Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Lake Area United Way, committed to the creed of “Live United,” will strive to model and demonstrate diversity, equity, and inclusion within all our operations. In a community that is increasingly diversified, we value and recognize that all our neighbors face challenges and desire opportunities to be part of the solutions we bring to our community. Our organization will use its position to promote equity and inclusion for all of those in our region. 

Our staff, board, volunteers, and partners will make decisions that are inclusive of voices of those being served and representative of our community. We believe that community challenges are sustainably solved when all groups come together. We work with residents and public and private partners to ensure everyone has the resources, supports, opportunities, and networks they need to thrive. We stand in solidarity with community members and other organizations addressing disparities across our nation – and affirm our commitment to building an inclusive and equitable community in Muskogee and Cherokee County. 

Equal employment opportunity is pledged to all applicants and employees. It is our policy to recruit, hire, train and promote individuals, as well as administer any and all personnel actions, without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, carceral history, military or veteran status, or status as a qualified disabled individual, in accordance with applicable laws.

Our United Way actively seeks volunteers who broadly reflect the diverse nature of our community in terms of race, color, religion, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, military or veteran status, or status as a qualified disabled individual, as such diversity may exist and evolve from time to time.

Lake Area United Way seeks and supports agency partners that are inclusive in all aspects of their operation – from the clients they serve, to the volunteers they recruit, and the individuals they employ. For agencies not working to achieve this level of inclusion, LAUW will consider scaling down its support and investment in the agency.