DIVERSITY

From the Missouri Slope Areawide United Way Diversity Committee:

The MSAUW Diversity Committee exists to address the many needs of member United Way agencies. As the region continues to become more diverse, member agencies will not only see more diverse service populations, they will also see a more diverse workplace. This diversity is a tremendous benefit – if managed effectively. Lessons learned from other regions where diversity abounds have taught us that diversity that is managed ineffectively (or not at all!) creates frustration, conflict and misunderstanding.

The mission of the MSAUW Diversity Committee is to assist all member agencies become effective at embracing and working with diversity. The goals of the committee will be accomplished by helping agencies increase understanding, resources and specific tools for effectively working with all people who are both similar and different at the same time! These goals correspond to the overarching vision of the United Way of America (see statements below) and are meant to increase the effectiveness of United Way’s efforts in communities.

The committee would like to invite you to be a part of our efforts at making the Missouri Slope Area United Way a leader in inclusion, acceptance and collaboration for the betterment of all people.

United Way’s Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

di×ver×si×ty:
the quality of being different or unique at the individual or group level. This includes work style, parental status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, skin color, language, age, mental and physical abilities – and more. Even when people appear the same on the outside, they are different!

in×clu×sion:
a strategy to leverage diversity. Diversity always exists in social systems. Inclusion, on the other hand, must be created. In order to leverage diversity, an environment must be created where people feel supported, listened to, and able to do their personal best.

Diversity and Inclusion: A Statement of Principle

United Way of America will continually strive to be a model of diversity and inclusion. The United Way of America’s Board of Trustees, staff, and volunteers must reflect all of the many faces, and walks of life, which proudly make up our nation. Together we genuinely demonstrate the principles of diversity and inclusion which enrich all communities.

To value diversity is to respect and appreciate race, religion, skin color, gender, nationality, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical abilities, age, parental status, work and behavioral styles, and the perspectives of each individual shaped by their nation and experiences. To be inclusive is to leverage diversity by bringing together unique individual backgrounds to collectively and more effectively address the issues facing our communities.

It is our aim, therefore, that United Way of America’s partners, strategies, and investments reflect those core values. Diversity is a critical component to achieving success in an ever-changing environment. Everyday we experience the dramatic changes occurring in our country: changing demographics and changing needs. Our ability to employ effective inclusion practices and to make them an integral part of our business will enable United Way to fulfill its mission of improving lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities.

Approved by the United Way of America Board of Trustees
March 14, 2006