ADVOCATE
For those ready to take action now
WHAT'S YOUR PASSION?
Here are simple things you can do today to help build racial equity and opportunities for all Rhode Islanders.
We'll be updating this page monthly, so check back for more ways you can help. Or simply sign up at the bottom of this page to receive our e-news.
Take the 21-Day Equity Challenge
Ready to devote 15 minutes a day to equity? Try our 21-Day Equity Challenge. You may start when we launch on February 24, 2021 or any time after that.
Rhode Island needs more people to advocate for issues they’re passionate about. Are you ready to become an advocate?
We will be delivering our Advocacy 101 training in every city and town in Rhode Island over the next year.
IN THE NEWS
United Way kicks off Children’s Book Drive
Cranston Herald
"In what's become one of the state's largest efforts in support of childhood literacy, United Way of Rhode Island and its Women United group have kicked off their annual Children's Book Drive. Throughout the month of May, local businesses, community organizations, families and individuals are invited to participate in any one of a number of ways."
Lawmakers share changes to child tax credit
NBC 10 News
"United Way and members of Rhode Island's congressional delegation spoke Monday about the expanded federal child tax credit. The lawmakers explained how... families can take advantage of the benefits before filing their taxes by the May 17 deadline… [Representative David] Cicilline said an estimated 173,000 Rhode Island children will benefit directly."
Take advantage: Expanded Child Tax Credit
Uprise RI
"'The expanded Child Tax Credit will lift millions of kids out of poverty, including 6,600… in [R.I.]', said… Representative David Cicilline… 'It's critical that… eligible Rhode Islander[s] [take] advantage'... 'If you need help with your taxes… call 211 and we['ll] connect you with assistance in your community'", shared Larry Warner, United Way of Rhode Island's chief impact and equity officer.
UPCOMING EVENTS
2021 Children’s Book Drive
From May 1 – 31, United Way of Rhode Island, Women United, and Books Are Wings are collecting gently-used and new books for our 2021 Children's Book Drive. You can run a book drive at your school or workplace, or with your friends and family. Books may be dropped off at Cardi's Furniture & Mattresses locations in West Warwick, RI, South Attleboro, MA, and Swansea, MA. For more information on drop-off locations or running a book drive, contact bookdrive@unitedwayri.org.
2021 Olneyville Community Fund Office Hours
Join us at 2 p.m. for the Olneyville Community Fund virtual office hours. We will answer your questions about the application content and grant platform for the Olneyville Community Fund. The application deadline is May 20.
Community Learning Partners, featuring DownCity Design and FabNewport
Join Women United at noon for a Community Learning Partners event featuring guest speaker Adrienne Gagnon, co-founder and executive director of DownCity Design, and Steve Heath, co-founder and executive director of FabNewport. Each organization inspires youth to use the power of design to make a positive social impact in their communities.
The Night Is Young
You’re the one that I want, ooh, ooh, honey, to join the Young Leaders Circle from 7 –11 p.m. for a drive-in movie night. We'll be showing 50’s favorite "Grease" at Misquamicut Drive-In Theater. Tickets are $50 per car (two people) and $25 for each additional passenger. All funds raised will go towards providing scholarships for Rhode Island youth enrolled in summer learning programs.