Commit to equity
take meaningful action to address the issues of racial equity and justice
The data shows...
...at systemic inequities are the root causes of intergenerational poverty among people of color, here in Rhode Island as elsewhere in this country.
Until we can make sure everyone has an equal shot at the starting line, our state will never reach its full potential. We hope you’ll join us in this journey to make sure Rhode Island is a place where every individual in each community has equal opportunity for justice and prosperity.
What do we mean by "equity?"
Racial equity is a reality in which a person is no more or less likely to experience society’s benefits or burdens just because of the color of their skin.
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.
Join Equity Challenge 2023
Ready to learn more about racial equity? Join United Way of Rhode Island's Equity Challenge 2023! You can start this free, self-guided learning journey when it launches on Monday, March 13 or any day after that.
Participants will receive a series of fifteen weekday emails with resources, reflection questions, and actions to help build a more equitable Rhode Island. Each week will focus on a different theme.
- Week 1: The Basics
- Week 2: Deepening Our Understanding
- Week 3: Equity in Rhode Island
If you're joining for the first time, welcome! If you took part in last year's challenge, Equity Challenge 2023 will be new and different.
Interested in a registering a corporate group? Please contact Janice Pothier-Pac.
Join Indigenous Peoples Equity Challenge
To deepen our understanding of Indigenous peoples and their lived experiences, United Way of Rhode Island and Tomaquag Museum have created an Indigenous Peoples Equity Challenge. The challenge launched in November 2022, and you can join at any time.
After registering, you'll receive a series of five weekday emails with resources, reflection questions, and actions to help build a more equitable Rhode Island. Each day will focus on a different theme.
Interested in registering a corporate group? Please contact Janice Pothier-Pac.
Join Equity Challenge 2022
Ready to learn more about racial equity? Join United Way of Rhode Island's Equity Challenge 2022! The challenge launched in February 2022, and you can join at any time.
After registering, you'll receive a series of 15 weekday emails with resources, reflection questions, and actions to help build a more equitable Rhode Island. Each week will focus on a different theme.
- Week 1: The Basics
- Week 2: Deepening Our Understanding
- Week 3: Equity in Rhode Island
Want to start a discussion group? United Way partnered with Kristin Cassarino, a dedicated Rhode Island public school educator and equity advocate, to create a facilitator's guide. Request it here.
Interested in registering a corporate group? Please contact Janice Pothier-Pac.
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
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.
401Gives Returns in Just Two Weeks
Not only has United Way of Rhode Island set the effort’s most ambitious goal yet, aiming to raise $4.01 million. 401Gives also will enjoy its first ever “Weekend Edition” and take over the Ocean State beginning at 6 a.m. on Friday, March 31.
United Way Hosts 11th Children’s Book Drive
United Way of Rhode Island’s Children’s Book Drive is back! From April 1 – May 24, we’re teaming up with Women United and 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.
RI House of Representatives Housing Package
Contact: Michael J. Cerio | michael@ceriocommunications.com | (401) 743-8269 United Way of Rhode Island Statement on RI House of Representatives Housing Package From Cortney Nicolato, President and CEO, United Way of Rhode Island: “Progress toward addressing Rhode Island’s housing crisis is what our state needs now, and we are grateful to Speaker Shekarchi and the […]
UPCOMING EVENTS
Children’s Book Drive 2023
United Way of Rhode Island's Children's Book Drive is back! From April 1 - May 24, we're teaming up with Women United and Books Are Wings to help Rhode Island children build their own libraries at home. Want to donate books or host a drive with your family, friends, or coworkers? View our Children's Book Drive 2023 drop-off locations and Frequently Asked Questions at the link below.
Power of the Purse
United Way of Rhode Island's Women United invites you to join the fight for childhood literacy at our 8th annual Power of the Purse fundraiser.
Wednesday, May 24 | 5:30 to 8 p.m.Squantum Association, RiversideSpend an evening with dynamic women making a difference in Rhode Island, bidding on designer purses, and enjoying signature cocktails, appetizers, surprise raffles, and a wine wall.Tickets are $100. Don't miss this opportunity to support a good cause.