Driving policy and participation

Driving policy and participation

Advocate united

WHAT WE'RE UP AGAINST

The data shows that systemic inequities are the root causes of intergenerational poverty among people of color. Despite our best efforts through broad support of our communities in need, our progress to date has been hampered by these systemic inequities.

That’s why equity, particularly racial equity, needs to be at the forefront of decisions in municipal, state and federal policy. Until we can make sure everyone has an equal shot at the starting line, our work will never reach its full potential. Moreover, investments in the most critical areas of need in Rhode Island, such as housing and education, have seen dramatic reductions over the years, rather than improvements in line with the demand.

MEDIAN INCOME

57¢

is how much a Black household earns in Rhode Island for every dollar a white household earns

INCARCERATION RATE

9X

is how much more likely it is for Black Rhode Islanders to be incarcerated compared to whites

AFFORDABLE HOUSING INVESTMENT

22%

is the fraction Rhode Island invests in affordable housing compared to Massachusetts

WHAT WE'RE DOING TO DRIVE POLICY AND PARTICIPATION

Driving systemic change via public policy and research

United Way of Rhode Island will continue to fight for access to critical services, as well as advocate for equitable representation on state boards and commissions. Additionally, we are proud to support community and neighborhood mobilizing organizations that are focused on breaking the barriers to racial equity.

United Way of Rhode Island has long been the leader and early funder of organizations that are bringing innovative ideas to our state. We are expanding these efforts, as well as expanding tools to scale these important missions.

We will also expand our data and research efforts to be a state leader in analyzing and evangelizing data pertinent to our mission. This year we’ll be refining data collection systems and funding research to improve the ability to disaggregate data by race and income level.

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Larry Warner

Encouraging civic participation

United Way of Rhode Island is committed to creating spaces and support that help Rhode Islanders be the best community champions they can be. We are expanding existing programs like our Advocacy 101 empowerment program and creating new programs to inspire Rhode Islanders to vote, run for office and advocate for the platforms they are most passionate about. Our aim this year is to expand our Advocacy 101 training to be delivered in every city and town in Rhode Island. (Learn more about ways you can advocate today to support our mission.)

Reforming the criminal justice system

United Way of Rhode Island intends to work extensively to reduce the school-to-prison pipeline, as well as advocate for policies that help our neighbors get back on their feet during and after incarceration.

our ADVOCATE UNITED goals

LIVE United 2025: Advocate United

Driving Policy and Participation

Through our Advocate United pillar, we're driving systemic change through public policy and research. And, because democracy isn't a spectator sport, we're training Rhode Islanders to be advocates and working to increase voter turnout.

Group of people
Goal: Trained Advocates

Triple the number of trained advocates

Source: UWRI Volunteer Data

Goal: Voter Participation

Increase Voter Participation in the 2024 Presidential Election by 25%

2023 Legislative agenda

The 2023 Legislative Agenda supports the Strategic Plan 2025 by increasing legislative activity and investments that produce improved outcomes for Black, Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) communities and creates a more inclusive process for drafting, advocating, and executing Rhode Island’s general laws and investments

Our work supporting each United Way Strategic Plan 2025 pillar can be seen below.

HOW YOU CAN HELP DRIVE POLICY AND PARTICIPATION

Democracy is not a spectator sport. Join us.

Commit

Sign our equity pledge to join us in eliminating policies that disadvantage Rhode Islanders of color.

Advocate

Advocate alongside us or sign up for Advocacy 101.

Give

Support our work with a tax-deductible charitable contribution.

Roshni Darnal is United Way of Rhode Island’s director of community investments. / Courtesy United Way of Rhode Island.

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.

READ ON SITE

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FCARI: Prescription Delivery Services for Seniors

According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, 89% of adults 65 and older take prescription medicine. For seniors who have mobility issues or are unable to leave their homes to go to the pharmacy, using a prescription delivery service is a simple solution.

This resource provides seniors and their caregivers with the top prescription delivery services, information on financial assistance options, and guidance on choosing the best service for their specific needs. Learn more at: www.caring.com/best-prescription-delivery-services/

Providence Business News Best Places to Work RI Awards Winner 2023 logo.

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.

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United Way Hosts 12th 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.

United Way Selects Leaders for Executive Director Learning Circle

Laser-focused on its work to support the needs of the state’s nonprofit community… United Way of Rhode Island has kicked off its latest Executive Director Learning Circle. The organization has selected 11 local nonprofit leaders to participate in the yearlong program that focuses on strategic development and increasing their organizations’ capacity to deliver their social impact work.

401Gives Registration Is Open to All Rhode Island Nonprofits

401Gives is returning on Monday, April 1, and United Way of Rhode Island invites all local nonprofits to participate and raise funds to support their mission-driven work. This year’s 401Gives is the fifth anniversary of what is the Ocean State’s largest single fundraiser to benefit and uplift the nonprofit sector.

UPCOMING EVENTS

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