Equity and Belonging

The data is clear. Marginalized families in our community face significant barriers to realizing their full human potential. Societal outcomes can be predicted based on race and ethnicity, gender, disabilities, and other identities in every measure of well-being. Marginalized groups are among the most vulnerable to poor economic, educational, and health outcomes. While it is common to believe these differences are based on individual effort, attitude, or skills - societal barriers outside the control of individuals play a significant role.   

United Way of Bartholomew County recognizes structural inequity has contributed to persistent disparities. To close gaps on socio-economic indicators for high-school graduation rates, post-secondary attainment, wealth, and good health across all identities, we created a plan involving the whole community. We engaged community members to create solutions that ensure everyone has the resources, supports, opportunities and networks to thrive including children, our future and next generation of leaders. 

We set out to increase well-being, belonging and opportunity so that all members of our community can realize dreams of a brighter future.  

Specifically, we: 

• Modeled diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in everything we do including maintaining United Way’s Board of Directors’ inclusive representation at over 30% 
• Collected data and outcomes to understand our changing community demographics 
• Elevated community voices, especially those experiencing disparities