Commit to equity
take meaningful action to address the issues of equity and justice
Welcome to the United Way’s 2025 Equity Challenge!
During a time of uncertainty and division, United Way of Rhode Island aims to help bring together individuals and organizations towards a greater understanding around the practices underlying humanity, respect, and inclusion. The Equity Challenge is in its fifth year and iteration and is centered on the concept of “U.N.I.T.E.” (Universal, Neighborly, Intentional, Transformative, and Equity).
Equity Challenge 2025 will explore the following topics.
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Monday, June 16: Universal
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Tuesday, June 17: Neighborly
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Wednesday, June 18: Intentional
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Thursday, June 19: Transformation
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Friday, June 20: Equity
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One can Read, Watch, or Listen to materials daily, and put into practice the daily calls-to-action.
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For those looking for in-person connection, they can attend three curated pop-up experiences at partner sites.
Register for Monday, June 16, Pop-Up Experience1, theme "DEI is Universal"
Register for Wednesday, June 18, Pop-Up Experience 2, theme " DEI is Intentional"
Register for Friday, June 20, Pop-Up Experience 3, theme "Equity"
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Equity Challenge 2025 for Corporate and Nonprofit Partners
If you're an organization/company that wants to sign up and qualify to be an Organizational Equity Champion - complete this link:
If you're an individual who wants to sign up and participate in the challenge and receive an Equity Challenge certificate - complete this link:
Check out the Equity Challenge 2024 list of Organizational Equity Champions!
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AccessPoint RI
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CCRI
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Conexion Latina Newport
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Dolan O'Rourke Real Estate Services
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Economic Progress Institute
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Fio Partners
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Girls on the Run Rhode Island
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Housing Network of RI
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Justice Assistance
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Kinfolk Benefit Trust
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Oomph, Inc.
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Providence Resilience Partnership
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Rhode Island for Community and Justice
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Thrive Outside
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University of Rhode Island Center for Career and Experiential Education
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Trailblazer in Equity Award recipient, Lifespan (now, Brown University Health)
Don’t have a workplace campaign and want to engage? Reach out to Nicole Nehiley at Nicole.Nehiley@unitedwayri.org or Kevin Matta at Kevin.Matta@unitedwayri.org.
We are united.
Hundreds of individuals and organizations throughout the state have already pledged to support our LIVE UNITED 2025 strategic plan and take meaningful action to address the issues of racial equity and justice in Rhode Island.
See our partners in equity.
Please join us by signing this pledge:
"We commit to stand with the United Way of Rhode Island to unite our community and resources to build racial equity and opportunities for all Rhode Islanders. We pledge to take meaningful action to address the issues of racial equity and justice in Rhode Island."
learn about equity
Statement from United Way of Rhode Island on the Election of Senate President Valarie Lawson
United Way of Rhode Island congratulates Senator Valarie Lawson on her election as Senate President. As an educator, labor leader, and dedicated public servant, President Lawson brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to equity, opportunity, and community engagement.
United Way to Release RFP Friday for “United Is The Way” Safety Net Grants for Nonprofits Providing Critical Services to Rhode Islanders
With a priority to expand support for nonprofits and families amid growing federal uncertainty, United Way of Rhode Island is set to release a request for proposals (RFP) on Friday for new safety net grants through its “United Is The Way” initiative. (more…)
United Way: 211, Point programs save R.I. $1.2M in reduced nonemergency 911 calls
United Way of Rhode Island Inc.’s 211 and Point programs significantly reduced the state’s financial burden on nonemergency calls to 911 and to other state agencies in 2024, the organization said on Feb. 11 at the Statehouse. (more…)
CCRI Partners with United Way to Open 211 Satellite Office on Warwick Campus
Warwick, RI – [April 28, 2025] – The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) has partnered with United Way of Rhode Island to establish a satellite 211 office on CCRI’s Warwick campus, expanding access to essential community resources for students. This collaboration underscores CCRI’s ongoing commitment to removing barriers to student success and ensuring students have the support they need to thrive both in and out of the classroom.
United Way Accelerates $1.5 Million in Grant Payments to Support Rhode Island Nonprofits Amid Funding Uncertainty
Recognizing the urgency of the financial strain facing local nonprofits, United Way of Rhode Island is taking a major step to provide timely critical support to its funded partners. The organization has released more than $1.5 million in grant payments nearly three months ahead of schedule, delivering early disbursements to 41 nonprofits across the state.
United Way Hosts 13th Children’s Book Drive
United Way of Rhode Island’s Children’s Book Drive is back! In April and May, we’re teaming up with Books Are Wings to help Rhode Island children build their own libraries at home. Join us by buying and shipping books, dropping off books at one of our collection sites, or hosting a drive.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Speaker Series: Leanne Barrett from RI Kids Count
Wednesday, May 21th
Join us for an insightful event dedicated to the critical issue of child care and how to effectively advocate for accessible, affordable solutions. This series will feature experts, policymakers, and community leaders who will provide practical tools and strategies to drive meaningful change. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or advocate, this series will empower you with the knowledge and skills to support better child care policies and resources for all families. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and make a lasting impact!
https://uwriweb.org/comm/SinglePageRegEvent.jsp?EventKeyHex=3135383138
Day of Action 2025
Day of Action is a worldwide United Way event, offering volunteer opportunities focused on the work of local United Way organizations. In Rhode Island, the Day of Action will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2025, from 9 AM - 1 PM to sort, label, and prepare the books for distribution to children in summer learning and afterschool programs.
To register, please click here: https://uwriweb.org/comm/SinglePageRegEvent.jsp?EventKeyHex=3135383931