Commitment to Diversity, Equality & Inclusion
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the heart of what it means to LIVE UNITED.
We celebrate unique and diverse identities and experiences. We believe that all people deserve fairness, justice, and security. We create a welcoming environment in which everyone feels valued and respected.
We commit to aligning our culture and business practices to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion to address our community’s needs better.
Anti-Racism Statement
The United Way of Greater McHenry County:
Acknowledges that racial inequities result from policies, procedures, and practices that contribute to the marginalization of entire populations of people.
Denounces racism and ethnic discrimination because it undermines the well-being and vitality of our community.
Supports diversity, equity, and inclusion because that is what it means to LIVE UNITED.
Defines equity as the presence of justice and fairness within the procedures, processes, and distribution of resources by organizations and communities.
Knows that we can only be successful if we recognize, raise up, and support leaders from underrepresented neighborhoods.
Promises that we will engage these leaders as partners, volunteers, contributors, and community members and will intentionally create pathways for them to be included in decision-making and leadership roles within our own and other organizations.
Seeks to dismantle disparities and engage our community, especially those whose voices have traditionally been marginalized, in the shared work of fortifying equity and empowerment.
Commits to intentionally making decisions that provide fair treatment, access, and opportunity for all.
Engages public and private partners to co-create solutions that ensure everyone in McHenry County has the resources, support, opportunities, and networks they need to thrive.
Pledges to align United Way of Greater McHenry County’s culture and business practices to end racism and to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Finally, we are dedicated to an ongoing and purposeful journey of listening, learning, and growing as we hold our leadership, staff, and partners accountable in addressing McHenry County’s needs for racial equality.
United Way of Greater McHenry County Board Statement on Equity-Diversity-Inclusion
United Way of Greater McHenry County Board believes that bringing diverse individuals together allows us to address the issues that face our community more equitably. We improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of our communities, and this is most effectively accomplished when we are inclusive. Equity, diversity, and inclusion are an active process that requires continuous commitment in order to promote healthy people, healthy communities, and the overall success of present and future generations.
The Board enacts its commitment to promoting an equitable, diverse, and inclusive community by encouraging and valuing:
- Equitable Access to Community Resources: We are committed to supporting community agencies that provide equal access to resources and enable residents to thrive financially, educationally, socially, and emotionally.
- Inclusive Representation: We will actively build a Board and volunteer group whose members reflect the diverse cultures, backgrounds, and life experiences of our communities. We affirm the uniqueness of each individual and value individual ways of existing in the world. We are committed to understanding how personal, cultural, and historical aspects of identity contribute to and enrich our community.
- Intentional Exploration & Understanding: We challenge ourselves to examine our cultural viewpoints and assumptions, and to modify them when appropriate. We are committed to better understanding the experiences of the residents of our communities from diverse backgrounds as well as to challenge our own practices.
- Meaningful Interaction and Dialogue: We challenge ourselves to interact meaningfully with the community and to learn from one another, honoring our differences while inviting dialogue. We encourage curiosity and inquiry so that we can learn from a diverse range of experiences and points of view.
- Service Orientation: We use the above practices to instill a consciousness of social justice, an ethic of citizenship, and a commitment to service. This includes reaching outside the Board and our supported agencies to establish beneficial relationships with individual and institutional partners who share mutual goals and interests.