United Way of Western Connecticut values the uniqueness of the individual, the power of the collective good, and the importance of communities. We promote a climate that welcomes, understands, and respects the diversity of our donors, staff, volunteers, agencies, and communities in greater Danbury, Southern Litchfield County, and Stamford.
Dimensions of diversity include, but are not limited to, race, ethnicity, cultural orientation, national origin, language, religious beliefs, disability, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age, or any other legally protected characteristics in accordance with applicable federal, state, or local laws.
In September 2020, United Way of Western Connecticut began an Equity Working Group with dedicated volunteers and staff who care so deeply about United Way and the communities that we serve. This group’s racial equity journey serves as a way to educate ourselves, bring a new lens to our work, and empower our collective voices to inspire positive change.
We value the significance of having our volunteers and staff lend their voice, their perspective, and their talent to this very important work. The Board of Directors and senior management team’s aim has also been to provide leadership to ensure an environment that values diversity and operates in accordance with the following guiding principles:
- We are committed to inclusiveness as a core operating principle for our organization.
- We value, respect, and embrace diversity and are committed to incorporating practices that enhance and honor diversity in all areas of activity, including the recruitment, employment, training, and promotion of staff and volunteers, as applicable, from diverse backgrounds.
- We will not engage in or tolerate any form or act of discrimination or harassment and shall be vigilant against any such conduct.
- We shall be open and accessible to all.
- We shall demonstrate fair treatment for all.
At United Way, we strive to make our communities a place where everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive. Now, more than ever, we are committed to continuing to work together to support our local communities in promoting equity, being inclusive in our practices, and leveraging our differences as strengths.
This work and our commitment to it is ongoing. We will keep our community, donors, volunteers, advocates, and partners apprised as we move forward.