United Way of Southwest Michigan strives to be a model of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of our work.

 UWSM recognizes that the strength and vitality of communities is tied to just and equitable access to resources and opportunities.  In all our roles we will actively work to dismantle systemic injustice and inequality wherever we find it.

 UWSM works to create a culture of belonging for the diversity of our human community in SWM and we value and promote equity and inclusiveness in all aspects of our work.

 We will work to create a community where:

·         Your zip code no longer determines your opportunity in life;

·         The academic achievement gap is eliminated;

·         Everyone in our community has a home;

·         Life expectancy is the same across all populations and communities;

·         Poverty is not generational. If it exists, it is intermittent and brief;

·         Everyone is able to thrive and meet their needs-- housing, childcare, food, transportation, health care, technology, miscellaneous, and taxes.   

A Statement of Principle of the United Way of Southwest Michigan – Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

 To achieve all the facets of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, it is the belief of United Way of Southwest Michigan that we begin with Justice.  Justice is directly dismantling barriers to resources and opportunities in society so that all individuals in communities can live a full and dignified life.  

UWSM recognizes that Equity is the core value of our work that is critical in achieving United Way’s mission. We value the sense of belonging for everyone in our communities. From our engagement with donors to our investment of resources across our communities and in our interactions with the public, together we will create thriving communities for all.  We will actively work to dismantle systemic, institutional, and historical barriers based on, but not limited to, gender, sexual orientation, race, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, disability, religion, income class, age,  so they no longer determine socioeconomic, education, and health outcomes. 

To achieve equity requires diversity. Diversity is the extent to which people of different identities and experiences are represented. To value diversity is to respect and appreciate race; religion; skin color; gender expression, gender identity; nationality; language differences; sexual orientation; physical, mental and developmental abilities; age; socioeconomic status; marital status; parental status; body size, and veteran status. Diversity is most important when it comes to representation of communities that have historically been excluded or marginalized.

Inclusion, for UWSM is the extent to which people have access to formal and informal decision making structures and is critically important when it comes to decisions that affect people's lives. Inclusion leverages diversity to collectively and more effectively address the issues facing our communities. And Inclusion is about people being able to be accepted/accommodated for their individual and unique identity, and not having to change their identity to fit it. 

In all levels of staff and governance, United Way of Southwest Michigan employs and promotes individuals, recruits volunteers, and partners with programs that inclusively support the diversity of our local community.

It is our aim, therefore, that Southwest Michigan become a more equitable community and that United Way Southwest Michigan’s strategies, investments, and partners be directed toward this end. Equity is at the heart of what it means to live united and advance the common good; to be an equitable system is fundamental to achieving our mission and goals in education, financial stability, health, and basic needs.