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%

2024 Legislative agenda

The 2024 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

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.

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United Way of Rhode Island impulsa la equidad y el compromiso cívico

United Way of Rhode Island impulsa la equidad y el compromiso cívico

En una reciente entrevista en 12 Informa, María Elena Wah-Fitta, Manager of Brand Voice en United Way of Rhode Island, destacó los esfuerzos de la organización para promover la equidad racial y apoyar a las comunidades más vulnerables del estado.

READ ON SITE

Headshot of Kyle Bennett.

Bennett Named Chief of Staff & Public Affairs Officer

GoLocalProv

Kyle Bennett, who has long been at the forefront of United Way of Rhode Island's legislative and policy work, has been promoted to the organization's Chief of Staff & Public Affairs Officer. Most recently, he served as senior director of public policy and equity, and joined United Way in 2006.

READ ON SITE

Courtney_Bourns_Headshot-transformed-1365x2048

Grantmakers Council of R.I. names Bourns new executive director

PBN

Courtney Bourns, who has served as a strategy and program consultant for multiple foundations across the country for the last six years, has been named the new executive director for the Grantmakers Council of Rhode Island, the financial support nonprofit announced Tuesday.

VIEW ON SITE

Paola Fernandez Appointed Chair of United Way of RI Board of Directors

United Way of Rhode Island has named a new chair of its Board of Directors, appointing Paola Fernandez to the volunteer leadership position. Fernandez is SVP, Community Development Officer for Centreville Bank and succeeds Dolph Johnson, retired EVP and Chief Human Resources Officer of Hasbro, Inc., who recently completed his three-year term as chair. Read […]

United Way Hires Tiffany Reed as Chief Development Officer

United Way of Rhode Island has welcomed a new chief development officer (CDO) to its team. The organization today announced the hiring of Tiffany Reed, who officially began her new role on Sept. 5. Most recently, Reed served as CDO for Tufts Medicine after holding the position of vice president, development, at Tufts Medical Center.

United Way Announces $1.5M in Providence Equity Fund Grants

During a press conference on Wednesday, Aug. 14, United Way of Rhode Island and the City of Providence announced the recipient organizations of $1.5 million in funding from the Providence Equity Fund. In total, 15 organizations have been awarded grants to support strategies that promote racial and social equity, economic mobility, and educational opportunities for underserved populations in Providence.

UPCOMING EVENTS

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Early Voting Begins October 16 - Questions? Call 211