About Us

 Statement OF PRINCIPLE on Equity, diversity, and Inclusions 

Our vision at United Way is that all people have an equal opportunity to succeed. We believe that a community, or an economy, cannot be truly successful unless everyone in that community succeeds, most especially those with the least. We recognize structural racism and other forms of oppression have contributed to persistent disparities that United Way seeks to dismantle.

Our United Way network strives to engage community members, especially those whose voices have traditionally been marginalized. We work with residents, and 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 (convening, strategic investments, awareness building, advocacy) to create more equitable communities. 

We actualize our vision by trying to ensure that all people have access to education, an opportunity to provide a livelihood for themselves and their families, and access to affordable quality health care.  We also have made a real and deep commitment to the work of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. The killings of George Floyd in Minneapolis and Breonna Taylor in Louisville are just the latest examples of excessive and deadly force used against Black people by police in the U.S., and the inadequate response of the justice system to the racist killings of Ahmaud Arbery and others—the list goes on and on—makes it clear that we have to act.   

For 130+ years, United Way has worked to bring communities together. We know that communities are stronger not when they embrace hatred and distrust, but when they welcome diversity and address difficult problems based on the principles of equal rights and equal opportunity. 

Our society will make the most progress when every one of us can contribute and share ideas, and have their basic rights and dignity respected. Now, more than ever, we must embrace ideas that unify us and make us stronger. To live better, we must Live United. 

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, & INCLUSION ARE AT THE HEART OF WHAT IT MEANS TO LIVE UNITED

United Way fosters and promotes an inclusive environment that leverages the unique contributions of diverse individuals and organizations so that we can collectively and effectively create opportunities for a better life for all. United Way takes the broadest possible view of diversity, going beyond visible differences to affirm the essence of all individuals including the realities, identities, background, experiences, skills and perspectives that make each person who they are.  Engaging the power of diverse talent and Community Impact Partners results in innovative solutions and the community ownership necessary to address complex community issues.

United Way of Douglas County is committed to serving all people in Douglas County with dignity and respect. To ‘Live United’ means supporting all people, celebrating the diversity of everyone including socioeconomic status, race and ethnicity, ability, age, religion, national origin, gender identity and/or expression, or sexual orientation.

United Way of Douglas County is creating a more equitable community for us all. Through partnerships with nonprofits, local government, businesses, community advocates and volunteers, we are building a just and fair Douglas County with equitable inclusion in which all can participate, prosper, and reach their full potential. 

 CLICK HERE TO LEARN ABOUT OUR RACIAL eQUITY COMMUNITY FUND 

United Way will practice nondiscrimination in the employment and promotion of staff, recruitment and utilization of volunteers and in the delivery of services to clients.