Advocate

Public Policy and Advocacy

Join the cause. Make your voice heard. Create real change.

Policy change can be big or small. It can be petitioning your school board to require healthier cafeteria meals. It can be urging your government to invest more in schools, or make child tax credits permanent, or make more children eligible for health insurance. Or it can be mobilizing your contacts to speak out on a critical cause, in person or online.

United Way galvanizes people to speak out for change. We're amplifying individuals’ voices on important community issues. As the largest privately-funded nonprofit in the world, we provide a platform for people to take meaningful action that makes a difference.

United Way's Policy Work

United Way’s Policy Agenda for the 116th Congress helps fulfill our obligation to assist policy-makers in crafting the best possible governmental policies in the areas of education, financial stability and health, while also tackling important policies that strengthen communities at-large.

As the largest non-governmental funder of health and human services in local communities throughout the United States, United Way stewards billions of dollars and millions of volunteer-hours each year. While our impact locally and collectively as a network is vast, United Way recognizes that government spending in our focus areas of health, education and financial stability far exceeds the capability of the nonprofit sector.

United Way engages in public policy advocacy to leverage the knowledge and experience of our network to help inform policymakers’ decisions regarding governance and funding of critical health and human services.

As a leader in the nonprofit community, United Way seeks to craft practical long-term solutions for people and communities. Through a nonpartisan, non-ideological approach to advocacy, we leverage our convening power to bring together untraditional allies – businesses, labor, nonprofits, government and advocates – to fight for the health, education and financial stability of every person in every community.

Below is more information about the legislative priorities in each of our key focus areas:

Legislative Priority: Education

Legislative Priority: Financial Stability

Legislative Priority: Health

Legislative Priority: Strengthening Communities

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Policy Statement Rejecting Racism, Anti-Semitism and Ethnic Discrimination

At United Way of Portage County, we know that a community thrives when everyone feels respected and included. That’s why we are committed to fostering an environment where everyone can be

themselves and achieve their full potential. We, the United Way of Portage County Board of Directors and employees, stand committed to affirming our identity as an organization that rejects all

racism, anti-Semitism and ethnic discrimination in all their forms. We recognize that systemic racism, unjust policies and practices in our institutions, and other forms of oppression have -

and continue to - marginalize entire populations of people. While racism and prejudice are not always conscious, their consequences are always dehumanizing. We denounce all forms of racism,

anti-Semitism and ethnic discrimination. They have no place in our society and undermine our efforts to create a community where all people can realize their full potential.

We stand committed to challenging and correcting inequities and ensuring that those whose voices have been quieted are heard. We will continue to work alongside all stakeholders and

partners to foster opportunities for education and awareness to create a more equitable community for all.

Public Policy and Advocacy

United Way's Policy Work

Want to stay close to the causes that matter most to you? Sign up to receive our monthly advocacy email. Register

Policy Statement Rejecting Racism, Anti-Semitism and Ethnic Discrimination

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