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.

UWRIO Featured (2)

United In Action Amid Chaos and Uncertainty

A message from Cortney Nicolato, United Way’s president and CEO


For generations, nonprofits have answered the call, stepping up to serve our communities despite being underfunded by the federal government.
 

(more…)

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Help the helpers: Rhode Island needs its nonprofits, and R.I. nonprofits need support amid chaos and uncertainty

The Boston Globe RI

While the memo from the Trump administration to freeze federal funds has been rescinded, the actions and intent have not, writes Cortney M. Nicolato the president and CEO of United Way of Rhode Island.

READ ON SITE

Larry Cover RIPHA

United Way’s Larry Warner named President of RI Public Health Association

Providence, R.I. (January 22, 2025) – As it continues its work to advance health equity in the Ocean State, the Rhode Island Public Health Association (RIPHA) has named a new president, appointing Larry Warner, DrPH, MPH, to a 2-year term. Dr. Warner is the Chief Impact & Equity Officer of United Way of Rhode Island, and previously served on the RIPHA board as an officer. (more…)

United Way Honors Local Champions at 98th Annual Celebration

It’s been a year of creating a stronger, more equitable Rhode Island, and as United Way used its 98th Annual Celebration to cast light on the change made possible when our community works together, the organization also honored local champions who have gone above and beyond in service.

United Way of Rhode Island Receives $20,000 from Point32Health Foundation to Support “United We Vote RI” Campaign

Providence, R.I. (October 15, 2024) – United Way of Rhode Island has received $20,000 from Point32Health Foundation to support its ongoing “United We Vote RI” campaign as the November election draws closer. The grant is part of a larger investment by the foundation to support advocacy work to promote policies that include the perspective of […]

United Way of Rhode Island Elects New Members to its Board of Directors

United Way of Rhode Island has installed a slate of five new members to its Board of Directors, each bringing a unique and powerful perspective to the organization and its mission to create opportunities for all Rhode Islanders. Read more.

UPCOMING EVENTS

National 211 Day Celebration 2025

Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, 10 a.m. at the
Rhode Island State House
Celebrate the vital work of 211 and Senior & Disability Services with us. Join us for a day of inspiration and impact!
Please register by Friday, Feb. 7, 2025

Join us at Power of Women: Leading with Purpose

Join us for Power of Women: Leading With Purpose, our reimagined celebration formerly known as Power of the Purse. This year’s event brings together women from across Rhode Island during Women’s History Month to connect, empower, and inspire each other during an elegant brunch.

📅 Thursday, March 20, 2025
⏰ 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
📍 Bally’s Twin River Lincoln
🎟 $150 per ticket | $1,250 per table of 10

GET YOUR TICKETS

Brunch will be served at 11 a.m. The speaking program will begin at noon.

Interested in sponsoring this event or discussing ways to support? Please contact Karen Alzate at karen.alzate@unitedwayri.org.

Have you been affected by the RIBridges Data Breach?