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.
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.
Each day, you'll receive an email with resources to read, watch, listen to, or write about for 15 minutes. The real work of the Challenge, however, happens during the rest of the day, as you think more about what you’ve seen and recognize opportunities to learn and grow. For more information, read the FAQ.
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
How to be anti-racist, by Ibram X. Kendi
How to be less stupid about race: On racism, white supremacy, and the racial divide, by Crystal M. Fleming
Me and white supremacy: Combat racism, change the world, and become a good ancestor, by Layla F. Saad
This book is anti-racist: 20 lessons on how to wake up, take action, and to the work, by Tiffany Jewell
So you want to talk about race? by Ijeoma Oluo
Why are all the Black kids sitting together in the cafeteria? And other conversations about race, by Beverly Daniel Tatum
The color of law: A forgotten history of how our government segregated America, by Richard Rothstein
The new Jim Crow: Mass incarceration in the age of colorblindness, by Michelle Alexander
Just mercy: A story of justice and redemption, by Bryan Stevenson
How to teach kids about racism: A guide on how to educate your child about diversity and being antiracist, by Rebecca J. Jackson
An Indigenous peoples’ history of the United States for young people, by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz
Stamped: Racism, antiracism, and you: A remix of the national book award-winning stamped from the beginning, by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi
Alliance to Mobilize Our Resistance (AMOR)
Alliance of Rhode Island Southeast Asians for Education
Center for Leadership and Educational Equity
Direct Action for Rights and Equality (DARE)
EduLeaders of Color Rhode Island
NAACP Providence Branch
Parents Leading for Educational Equity
Providence Youth Student Movement (PrYSM)
Rhode Island Black Business Association
Rhode Island Black Heritage Society
Rhode Island Coalition of Black Women
IN THE NEWS
ARPA a payment on bills long overdue
The Providence Journal
"The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) isn’t unexpected good fortune. It’s a past bill that’s overdue after decades of underfunding our communities," shares United Way of Rhode Island's president and CEO, Cortney Nicolato. "It’s also an opportunity to get things right and position our state to thrive for generations to come."
Balancing Accountability & Empathy At Work
Forbes Nonprofit Council
"Striking a balance between accountability and empathy is crucial for creating a work environment where employees can thrive... Here, 13 members of Forbes Nonprofit Council, including United Way of Rhode Island's president and CEO, Cortney Nicolato, share their expert tips on maintaining accountability and empathy in the workplace."
MolinaCares donates $105K to RI nonprofits
Providence Business News
"United Way of Rhode Island received $50,000 from the MolinaCares Accord for its Nonprofit Innovation Lab, designed to promote innovation within nonprofits to create programs focused on housing, health equity and solutions to racial disparity."
UPCOMING EVENTS
Women United Information Session
Join us noon-1 p.m. at our Women United Information Session. You'll learn ways to get involved as a leadership donor through United Way's Women United group. We will also discuss how this dynamic group of women raise funds each year towards childhood literacy.
United Way’s 95th Annual Celebration
Join United Way of Rhode Island on Tuesday, October 26 from 5:30 – 7 p.m. for our 95th Annual Celebration. Together, we're celebrating Rhode Island United and honoring our extraordinary community volunteers.
22nd Annual Lights On Afterschool
Join us for the Rhode Island Afterschool Network's 22nd annual Lights On Afterschool celebration. We'll showcase how afterschool programs are closing Rhode Island's achievement gap and explore ways to secure state funding for out-of-school time learning.