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 Questions With: Roshni Darnal
Providence Business News
Roshni Darnal is the director of community investments for United Way of Rhode Island... where she manages the organization's strategic direction to address the needs of Rhode Islanders through its grantmaking processes… Darnal spoke with Providence Business News about those grantmaking changes and what it means for the nonprofit community moving forward.
PBN announces 2023 Best Places to Work honorees
Providence Business News
Sixty-seven honorees, including United Way of Rhode Island, have been named by Providence Business News for its 2023 Best Places to Work Awards program... The honorees will be recognized June 7 for their efforts in a ceremony at Crowne Plaza Providence-Warwick in Warwick, where the company rankings in each category will be announced.
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.
Statement on Rhode Island Afterschool Network Transition
United Way of Rhode Island is excited to announce that the Rhode Island Afterschool Network (RIAN) will expand its efforts effective October 1, 2023 with Rhode Island Foundation serving as its fiscal sponsor.
Sandra Mazo Appointed to Women United Global Council
The Washington Trust Company… today announced that Sandra Mazo, mortgage loan officer (NMLS # 269909), has been appointed to the Executive Committee for the Women United Global Leadership Council of United Way Worldwide. Women United® represents 55,000 members working with United Way in more than 200 communities across the globe. Sandra was nominated by United Way of Rhode Island.
Nancy Wolanski Hired as Director of Nonprofit Resource Center
United Way of Rhode Island has hired Nancy Wolanski as the inaugural director of the state’s new Nonprofit Resource Center. She assumed the role on Monday, July 31. Most recently, Nancy was executive director of the Grantmakers Council of Rhode Island.
UPCOMING EVENTS
97th Annual Celebration
You’re invited to join us as we celebrate another momentous year of making history, sharing stories, and honoring those who are making big moves in our small state.
Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023 | 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Farm Fresh Rhode Island, 10 Sims Ave., Providence
This event is free and open to all. Registration is required.
For more information or assistance, email events@unitedwayri.org.