Lift United: Supporting the Nonprofit Workforce
Nonprofits employ nearly 1 in 5 Rhode Island private sector workers, many of whom lack access to retirement benefits. To address this, the Alliance for Nonprofit Impact led advocacy for the Secure Choice Retirement Savings Plan Act. This program will offer a public retirement savings plan to small businesses and nonprofits at no cost, helping close the retirement savings gap and reduce economic vulnerability for nonprofit employees.
Advocate United: 211
Advocating for 211 at multiple government levels has been instrumental in addressing equity gaps statewide. Our success in securing a $200,000 state investment underscores the importance of 211 data in educating policymakers and guiding equity-focused initiatives, ensuring resources reach those who need them most.
Advocate United:
Civic Engagement
Ahead of the 2024 elections, we advocated for legislation that improves voter access, such as Non-Affiliated Party Voters in Primaries and the Mail Ballot Signatures and Deadlines reform, which eliminates outdated requirements, making voting more accessible for all Rhode Islanders.
Invest United:
Affordable Housing
Addressing Rhode Island’s affordable housing crisis is a priority for United Way. We advanced legislation reducing barriers to housing development, including Electronic Permitting for Development Applications and Zoning Standards for Accessory Dwelling Units.
We championed the Utility Termination Moratorium Extension, which prevents shutoffs for essential services, supporting housing stability for vulnerable Rhode Islanders. We also partnered with the Family Caregiver Alliance on After Death of a Lessee legislation, providing security to families facing sudden financial instability after the loss of a leaseholder.
Lift United:
Economic Empowerment
United Way supports economic empowerment policies that drive small business growth and benefit minority-owned enterprises. In partnership with the Workforce Alliance, we advocated for enhancements to the RI Works Program, boosting cash benefits to enable completion of workforce training. We also advocated for increased Summer EBT Program funding, addressing seasonal food insecurity among families.
Our commitment to affordable childcare remains strong. Through the Summer Learning Initiative and efforts to expand eligibility in the Child Care Assistance Program, we’re advancing initiatives that empower families to secure family-sustaining employment.
Advocate United:
Racial and Social Justice
We achieved significant progress toward social justice, securing enhanced protections for crime victims, increased funding for domestic violence prevention, and simplified access to compensation for survivors of sexual crimes. The Crime Victim Compensation Program Modifications, developed with the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence, allow survivors to use funds for home modifications, helping prevent repeat violence. Streamlined access to compensation ensures that survivors receive timely support as they rebuild their lives.
Achieve United:
Equitable Education
We championed expanded access to higher education through Foster Youth Scholarship, Rhode Island Promise, and Hope Scholarship programs, removing financial barriers for vulnerable youth. Additionally, we supported increased Multilingual Education funding and codification of the Early Childcare Workforce Registry, ensuring all Rhode Islanders have access to quality education, from early learning to higher education.
These legislative achievements underscore United Way of Rhode Island’s commitment to building a just, equitable, and thriving community for all. Through steadfast advocacy, we continue to drive transformative change across the state, ensuring every Rhode Islander has the opportunity to live a safe, healthy, and prosperous life.