“Equity isn’t just about being equal or giving everyone the same opportunity. It’s about really understanding difference.” — Matt Lynn, Director of Community Impact

Building equity while reducing racial and economic disparities is fundamental to United Way’s vision. Telling that story is the role of a new video released today.

United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region envisions a vibrant community where all people realize their full potential. In the video, titled “To Me, For Us: Voices for Equity,” local United Way leaders and members of the internal Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Committee share what that work means on an individual, organizational and external level, and why it matters.

“If we’re going to authentically engage with communities to address racial and economic disparities, we really need to understand the communities, the issues that they face, how racism, oppression and privilege affect outcomes that we’re trying to achieve,” Laura Otte, Associate Director of Community Engagement and EDI Committee chair, says in the video.

Otte, along with Matt Lynn, will debut the video this week to United Way organizations from across the Midwest at the Great Rivers Conference in Green Bay, Wis. Otte and Lynn will lead a session titled “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Action.” Joining them will be United Way Worldwide leaders Marveen Hart, Diversity and Inclusion Director; and Darlene Slaughter, Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer.

The EDI Committee at United Way, composed of staff members from diverse backgrounds and departments, has been in place for more than three years. Thus far, most of its work has been behind the scenes.

“The intent of the video was to increase awareness that we’ve made this commitment, and as a way to make ourselves more accountable,” Otte said. “A part of that is to start planting the seeds in the community of what does it look like for United Way to be in this space, to open up the dialogue. It’s also recognizing that we don’t have it all figured out, and we need the community’s support.”

Please join us in this journey. Be a voice for equity. #LiveUnited.

[su_youtube url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qgy0OJlmZE”]

To see more videos from United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region, CLICK HERE.