Women United
A growing, global force of 75,000+ women in 165 countries
WOMEN UNITED MEMBERS ARE CHANGING RHODE ISLAND.
Vision Statement
Women United envisions a future where all children in Rhode Island have equitable access to educational opportunities to thrive. Through leadership, advocacy, and community engagement, we aim to increase access to safe and supportive environments where children can learn and grow.
Mission Statement
Women United’s mission is to engage and mobilize the power and leadership of women through education, philanthropy, advocacy, and service. Focusing on early childhood education and out-of-school learning opportunities, Women United leaders drive measurable change, empowering communities and shaping brighter futures for generations of Rhode Islanders to come. Give Now to Support Women United View Recent NewsletterEVENTS
Women United Book Club ReadsProfessional Troublemaker by Luvvie Ajayi Jones
Wednesday April 30th
Join us for an engaging book club experience as we dive into Professional Troublemaker by Luvvie Ajayi Jones! This powerful read encourages us to face our fears, speak up with courage, and embrace boldness in our everyday lives. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Luvvie or discovering her work for the first time, this book club offers a space to connect, reflect, and grow alongside fellow readers. Don’t miss out-let’s turn the pages together and spark some meaningful conversations!
https://uwriweb.org/comm/SinglePageRegEvent.jsp?EventKeyHex=3135383236
Advocacy 101Wednesday June 4th 5pm via Zoom (in person TBD)
Led by Peggy
Peggy Afonso, Program Officer, Policy & AdvocacyReady to make a difference? Join us for Advocacy 101, a dynamic training designed to equip you with the tools and strategies to effectively advocate for the causes you care about. Learn how to share your story, engage with policymakers, and drive meaningful change in your community. Whether you’re new to advocacy or looking to sharpen your skills, this training will empower you to amplify your voice and take action. Don’t miss this opportunity to become a stronger advocate for the issues that matter most!
https://uwriweb.org/comm/SinglePageRegEvent.jsp?EventKeyHex=3135373834
Advocacy 102The Public Policy team at United Way of Rhode Island invites you to Advocacy 102; a follow up to the June 4th Advocacy 101.
Please join Peggy Desjarlais, Housing and Economic Development Policy Program Officer at United Way of Rhode Island, for Advocacy 102 for Women United on September 24, 2025 from 5:00 to 6:30 PM at United Way’s office, 50 Valley Street, Providence, RI 02909.
Peggy will expand upon the initial training, diving deeper into Policy and Advocacy and how you can make a difference! (No need to have attended 101 to attend this session!)
https://uwriweb.org/comm/SinglePageRegEvent.jsp?EventKeyHex=3136323230
Speaker Series: Women United – Global to Local Impact Celebrate the power of Women United-from global leadership to community action right here in Rhode Island. Join us virtually and hear inspiring stories of Women United’s influence, creative member engagement, and the tangible results of our Community Impact Fund-including the work of grant award recipients making a difference for families across Rhode Island.📅 Date: Friday, September 19, 2025
⏰ Time: 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. (EST)
📍 Location: Virtual (link provided upon registration)
🔗 Register Today: https://uwriweb.org/comm/SinglePageRegEvent.jsp?EventKeyHex=3136363030
Impact Groups Nonprofit Panel Impact Groups Nonprofit Panel- Addressing the Youth Mental Health Crisis: Advocacy, Investment, and Disrupting Barriers This in-person panel will bring together youth advocates, nonprofit partners, and community leaders to explore how advocacy, investment, and collaboration can strengthen family stability, empower youth, and disrupt barriers to care. Together, we’ll highlight innovative community solutions and inspire collective action through philanthropy, volunteerism, and policy engagement-all to build a healthier, more equitable future for Rhode Island’s next generation.|
Panelists Include: With an introduction by Dr. Daisy Bassen from Thrive Behavioral Health |
Event Details:
Date: Thursday, November 20, 2025
Time: 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Location: United Way Rhode Island
50 Valley Street, Providence, RI 02903
Networking & light appetizers provided
Why join?
Women United members generously donate $1,000 or more annually to United Way of Rhode Island’s impactful work.The benefits of Women United membership include:
- Belonging to a community of like-minded women who share their time, talent and treasure
- Volunteering alongside others who want to make a difference
- Collaborating with business and community leaders
- Helping young Rhode Islanders with literacy opportunities, including STEM
- Participating in fun and educational members-only events
- Power of Women signature event: preferred tickets, preferred seating
- Opportunity to join and participate in Women United committees
- Women United members are “at the table” with both the United Way of Rhode Island Board and the Community Advisory Board
- Participation in members Facebook and LinkedIn groups
For more information, please contact Bethany Wood at bethany.wood@unitedwayri.org.
Already a Women United member?
Joining one of our social media groups – or both – is a great way to keep up to date with all our activities. You can find them on Facebook here and LinkedIn here.
In the News Press Releases In the News See all news
More than farming, Southside Community Land Trust is a lifeline for RI families: Commentary
July 21, 2025According to The Economic Progress Institute, it costs a single-parent family in Rhode Island $83,239 a year to raise two children. A two-parent household needs $92,375. Even a single adult must earn nearly $40,000 just to meet the basics. With costs this high, families are forced to make impossible choices – often between housing, utilities and food, let alone nutritious, wholesome food.
This burden falls hardest on communities already impacted by systemic inequities – particularly Black, Indigenous, immigrant, elderly and low-income families living in food deserts. In these neighborhoods, access to fresh, affordable and culturally appropriate food is limited or nonexistent. Neighborhood bodegas, while a community staple, offer a limited quantity of produce. Grocery stores and farmers markets are scarce. Too often, fast food is the only consistent option.
Behind every dollar cut in funding for a nonprofit such as Southside Community Land Trust (SCLT) is a story: A farmer and a community will suffer the repercussions of not having enough food on their table. And in the case of the recent funding loss to SCLT, they are cutting the roots of a deeply connected, community-grown food system.
It’s time to broaden view of what nonprofits really are. Hope & Main shows how
June 13, 2025I’ve spent the majority of my life immersed in the nonprofit sector, and one of the most common misconceptions is that they’re often placed beneath a “social services” umbrella. That narrow view couldn’t be further from the truth.
When nonprofits are seen only as organizations that address basic needs, it’s a limited perception that overlooks their far-reaching influence. They are the heartbeat of our communities, enhancing and influencing our daily lives in ways many do not even notice.
Nonprofits can be found everywhere – from youth sports leagues and museums to community gardens, arts foundations and public media. Your niece’s town soccer team? They’re part of a nonprofit. Enjoying a WaterFire lighting, hiking at a preserve or watching PBS on a quiet evening? Those experiences are made possible by nonprofits as well. They’re also economic engines, civic leaders and innovation hubs. Sometimes, they’re all of those things at once.
Volunteers Needed for “Day of Action” on June 7 to Help Prepare Donated Books for Distribution to Local Children
May 27, 2025Providence, R.I. (May 27, 2025) – United Way of Rhode Island’s annual “Day of Action” is quickly approaching, and the organization is looking for additional volunteers to help prepare thousands of donated books for distribution to local children. The event is one of United Way’s largest volunteer-driven initiatives of the year to improve childhood literacy.
“Day of Action” will take place on Saturday, June 7, at United Way’s 50 Valley Street headquarters in Providence, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. It is a fun, family-friendly event and provides a great opportunity for individuals needing community service hours for school or professional development.
During “Day of Action,” volunteers will help with sorting, labeling, and packaging thousands of books collected during United Way’s recent Children’s Book Drive in partnership with Books Are Wings, whose mission is to put free books in the hands of kids. Thanks to the drive’s many partners, community drop-off locations, and collections organized by businesses, schools, and other groups, the effort has thus far collected more than 10,000 books.
Once the books are ready for their new homes, Books Are Wings will distribute them to children across Rhode Island through summer learning and afterschool programs.
Volunteers on “Day of Action” will receive United Way “UNITED IS THE WAY” t-shirts and refreshments, including a pizza lunch at 12:15 p.m. Families and children are welcome and encouraged to participate; those aged 16 and under must be accompanied and supervised by an adult.
If you would like to volunteer, or if you have questions, please contact Lori DiMatteo at Lori.DiMatteo@unitedwayri.org. Volunteers may also us this link to register.
Over the past decade, United Way’s Children’s Book Drive has provided more than 300,000 books to kids throughout the Ocean State.
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United Way of Rhode Island is uniting our community and resources to build racial equity and opportunities for all Rhode Islanders. As a member of the world’s largest nonprofit network, we bring together individuals, business, nonprofit, community leaders and government to tackle the root causes of inequity and achieve specific, measurable goals. Our programs include 211, the statewide front door connecting Rhode Islanders with social services, resources, and vital programs. Both directly and through grants to nonprofits, we are investing to build economic opportunity, advance childhood learning, expand philanthropy, and to drive policy and participation. To learn more, visit unitedwayri.org, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, or Instagram.
Press Releases See all press releases 27 OctUnited Way Recognizes the Tireless Work of Rhode Island’s Nonprofits, Honors Local Champions at 99th Annual Celebration
In a year marked by division and financial strain across the nonprofit sector, United Way of Rhode Island’s 99th Annual Celebration became a declaration of unity and a call to protect the institutions and individuals who form the backbone of community care.Read more 07 Oct
Rhode Island Kicks-Off State Employee Giving Campaign in Support of United Way, Local Nonprofits
More than 17,000 public servants invited to give back through the campaign, which has raised $2.6 million over the last ten years alone Providence, R.I. (September 30, 2025) – The State of Rhode Island has officially launched its annual State Employee Charitable Giving Campaign in support of United Way of RI and local nonprofits. The […]
Read more 25 SepLocal Leaders join United Way’s Community Advisory Board
Providence, R.I. (September 15, 2025) – United Way of Rhode Island has bolstered its Community Advisory Board, appointing two new members to serve on the volunteer leadership group. The advisory board is a diverse collection of industry leaders who come together to lend their expertise and unique experiences and insights to help United Way align […]
Read moreUPCOMING EVENTS
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Impact Groups Nonprofit Panel- Addressing the Youth Mental Health Crisis: Advocacy, Investment, and Disrupting Barriers
Emerging Leaders and Women United with United Way Rhode Island invite you to a powerful evening focused on how we can work together to address Rhode Island’s youth mental health crisis.
This in-person panel will bring together youth advocates, nonprofit partners, and community leaders to explore how advocacy, investment, and collaboration can strengthen family stability, empower youth, and disrupt barriers to care. Together, we’ll highlight innovative community solutions and inspire collective action through philanthropy, volunteerism, and policy engagement-all to build a healthier, more equitable future for Rhode Island’s next generation.
https://uwriweb.org/comm/SinglePageRegEvent.jsp?EventKeyHex=3136383234
Join the Family Caregiver Alliance of Rhode Island, the Rhode Island Office of Healthy Aging, and United Way of Rhode Island at the 7th Annual Family Caregiver Alliance Conference
This year’s theme is: “Together in Care: Stories, Strength, and Support”This two-day event will be held on Friday, November 14 from 9:00 am to 12:30pm and Saturday, November from 9:00 am to 2:00pm in the RISD Washington Place Auditorium located at 20 Washington Street, Providence, RI 02903 – Free parking will be available for registered participants.
Whether you care for a loved one, support a friend, work in health or social services, or advocate for caregivers, this conference offers valuable resources and connection.
The event is free and open to all, but space is limited. Please register for the days you wish to attend.
Day 1: Educational panels, data updates on caregiving in Rhode Island and networking with agencies, professionals & advocates. Day 2: Caregiver wellbeing sessions, community resources and resource fair. For questions contact denise.meza@unitedwayri.org or call (401) 462-4444.Who Is a Family Caregiver?
Family caregivers are everywhere. The FCARI supports youth, grandparents, friends, or neighbors who step up to help someone they care about.
That includes those who:
-Support a loved one with a physical, intellectual, or developmental disability (ID/DD)-Provide care for someone living with dementia, cancer, or another serious illness
-Help an older adult with daily tasks
-Care for a child or youth with complex needs
Links for registration:
Day One https://uwriweb.org/comm/SinglePageRegEvent.jsp?EventKeyHex=3136373734
Day Two: https://uwriweb.org/comm/SinglePageRegEvent.jsp?EventKeyHex=3136373832