Reaffirming Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
While companies, organizations, and governments roll back their DEI commitments and departments, and while DEI is under active attack by the federal government, United Ways of California wants to share that our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) commitments aren’t going anywhere—in fact, they are more steadfast than ever.
We remain committed to creating a more equitable California in which every individual is able to thrive, and that requires attention to diversity, equity, and inclusion in our organization, among our network of California United Ways, in our programming, and in our advocacy efforts.
Over the past five years, we have intentionally deepened our work to advance equity, foster inclusivity, and support historically and systemically marginalized communities—internally within our organization, in work with our California United Way network, and in our programming and external communications.
As DEI comes under attack, we are taking this opportunity to boldly reaffirm our unwavering commitment to these equity values. These values remain central to our mission, and our dedication to this work has not changed. We will continue to advocate for access and opportunity for everyone in every community, which involves dismantling systemic, institutional, and historical barriers.
DEI is not about exclusion, nor is it about preferential treatment. It is about ensuring everyone has equal opportunities to succeed. A DEI-centered approach has proven to have meaningful benefits to individuals, businesses, non-profit and community organizations, and communities alike—because when more of us thrive, we all thrive.
To create lasting change in California, we must unite across all sectors, within all corners of our diverse state, to support practices, programs, and policies that protect and uplift our historically underserved and marginalized community members. This is what it means to be United for Good in California: coming together as a community to build a brighter, more equitable future for everyone.
While 2025 will no doubt be challenging, our network remains united and strong, and we are as committed as ever to serving California’s most vulnerable communities and to centering equity in all of our work.
United Ways of California remains steadfast in our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, recognizing these principles as vital to building stronger, more equitable communities. We hope others will join us in taking this opportunity to lean more deeply into—rather than shy away from—this critical work.
Together, we can create an equitable California where every individual has the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.
