United Way believes everyone should have equal opportunity to reach their full potential.
Children and youth deserve the support they need to get a great start in life, and strong communities are vital to a great city where everyone has a sense of belonging and inclusion. In 2021, United Way continued to adapt quickly and drive innovation in the social sector through partnerships with agencies, donors, governments, and Indigenous communities in a united effort to tackle systemic problems in our communities.
As we aspire to become an organization of choice for diverse talent and donors, and a strategic, inclusive partner that mobilizes communities for lasting social change, United Way’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Strategy (2022-2026) creates a pathway for United Way to achieve our strategic goals and objectives in a manner aligned with our organizational values.
Introduced in 2018, United Way’s Akak’stiman: Journey of Creative Planning to Achieve Goals (“the Akak’stiman Indigenous Strategy”) is rich with Elder-vetted teachings and approaches to help United Way staff and community partners understand how to build respectful, authentic relationships with Indigenous people, and to create ethical space so that we may work together to identify and achieve common goals.
