Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

We recognize structural racism, ethnic discrimination and other forms of oppression have contributed to racial disparities that have existed in the past and persist in the present. We acknowledge those inequities are the result of policies and practices that work to marginalize entire populations of people. We unequivocally denounce racism/ethnic discrimination because it undermines the well-being and vitality of our communities. Our staff, board and volunteers seek to dismantle disparities and strives to engage residents and community members, especially those whose voices have traditionally been marginalized, in the shared work of fortifying equity and empowerment. We work with public and private partners to co-create solutions that ensure everyone has the resources, support, opportunities and networks they need to thrive. We commit to leveraging all of our assets (e.g., convening, strategic investments, awareness building, advocacy) to create more equitable communities.

Statement Opposing Racial and Ethnic Discrimination

We all have a collective responsibility to be informed community members and to seek justice for every member of our community. The Kansas City region has massive disparities in health, education, and financial stability. We remain committed to working to disrupt inequitable systems, structural racism, and all forms of discrimination and inequity that perpetuate injustice in the Kansas City region, as this will always remain a critical component of our work.

Discrimination and inequity results from, as well as creates policies and practices that were intentionally designed to produce injustices. However, discrimination and inequity take different forms and the intersecting nature of identity means people can experience multiple inequities simultaneously. We at UWGKC oppose discrimination based on race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, religion, abilities, gender, gender identity, immigration status, national origin, lived experiencesand the intersection of those identities.

United Way’s goal is to mobilize the collective generosity of Kansas City and co-create opportunities for people to thrive, particularly those from historically marginalized communities and backgrounds.

To do this, we will:

SUPPORT the leaders of our historically marginalized communities and 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 co-create solutions that lift up our most underserved communities and create lasting change.

INVEST in and support 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 for disparate treatment and denied equal opportunity, and we remain resolute in our commitment to fight against injustice everywhere.