Help create a welcoming, inclusive and equitable community for all
We believe that diversity and inclusion are at the heart of a healthy and vibrant community. When people feel excluded or face discrimination or racism, they are more at risk of becoming socially isolated, slipping into poverty, facing mental health challenges, and reducing their quality of life. United Way works to ensure our region becomes a truly equitable, safe and inclusive place, particularly for Indigenous peoples and racialized communities.
An equity lens is applied to all our activities within the community so that people of all backgrounds, races, abilities, and orientations share their voices. Our goal is to build one another up, work through past trauma and craft a brighter future together to ensure Victoria becomes a truly equitable, safe, and inclusive place.
Did you know:
18% of residents in the CRD and 28% of residents in BC are immigrants. Province-wide, people with a disability are employed at a rate of 48% compared to 70% for those without a disability. One in four queer and transgender youth in BC are forced out of their homes due to severe family conflict.
In partnership with the Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria, UWSVI is funding Tools for Equity, a diversity, equity, and inclusion training program for businesses and organizations to provide the tools and information to help build a vibrant and safe community.
One module is a bystander program that will encourage citizens to speak up against injustices and how to go about it in a safe manner. Tools for Equity is a workplace equity and anti-racism training program so vital to the long-term success of any organization.
Another example of our work in this area is the Intergenerational Enrichment Program. This program delivered by Sky Woman Healing Society hosts and supports families to engage and attend intergenerational, intercultural enrichment and community-building sessions. 60% of participating families are Indigenous, come from newcomer and/or BIPOC communities, or are challenged by poverty.
