United Way believes that every person is entitled to be treated with dignity and respect – this includes equal treatment and access to justice. Recent events involving violence and threats against African Americans and Asian Americans expose our society’s underlying racism, prejudice and privilege that prevent too many people from being treated with the humanity and respect they deserve. These incidents are abhorrent and run counter to everything that United Way, its volunteers and professionals value, live and fight for every day.
All people of all backgrounds and identities must call out discrimination and demand its removal from our society; otherwise, we are endorsing the status quo and are complicit in the abuses that follow.
We must all do our part, working United, to make our communities the places that we need them to be – equitable, respectful and opportunity filled. We, as a society, can and must do better to guarantee that the basic human rights and freedoms of every person in every community are protected.
Equity and Anti-Racism Resources:
- Anti-Racism Resources Shared via United Way Worldwide Online
- Recommended Education for Understanding Racial Inequality and Implicit Bias Compiled by Goodhue County Court Services
- Recommendations by Fair Trade Books-Red Wing
- City of Red Wing Library of Racial Equity Resources
United Way of Goodhue, Wabasha and Pierce Counties is committed to lead the fight for equity and strive to create communities where everyone has the resources, opportunities, and support they need to thrive. To that end, we are currently completing the Living United: A Guide for Becoming a More Equitable Organization and then plan to utilize the United Way Equity Framework throughout the community.