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UWCGA Issues Comprehensive Statement Regarding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Brunswick, Ga., May 21, 2021 – At a recent meeting, the United Way of Coastal Georgia Board of Directors and staff adopted a comprehensive statement regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion.

“United Way of Coastal Georgia exists to positively impact and improve the health, education and financial stability for every person in Coastal Georgia,” said Justin Callaway, Executive Director. “We are committed to finding sustainable solutions to break the cycles of generational poverty while upholding the fundamental principles of inclusivity, equity and resiliency.”

“On the global scale, and just as importantly, on the local level, United Way believes that every person is entitled to be treated with dignity and respect,” Mary Jenrette, Board Chair, emphasized. “As an organization, we overtly denounce racism and recognize that we must all do our part to make our coastal community the place that we need it to be – equitable, civil and opportunity-filled. United, we can and must do better to guarantee that everyone’s basic human rights and freedoms are protected.

Added Callaway, “Ultimately, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of what it means to ‘LIVE UNITED’.”

The full statement from United Way of Coastal Georgia may be found below. For more information, please visit https://uwcga.org/equity/.

United Way of Coastal Georgia (UWCGA) strives to create communities where all individuals and families have the opportunity to achieve their maximum potential. Paramount in this goal is the commitment to equity in our work – from interacting with the public to engaging donors and allocating resources across our region.

Equity is the intentional inclusion of everyone in society. We recognize that the strength and vitality of an entire community is tied to just and equitable access to resources and opportunities. Equity is achieved when systemic, institutional, and historic barriers based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and other identities are dismantled and no longer predict socioeconomic, education, and health outcomes.

Further, we recognize that structural racism and other forms of oppression have contributed to disparities in our region. We unequivocally denounce racism and all forms of discrimination because it undermines the well-being and vitality of our community. As part of our mission to improve and change lives in Coastal Georgia, we commit to holding equity as a core value and working with public and private partners to ensure everyone has the resources, support, opportunities, and networks they need to thrive. We know that tremendous assets exist within traditionally underserved and marginalized communities. It is our commitment to work with diverse communities and individuals as partners, donors, and volunteers. We further commit to leveraging all of our assets, from strategic investments to awareness building to advocacy, for a more equitable Coastal Georgia.

Internally, United Way of Coastal Georgia aims to reflect the demographics of the diverse communities that we serve. We have and will continue to incorporate equity principles and practices in our policies including hiring, retention, and board development. We will hold ourselves accountable to ensure a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion and expect the same from our community partners.