United Way of Central Indiana

MISSION We partner to design, support and grow systems that accelerate financial stability and upward mobility for individuals and families living in or near poverty and striving for a brighter future. VISION Central Indiana will be a community where children, individuals and families thrive; neighbors care for each other; and we are proud of all our residents’ quality of life. United Way of Central Indiana is united with our community in opposing racial and ethnic discrimination. We acknowledge that racism and ethnic discrimination, both implicit and explicit, exists in our community and presents significant barriers to the achievement of economic well-being and quality of life for many in the communities we serve. United Way is committed to listening, learning, and amplifying the voices of all our neighbors. We will do so in a manner that demonstrates respect for all. We will bring our resources, influence, and convening leverage to the table to address systemic racial and ethnic discrimination that limits opportunities for a disproportionate and growing number of people in Central Indiana. While we cannot promise perfection, we are committed to accelerating progress toward racial and ethnic equity as individuals, as an organization, and as an active community leader. Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity Inclusion: We strive to maximize our impact on the community by creating and sustaining an environment that leverages the creativity and innovation that result from the unique perspectives that individuals bring. We believe that our community is best served when diversity and inclusion are embedded in everything we do. As such, we encourage the active participation of our team; including our employees, volunteers, donors, advocates and community partners. Diversity refers to the similarities and differences, both visible and invisible, that exist among people. Diversity includes values, beliefs, lifestyles, abilities, ethnicities, ages, genders, experiences, thinking styles, backgrounds, orientations, behaviors, cultures, socioeconomic status and the innumerable other aspects that shape an individual’s personality and unique identity. Equity is the intentional inclusion of everyone in society. Equity is achieved when systemic, institutional, and historical barriers based on race, gender, sexual orientation, and other identities are dismantled and no longer predict socioeconomic, education, and health outcomes. Inclusion is inviting and embracing the full breadth of perspectives, fully engaging those perspectives, and leveraging them to achieve our individual and collective potential. Inclusion requires action. Inclusion is more than accommodating or allowing diversity. It is about building strength through the inherent value of diversity and seeing it as a fundamental part of all we do. It requires a focus on how each of us makes decisions and a willingness to recognize and eliminate barriers to inclusion.