Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

At United Way of Greater Kansas City, we know that unfair treatment based on race, ethnicity, gender, age, ability, religion, sexual orientation & gender identity, class, language, immigration status, and more, have created opportunity gaps for many people, both in the past and today. These problems didn’t happen by accident—they are the result of systems, rules, and laws that have left entire communities out.  

As an organization, we strongly stand against racism and discrimination in all forms because it harms the communities we serve. We work with both public and private partners to create solutions aimed at building equity and opportunity for all. We use our combined resources, networks and voice to help make our communities a place where everyone can belong and thrive. 

Statement Opposing Racial and Ethnic Discrimination

We all have a collective responsibility to be informed and to seek justice for every member of our community. The Kansas City region has significant disparities in health, youth opportunity, financial security, and community resiliency. We are committed in working to disrupt inequitable systems, structural racism, and all forms of discrimination and inequity that perpetuate injustice for our neighbors, and this will always remain a critical component of our work. 

Discrimination and unfair treatment don’t happen by chance—they stem from systems and rules built to exclude certain groups. Unfortunately, those same systems continue to reinforce the problem. Discrimination shows up in different ways, and because people have many pieces of their identity, they can face multiple kinds of discrimination at once. 

At United Way, we stand firmly against every form of discrimination, no matter its basis, that subject someone to unfair treatment based on who they are or the unique experiences that shape them. We recognize how an individual’s identities connect and are committed to building a more just and inclusive community for all. 

United Way’s goal is to mobilize people and resources from across our region to drive solutions and opportunities so that everyone can thrive, particularly those from marginalized communities and backgrounds.

To do this, we will:

SUPPORT the leaders from across our region, including those in historically marginalized communities, to work intentionally and collaboratively with those individuals and organizations who share our aspiration to create a path toward a more equitable and just society.

PARTNER with the community to create solutions that support our most underserved communities and create lasting change.

INVEST in and uplift organizations that serve and are led by members of historically marginalized communities.

COMMIT to an ongoing and purposeful journey of listening, learning, and growing as an organization that holds our leadership, our staff and our partners accountable in this work.

We continue to stand in solidarity with those who have been systematically targeted with disparate treatment and denied equal opportunity, and we remain resolute in our commitment to fight against injustice everywhere.

Digital Accessibility Statement