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.
Join the indigenous peoples Equity Challenge 2022
To deepen our understanding of Indigenous peoples and their lived experiences, United Way of Rhode Island and Tomaquag Museum have created this five-day Indigenous Peoples Equity Challenge. The Challenge launched in November 2022, and you can join at any time.
After registering, you'll receive an email each weekday for five days with resources, reflection questions, or actions you can take to help build a more equitable Rhode Island. Each day will focus on a different theme.
Join Equity Challenge 2022
Ready to learn more about racial equity? Join our Equity Challenge 2022. You can start when we launch on Feb. 28, 2022 or anytime after that.
After registering, you'll receive an email each weekday for three weeks with resources, reflection questions, and actions you can take to help create a more equitable Rhode Island.
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.
Five Qs With: Anthony Botelho
Providence Business News
Anthony Botelho serves as senior vice president of commercial banking and team leader for the commercial and industrial group at The Washington Trust Co. He was recently appointed to lead the bank’s commercial lending growth in Connecticut, where the company recently opened a New Haven commercial lending office. Anthony also serves on United Way of Rhode Island's Board of Directors.
Rethinking how one of R.I.’s largest nonprofits can grow
The Boston Globe
In October, [Idrees "Lanre"] Ajakaiye was appointed the new chief development officer at... United Way of Rhode Island where he'll be in charge of helping... United Way achieve its current strategic plan, which outlines the nonprofit's investment of $100 million over five years to help achieve racial equity.
City Council gives final approval to $10M reparations budget
Providence Business News
A two-yearslong effort to bring racial reparations to Providence achieved a milestone Wednesday... The approved funding largely mirrors recommendations set forth by a city panel based on community input, but with one major change that shifts some money into a COVID-19 Equity Fund to be managed by United Way of Rhode Island.
Final Pitch Event for Nonprofit Innovation Lab Set for Feb. 1
The stage is set. On Wednesday, Feb. 1, the latest Nonprofit Innovation Lab will culminate as 10 Rhode Island organizations make their final pitch for a chance to secure seed funding to help bring their unique program idea to life. The program showcase and pitch night will be held at The Guild in Pawtucket beginning at 5 p.m.
Local Nonprofits Can Register Now to Participate in 401Gives
After a record-breaking year that saw more than 13,000 Rhode Islanders come together to make donations totaling $3.1 million in support of hundreds of local nonprofits, 401Gives is gearing up for a return on April 1 with sights set higher than ever. Nonprofits that wish to participate and raise funds for their work are invited to register now.
Nonprofit Executives Complete United Way Learning Circle
Leaning into an innovative opportunity to better their organizations and… strengthen the ability of the state’s nonprofit sector to serve Rhode Islanders, a group of 11 nonprofit leaders recently completed United Way’s Executive Director Learning Circle… The fellows spent a year in the program, and their achievement was celebrated on Dec. 16 during a gathering at United Way’s Providence office.
UPCOMING EVENTS
EITC Awareness Day and RI VITA Program Launch
Join us on Friday, Jan. 27 from 10 - 11:30 a.m. at United Way of Rhode Island in Providence to learn how the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) helps low- to moderate-income workers & families get a tax break. Individuals who earn under $60,000 can use the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program to receive free federal & state tax return preparation. Please register by Wednesday, Jan. 25.
Nonprofit Innovation Lab Impact Showcase & Pitch Night
Join United Way of Rhode Island and Social Enterprise Greenhouse for our Nonprofit Innovation Lab Impact Showcase & Pitch Night on Wednesday, Feb. 1 from 5 - 7:30 p.m. at The Guild in Pawtucket. 11 nonprofits have been fine-tuning their innovation ideas for several months and are now preparing for the culminating pitch event, where $90,000 in prizes will be awarded to the three most compelling projects.