A Message to Our Community FROM uNITED WAY OF GREATER WATERBURY

The past few months have been incredibly trying for all of us.  As we battled the coronavirus and worked to stabilize our community, the horrific events of Minnesota suddenly rippled across television screens and social media feeds everywhere with images now seared into our collective consciousness.  Images that demand we look at ourselves, our local community and the work we are engaged in every day, to ask ourselves where can we do more to improve the racial and social inequities present in our community. 

A great community is one where all people are treated with dignity and respect and valued for their strengths and the contributions they have to offer.  A great community is a united community and includes all voices and perspectives.  Different backgrounds and points of view challenge us and may make us uncomfortable at times, but they also make us better and enrich our communities.  A great community upholds equity and social justice for all, especially for citizens who we know can accomplish amazing things if we only keep the promise that United Way makes to deliver a community in which all people thrive.

As United Way of Greater Waterbury, we engage in this work every day and recognize we must do more.  The purpose and mission of our United Way is to “mobilize our ten-town region, amplify its resources, and invest in approaches that advance equity and measurable outcomes.” We commit to making our communities equitable, respectful, and filled with opportunity.  We pledge to work alongside those with lived experiences throughout our 10-town region and to implement programs and strategies that dismantle the health and financial inequities present in our community.  We stand with those affected by and facing injustice.

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.  It starts at the local level.  It starts with us.

United Way of Greater Waterbury

Connecticut United Ways Statement on Race, Equity and Justice

Connecticut United Ways stand together with residents to end injustice and systemic racism. The deaths of and continued acts of violence towards Black Americans must end. As United Ways, we commit to partnering in local efforts to take positive action.

We strive to make our State a place where everyone has an equal opportunity to prosper regardless of race. Now, more than ever, we must continue to work together to support each other in promoting racial equity, both in how we live our lives and how we LIVE UNITED.

We call on each other to take positive action in being part of the solution leading to true equity in criminal justice, education, housing, health, and access to opportunity.

Connecticut United Ways pledge to do our part. 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 now and as we move forward.

Join us. Contact your local United Way to learn more about how to get involved: www.ctunitedway.org/ctuways

About Connecticut United Ways

Connecticut United Ways advance the common good by creating opportunities for all, with a particular focus on education, income/financial security, health, and basic needs – the building blocks for a good quality of life. We engage people and organizations throughout our communities who bring passion, expertise, and resources needed to get things done, and we invite everyone to be part of the change.