Understanding Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
While social justice and equity have always influenced the impact work and services provided by United Way dollars, our staff decided this spring to be even more intentional and dedicated to learning and understanding how diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) can be manifested in everything we do. Several employees volunteered to serve on a workgroup to help guide this learning and action. So far they have clarified the importance of DEI by updating the language in our Employee Handbook and Code of Ethics. The group also planned and provided an in-service outing to the Ritchey House in Topeka, which once served as a stop on the Underground Railroad and is currently part of the Freedom's Frontier National Heritage Area. The staff were also able to volunteer at the site, doing cleaning and yard maintenance.
Social justice and equity are now a formal part of UWGT's strategic planning framework, from operations, to grant-making, to personal development.
United Way of Greater Topeka Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Statement
To truly Live United, we must commit to placing diversity, equity, and inclusion at the forefront of our work, internally and externally.
A successful fight for the education, financial stability, and health of every person requires that we listen to, learn from, and amplify the voices of those who are most in need and those who have been traditionally underrepresented.
We recognize that everyone in our United Way community brings value to our mission. We understand every employee, donor, volunteer, partner and stakeholder brings different experiences, perspectives, and expectations. We respect and encourage insight and participation from all.
We actively promote a variety of voices among our staff, volunteer committees and Board of Directors, and the non-profit community.
We commit to being curious and courageous in how we communicate with each other. We do so in a constant effort to grow and move our community forward together.