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.
57¢
is how much a Black household earns in Rhode Island for every dollar a white household earns
9X
is how much more likely it is for Black Rhode Islanders to be incarcerated compared to whites
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.
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.
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.
Reflecting the Communities We Serve
At United Way of Rhode Island, we believe the people leading and guiding our work should reflect the diverse communities we serve. Over the past five years, we have been intentional about building a staff and board whose lived experiences, cultural backgrounds, and perspectives mirror those of Rhode Islanders across the state.
Today, nearly half of our board members identify as people of color, compared to 38% of Rhode Island’s population, ensuring that voices from historically underrepresented communities help shape our strategy, funding decisions, and advocacy priorities.
Our staff, too, represents a broad range of racial, ethnic, and cultural identities, bringing language skills, community knowledge, and professional expertise that make our work stronger and more inclusive.
This diversity matters. It helps us listen more deeply, partner more authentically, and ensure that equity is not just a goal, but a value reflected in every decision we make.
Why it matters: When leadership reflects the community, solutions are more inclusive, responsive, and effective.
Internally United
As we reflect on the last five years, it’s clear that the impact we create in the community depends on the strength of the organization behind it—which is why our own growth and evolution deserve to be part of this story. We have invested not only in our community but in ourselves—building a stronger, more inclusive, and more connected United Way. From embracing Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) values in everything we do, to strengthening our workplace culture, aligning staff and board leadership with the communities we serve, and modernizing how we work together, this internal transformation has made us a better partner to Rhode Island.
Living Our Values: JEDI Culture and a Best Place to Work
At United Way of Rhode Island, we believe that building a stronger, more just state starts within our own walls. Guided by the Live United 2025 plan, we have worked to create a workplace where Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) are not just ideals—they are everyday practices.
Our team reflects the communities we serve—multicultural, multidimensional, and deeply committed to equity. We focus on strengths-based leadership, ensuring every staff member can do what they do best, supported by professional development and a culture that values collaboration, respect, and shared purpose.
This focus on people and values is why employees have voted United Way one of the Best Places to Work in Rhode Island for six years. Staff consistently cite the combination of mission-driven work, community impact, and an inclusive environment as reasons why United Way is a place where they feel proud to work and grow.
Our JEDI commitment is woven through our strategic priorities, our internal culture, and the way we partner with the community. By living these values every day, we aim to model the kind of equity-centered leadership that drives lasting change across Rhode Island.
Why it matters: When we build an inclusive, mission-driven workplace, we attract and retain the talent needed to advance equity and strengthen communities statewide.
JEDI STAFF Testimonials
“I can personally attest to United Way’s commitment to equity. When life took a hard turn for me, the organization, and our leadership, demonstrated what it truly means to live our values, putting their words into action. They stood by me and made sure I had what I needed to fulfill my role, and to continue growing and thriving. This experience affirmed for me that our culture is not performative; it is authentic, lived, and practiced.”
Courtney Smith – Director of Innovation and Community Outreach, United Way of RI
“I couldn't have finished college without the team's support and the amazing mentors I had along the way… it is a breath of fresh air to see a team that regards themselves as family. As a first-generation college student, I am thankful that I get to share one of my biggest accomplishments with the people who believed in me and took a chance.”
Ana Mercado, Staff Accountant, Accounts Payable, United Way of RI
Equity Challenge: Building a Shared Language for Change
Achieving racial equity and social justice begins with learning—and a willingness to see the world through a different lens. That’s why United Way of Rhode Island launched the Equity Challenge, a statewide initiative designed to help individuals and organizations explore issues like implicit bias, privilege, systemic racism, and allyship through daily readings, videos, and reflection prompts.
Under Live United 2025, the Equity Challenge invited thousands of Rhode Islanders to commit to learning together, year after year. Each cycle brought new themes, updated content, and fresh opportunities for reflection—helping participants build a shared language and deeper understanding of what it takes to create a more equitable Rhode Island.
The Challenge also created a pathway for action. Many workplaces used it as a springboard for internal conversations, professional development, and policy changes. Others became United Way Equity Champions, signaling their commitment to advancing justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in lasting ways.
One of the most important lessons from the Equity Challenge is that we are all works in progress. But progress comes from commitment—and United Way remains dedicated to creating spaces where learning leads to action, and action leads to change.
Why it matters: When we build a shared understanding of equity, we lay the foundation for a Rhode Island where everyone can thrive.
Rhode Island Launches 2025 State Employee Charitable Giving Campaign
More than 17,000 public servants invited to give back through annual campaign running through Thanksgiving
Signing of Minimum Wage Bill is a Win for Rhode Island Workers and a Step Forward for the Ocean State
Earlier today, Monday, August 4, United Way of Rhode Island had the honor and the privilege to be represented at the ceremonial signing of the legislation that increases Rhode Island’s minimum wage from $15 to $17 an hour by 2027,
Lawyers’ Committee for RI seeks Volunteer Attorneys to help Nonprofits Navigate the Evolving Regulatory and Funding Landscapes
Warwick, RI – [April 28, 2025] – The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) has partnered with United Way of Rhode Island to establish a satellite 211 office on CCRI’s Warwick campus, expanding access to essential community resources for students. This collaboration underscores CCRI’s ongoing commitment to removing barriers to student success and ensuring students have the support they need to thrive both in and out of the classroom.
UPCOMING EVENTS
September Speaker Series: Women United – Global to Local Impact – Sept. 19th
Celebrate the power of Women United—from global leadership to community action right here in Rhode Island. Join us virtually and hear inspiring stories of Women United’s influence, creative member engagement, and the tangible results of our Community Impact Fund—including the work of grant award recipients making a difference for families across Rhode Island.
📅 Date: Friday, September 19, 2025
⏰ Time: 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. (EST)
📍 Location: Virtual (link provided upon registration)
🔗 Register Today: https://uwriweb.org/comm/SinglePageRegEvent.jsp?EventKeyHex=3136363030
Featured Speakers:
• Patrice Maloney-Knauff, Esq. – Women United Global Leadership Council, United Way of Lake County (IL)
• Jenny Holsman Tetreault – Chair, Women United Global Leadership Council, Vice President and Associate General Counsel of Litigation & Compliance TPI Composites, Inc.
• Carolyn Kennedy Chubb – Women United Executive Council Chair, United Way of Northern New Jersey
• Roshni Darnal - Director, Community Investments, United Way of Rhode Island
United Way Gearing up for “Back to School Celebration of RI”
Event on August 23, Volunteers Needed to Help
Free Backpacks and School Supplies : beloved annual event expected to draw 1,000+ children and their families to the organization’s Valley Street headquarters for a day of community & fun
Providence, R.I. (August 11, 2025) – As children across Rhode Island prepare to return to the classroom, United Way wants to ensure they have the tools they need to succeed and is looking to the community to lend a helping hand.
On Saturday, August 23, United Way’s 50 Valley Street headquarters in Providence will be one of 12 “Back to School Celebration of RI” sites across the state distributing free backpacks full of school supplies to students. The sprawling community event will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and is expected to draw 1,000+ children and their families, and volunteers are needed for various roles.
Among the volunteer opportunities are:
• Family Registration: greet guests, manage entrance line, and provide “Backpack Passport”
• Vendor Registration: welcome exhibitors and provide table signs
• Backpack Distribution: collect stamped passports and distribute one backpack per child
• Food Area Support: help distribute food, water, and snacks
• Children’s Play Area: supervise play zones and encourage safe play
• Book + Supplies Table: organize books and school supplies for children to choose from
Those interested in volunteering may sign up online or by emailing Jennifer Remmes at jennifer.remmes@unitedwayri.org. Volunteers must be aged 13 or older and accompanied by an adult, and available to arrive prior to the start of the event.
In addition to the backpack and school supplies giveaways, United Way’s “Back to School Celebration” event will feature entertainment, food, music, and a robust assortment of social service partners.
Attending families are encouraged to visit the partners’ stations to learn about available community resources such as utilities assistance, SNAP benefits, education and workforce opportunities, afterschool programs, 211, and more. There also will be a dedicated area with kids activities, including coloring, face-painting, hula hoop, and other fun treats.
50 Valley Street. Providence, Rhode Island 02909 | (401) 444-0600 | unitedwayri.org“We could not be more excited to once again host this incredible event at United Way – it’s all about ensuring every child starts the school year not only with the supplies they need, but with the confidence that their entire community stands behind them,” said Cortney Nicolato, president and CEO of United Way of RI. “As we celebrate the start of a new school year, we’re also reaffirming our deep commitment to building stronger, more resilient families across Rhode Island, because when families thrive, our entire community thrives.