Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Ensure equal access to opportunity for all.

By closing opportunity gaps, we unlock pathways in every neighborhood and create a more inclusive and prosperous future for all. That’s how our entire community can Rise United. 

Here at United Way, we face today’s challenges with determination and optimism. Our positivity radiates through our work and creates change for everyone in the Quad Cities. We believe that when we all win, the Quad Cities is stronger.

Committed to every person in every neighborhood.

At United Way Quad Cities, we have a vision: that every Quad Citizen, regardless of race or zip code, has the opportunity and access to develop their full potential.

A woman sitting with her daughter on a blanket in the park.
United Way QC’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Statement

United Way Quad Cities seeks to engage the entire community in our work. We seek to value diversity by respecting and appreciating race, religion, language differences, abilities, national origin, ethnicity, age, gender, gender identity & expression, sexual orientation and socio-economic status. That commitment is reflected in all aspects of United Way’s work — including our staff, volunteers, partners, vendors and the community we serve.

  • United Way Quad Cities’ vision and mission center on inclusion and equity.
  • Our vision is that our community is a place where all individuals and families thrive — a community where everyone has the opportunity to live a healthy life, acquire the education they need to earn a good living and have a roof over their heads.
  • We will be active allies to eradicate systemic and institutional racism in our community.
  • To be inclusive is to leverage diversity by bringing unique individual backgrounds to collectively, individually and more effectively address issues facing our community.
  • Our board, staff and volunteers must reflect the spectrum of faces and walks of life which make up our community It is our goal that our Board, staff, volunteers, partners, vendors, strategies and investments also reflect these values of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
  • Together let’s embrace and leverage Diversity, Equity and Inclusion to ensure we all live our best lives, here in the Quad Cities region.

Create Lasting Change

Two cute kids smiling inside a classroom.

Rise United 2030 Community Plan

Together with our partners, we have set 10-year targets to drive transformative change and advance racial equity in education, income and health.

How we rise, together

A smiling Indian family.

Advance Equitable Outcomes

DEI isn’t just a buzzword — it’s a lens we use to magnify our impact so that everyone has a pathway to opportunity.

See our impact

$25 per month can provide an entire classroom with one-on-one mentorship and broaden students’ horizons.

Your investment through United Way Quad Cities can bolster programs like Books & Barbers which support student learning and social-emotional health.

Close gaps to open new opportunities.

United for Equity & 21-Day Equity Challenge

Starting the summer of 2020, United Way convened leaders across the community to address systemic barriers holding neighbors behind.

See our steps taken

African American Leadership Society (AALS).

The African American Leadership Society improves education outcomes for students of color.

High school student helping an elementary school child with an activity.