Commit to equity
take meaningful action to address the issues of racial equity and justice
Equity Challenge 2024 Q&A
United Way of Rhode Island's Kevin Matta and Maria Elena Wah-Fitta explain everything you need to know about Equity Challenge 2024. Questions include:
- When is Equity Challenge 2024?
- What is the time commitment?
- What are the topics?
- What is the format?
- Why should people participate?
- How do people sign up?
Join Equity Challenge 2024
Welcome to the United Way’s Equity Challenge 2024! This initiative will help individuals and organizations in Rhode Island develop a deep and intentional understanding of, and engagement around topics surrounding equity.
Equity Challenge 2024 will explore the following topics.
- Wednesday, June 19: Justice
- Thursday, June 20: Equity
- Friday, June 21: Diversity
- Monday, June 24: Inclusion
- Tuesday, June 25: Allyship
- Wednesday, June 26: Advocacy
- Thursday, June 27: Accomplice
For Individuals
By participating in Equity Challenge 2024, you will raise your awareness of Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI).
Participants will choose daily, for seven days, between three options of activities and materials they can read, listen to, or view. Each option takes 30 minutes to complete.
To earn a 2024 Equity Challenge Champion certificate, engage with the materials for as little as a half hour each day, over the course of seven days.
Participants will be able to experience materials in a variety of formats, online and on-demand, and there will be three curated in-person events for those.
- One can Read, Watch, or Listen to materials daily, and put into practice the daily calls-to-action.
- For those looking for in-person connection, they can attend three curated pop-up experiences at partner sites.
space
For Organizations
Call-to-Action
Demonstrate your organization's commitment to equity by participating in United Way of Rhode Island’s Equity Challenge 2024.
Why join?
Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) has moved beyond buzzwords and toward action-oriented results that demonstrate your commitment to your internal team and to external stakeholders.
How will this help our employees?
Employees are yearning to learn more and connect to valuable resources and networks inside and outside their organization. Employers who invest in their employees' personal and professional development show increased retention and a higher sense of belonging and satisfaction.
How will this help our organization?
Gaining awareness of equity principles informs how and where your community members, customers, employees, and future talent contribute their dollars and talents. United Way of Rhode Island will offer organizations with an employee participation rate of 85% a badge demonstrating their competency and commitment to equity. Organizations can showcase the badge on their website, across social media, and in email signatures.
The Equity Challenge is a 7-day curated experience aimed at supporting the learning of individuals across various stages in their JEDI journey engage and enhance their understanding of equity-related topics.
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.
The data shows...
...that 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.
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
Adios, X/Twitter
Dear United Way of Rhode Island Community,
We wanted to share an important update about our social media strategy. After careful consideration, United Way of Rhode Island has made the decision to take an indefinite break from Twitter/X. While we recognize the role that digital platforms play in amplifying our work and connecting with our community, this decision aligns with our commitment to building a stronger and more equitable Rhode Island for all. (more…)
No matter who wins the presidential election, we must tackle the issues in Rhode Island ourselves
The Boston Globe RI
Addressing housing, education, and workforce problems will require a renewed commitment to collective work, community engagement, and social justice, according to United Way of Rhode Island.
United Way of Rhode Island impulsa la equidad y el compromiso cívico
WPRI 12 Informa
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.
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
RI Olmstead Community Listening Session 1/ Sesiónes 1 de Escucha Communitarias de la Ley Olmstead
Come join us for the RI Olmstead Community Listening Sessions where we will discuss important topics and gather feedback related to disability rights, access and community integration. Your voice and lived experience matters, so come share your thoughts and ideas with us!
Location / Lugar
United Way of Rhode Island
50 Valley Street Providence, RI 02909
RIPTA: 17, 27, 28
Join us at the 50th anniversary of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
We are excited to have you join us for the 50th anniversary of the Earned Income Tax
Credit (EITC)
Date: January 31, 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Location: Rhode Island State House Library
82 Smith Street, Providence, RI 02903