Our Comittment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

United Way of Putnam recognizes diversity, equity and inclusion as core values that are critical to achieving our mission to improve lives.  To achieve lasting change in community conditions and improve people’s lives, United Way values diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of our work.

We recognize diversity as an asset that enables our organization to understand and value differences.  We actively seek collaborations with differing identities, like race, ethnicity, nationality, disability, gender-identify, sexual orientation, religion, and age. By bringing together individuals with unique backgrounds, experiences, and ways of thinking, we can collectively and more effectively address the issues facing our communities.

Equity ensures everyone access to opportunities for a healthy and safe life. We recognize that advantages and barriers exist, and that, as a result, we all don’t all start from the same place. Equity is a process that continues to address the imbalance.  We place a priority on support for vulnerable populations with our investments and our partnerships.

We strive to maintain a collaborative, supportive, and respectful environment that increases the participation and contribution of all. Our United Way values inclusion–the active, intentional, and ongoing engagement with diversity within a culture that enables all people to be welcomed, valued, respected, and heard.

Through partnerships with nonprofits, local government, businesses, community advocates and volunteers, we are building a just and fair community in which all can participate, prosper, and reach their full potential.   The United Way Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, and community partners must reflect and genuinely demonstrate these core values because diversity, equity and inclusion are at the heart of what it means to live united.