Never in American history have we faced an assault on our national values of the scale we saw on January 6, 2021. Neither in rebellion nor in wartime nor under unprovoked attack have the fundamental principles of our nation been so threatened, its institutions so terrorized. Such violence is inexcusable, and we at United Way condemn it unequivocally.

While January 6 may be a date forever stained by these events, we believe the days and years that follow give us all the chance to rise and create a new history—not one driven by political ideologies, not one of right or left or centrist beliefs, but one in which we come together and champion the greatest word in our country’s name: United.

Today we call upon our communities, our region and our country to LIVE UNITED.

LIVE UNITED by coming together to build a vibrant nation where every person has the opportunity to succeed—to be financially stable, to be healthy and thriving, to live without fear or oppression or want, to have each other’s backs in good times and in crisis.

LIVE UNITED by condemning violence and rejecting hate, by acknowledging our nation’s current and historical shortcomings, and by embracing our potential for compassion and respect and collective action that can summon the transformative power of community.

LIVE UNITED by standing up for every person, regardless of age or race or ethnicity, regardless of gender or gender identity or religion, regardless of sexual orientation or socio-economic status, regardless of physical or mental or developmental abilities. This is especially imperative considering how society’s response to protests varies starkly, and often tragically, based on race.

LIVE UNITED by working with one another, not against; to make achieving a shared vision greater than our individual differences.

Today we as United Way intensify our vow to LIVE UNITED. We encourage you take that vow as well. Let’s join together and be part of the movement—to transform our community and unite our country.