Women's Leadership Council

What is the Women's Leadership Council?

The Women's Leadership Council (WLC), a United Way of Rhode Island initiative, brings women together as a unique driving force and inspires them to ignite their passion for leading change in the community. Our focus is on closing the gaps in early childhood literacy.

Here is why this work is so important. Today in Rhode Island:

• two-thirds of low income families do not have a single book in their home.
• 1 in 3 fourth graders are not proficient in reading. That number moves to 1 in 2 for low-income students.
• Rhode Island has the second lowest fourth grade literacy level in New England.

Literacy is a foundational key to a child's success in school, and all too often, children fall through the cracks. The WLC is looking to spread the word, foster collaboration, build support, provide volunteer opportunities, and mobilize the power of women to address this critical issue. Together we can ensure that every child in Rhode Island can read by the end of the third grade.

The benefits are many and include:

• Networking with like-minded women and helping to enhance the lives of others.
• Attending WLC activities, volunteer projects and special events.
• Increasing the value of women's philanthropy in Rhode Island.
• Learning about community issues, agencies and programs receiving United Way support.
• Membership in United Way's Keel Club or Tocqueville Society.

Membership

All women giving at the leadership level of $1,000 or more to United Way's Community Impact Fund (individually or combined with their spouse/ partner) are invited to join WLC. With its five distinct avenues of expression - Philanthropy, Volunteering, Mentoring, Networking, and Advocacy - the Women's Leadership Council makes it possible for you to make a profound difference in a way that celebrates your unique style and preferences.

The women of WLC are executives, mothers, daughters, sisters, friends, leaders, doers, and givers. All united behind one powerful cause: helping to ensure that children succeed in school and in life. That's what WLC is all about. Join the movement and tap into your power.