resources

United Way Worldwide has compiled a list of suggested resources to deepen our understanding of systemic racism and the need to be engaged in anti-racism work. 

RESOURCES FOR PARENTS TO RAISE ANTI-RACIST CHILDREN:

Books:

Podcasts:

Articles:

 

ARTICLES TO READ:

 

VIDEOS TO WATCH:

 

PODCASTS TO SUBSCRIBE TO:

 

BOOKS TO READ:

 

FILMS AND TV SERIES TO WATCH:

  • 13th (Ava DuVernay) — Netflix
  • American Son (Kenny Leon) — Netflix
  • Black Power Mixtape: 1967-1975 — Available to rent
  • Blindspotting (Carlos López Estrada) — Hulu with Cinemax or available to rent
  • Clemency (Chinonye Chukwu) — Available to rent
  • Dear White People (Justin Simien) — Netflix
  • Fruitvale Station (Ryan Coogler) — Available to rent
  • I Am Not Your Negro (James Baldwin doc) — Available to rent or on Kanopy
  • If Beale Street Could Talk (Barry Jenkins) — Hulu
  • Just Mercy (Destin Daniel Cretton) — Available to rent for free in June in the U.S.
  • King In The Wilderness  — HBO
  • See You Yesterday (Stefon Bristol) — Netflix
  • Selma (Ava DuVernay) — Available to rent
  • The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution — Available to rent
  • The Hate U Give (George Tillman Jr.) — Hulu with Cinemax
  • When They See Us (Ava DuVernay) — Netflix

 

ORGANIZATIONS TO FOLLOW ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

 

MORE ANTI-RACISM RESOURCES TO CHECK OUT: