Commit to equity
take meaningful action to address the issues of racial equity and justice
The data shows...
...at systemic inequities are the root causes of intergenerational poverty among people of color, here in Rhode Island as elsewhere in this country.
Until we can make sure everyone has an equal shot at the starting line, our state will never reach its full potential. We hope you’ll join us in this journey to make sure Rhode Island is a place where every individual in each community has equal opportunity for justice and prosperity.
What do we mean by "equity?"
Racial equity is a reality in which a person is no more or less likely to experience society’s benefits or burdens just because of the color of their skin.
We are united.
Hundreds of individuals and organizations throughout the state have already pledged to support our LIVE UNITED 2025 strategic plan and take meaningful action to address the issues of racial equity and justice in Rhode Island.
See our partners in equity.
Join Equity Challenge 2024
Welcome to our Equity Challenge! This initiative aims to foster a deeper understanding and engagement around topics surrounding equity. Over the course of 7 days, employees throughout the state of Rhode Island will have the opportunity to participate in various activities, each designed to broaden perspectives and inspire meaningful conversations while demonstrating an individual and/or organizational commitment to equity.
Each day will be focused on the following topics:
- Wednesday, June 19th
- Topic: Justice
- Thursday, June 20th
- Topic: Equity
- Friday, June 21st
- Topic: Diversity
- Monday, June 24th
- Topic: Inclusion
- Tuesday, June 25th
- Topic: Accessibility
- Wednesday, June 26th
- Topic: Advocacy
- Thursday, June 27th
- Topic: Accomplice
For Organizations/Partners:
Call to action:
Demonstrate your organizations commitment to EQUITY by participating in the upcoming Equity Challenge, powered by United Way of Rhode Island!
Why join:
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) has moved well beyond “buzzwords” and towards action-oriented results that demonstrate internally and externally your commitment.
For employees:
Employees are yearning to learn more and connect to valuable resources and networks inside and outside their organization. This year’s challenge offers a variety of ways in which your employees can participate through your campaign partnership! Employers who invest in their employees ability to participate in learnings show an increased rate in retention, closing of the literacy gap, and a higher sense of belonging.
Ways your employees can participate:
- Read – For those who prefer to read, they can achieve the challenge by reading daily prompts and putting into practice the daily call to action.
- Watch – For those who prefer to watch, they can achieve the challenge by watching daily “shorts” and putting into practice the daily call to action.
- Listen – For those who prefer to listen, they can achieve the challenge by listening to daily recommended podcasts and other references and putting into practice the daily call to action.
- Attend – For those who prefer to participate in-person, they can achieve the challenge by attending daily opportunities across partner sites and putting into practice the daily call to action.
What’s in it for us as a business?
Community members, customers, employees and future talent have gained knowledge and awareness around the principles of equity which actively informs how and where they pour in their dollars and talents. Through the Equity Challenge, UWRI is offering organizations with a participation rate of 85% of all employees with a badge that publicly demonstrates their competency and commitment to equity. Badges can be proudly shown on website, social media, and email signatures.
Interested in registering a corporate group? Please contact Kevin Matta.
The Equity Challenge is a 7-day curated experience aimed at supporting the learning of individuals across various stages in their JEDI journey engage and enhance their understanding of equity-related topics.
Join Indigenous Peoples Equity Challenge
To deepen our understanding of Indigenous peoples and their lived experiences, United Way of Rhode Island and Tomaquag Museum have created an Indigenous Peoples Equity Challenge. The challenge launched in November 2022, and you can join at any time.
After registering, you'll receive a series of five weekday emails with resources, reflection questions, and actions to help build a more equitable Rhode Island. Each day will focus on a different theme.
Interested in registering a corporate group? Please contact Janice Pothier-Pac.
Please join us by signing this pledge:
"We commit to stand with the United Way of Rhode Island to unite our community and resources to build racial equity and opportunities for all Rhode Islanders. We pledge to take meaningful action to address the issues of racial equity and justice in Rhode Island."
learn about equity
Five Questions With: Roshni Darnal
Providence Business News
Roshni Darnal is the director of community investments for United Way of Rhode Island... where she manages the organization's strategic direction to address the needs of Rhode Islanders through its grantmaking processes… Darnal spoke with Providence Business News about those grantmaking changes and what it means for the nonprofit community moving forward.
FCARI: Prescription Delivery Services for Seniors
According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, 89% of adults 65 and older take prescription medicine. For seniors who have mobility issues or are unable to leave their homes to go to the pharmacy, using a prescription delivery service is a simple solution.
This resource provides seniors and their caregivers with the top prescription delivery services, information on financial assistance options, and guidance on choosing the best service for their specific needs. Learn more at: www.caring.com/best-prescription-delivery-services/
PBN announces 2023 Best Places to Work honorees
Providence Business News
Sixty-seven honorees, including United Way of Rhode Island, have been named by Providence Business News for its 2023 Best Places to Work Awards program... The honorees will be recognized June 7 for their efforts in a ceremony at Crowne Plaza Providence-Warwick in Warwick, where the company rankings in each category will be announced.
United Way Accepting Applications for Providence Equity Fund
In collaboration with the City of Providence and aligned with its mission to build racial equity and opportunities for all Rhode Islanders, United Way has issued a request for proposal (RFP) for the Providence Equity Fund grant program. Available funding is to support strategies that promote racial and social equity, economic mobility, and educational opportunities for underserved populations in Providence.
United Way Hosts 12th Children’s Book Drive
United Way of Rhode Island’s Children’s Book Drive is back! In April and May, we’re teaming up with Books Are Wings to help Rhode Island children build their own libraries at home. Join us by buying and shipping books, dropping off books at one of our collection sites, or hosting a drive.
United Way Selects Leaders for Executive Director Learning Circle
Laser-focused on its work to support the needs of the state’s nonprofit community… United Way of Rhode Island has kicked off its latest Executive Director Learning Circle. The organization has selected 11 local nonprofit leaders to participate in the yearlong program that focuses on strategic development and increasing their organizations’ capacity to deliver their social impact work.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Women United Sip and Shop Event
Thursday, April 25, 2024
2 - 6 p.m
J.McLaughlin
497 Angell St, Providence 02906
Join us for an exclusive Sip and Shop event where you can indulge in some retail therapy. Bring along your friends for a day of fashion, fun, and fabulous finds, all while learning about Women United.
For more information, contact Karen.Alzate@unitedwayri.org