DEI STATEMENT of Principle
TAUW envisions a community working together to ensure that all people are afforded an opportunity to flourish and thrive. We engage in intentional actions focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of the organization, looking inward for accountability and outward to drive change and strengthen partnerships. We do this by:
- Developing a diverse, equity-minded board, workforce, and organizational culture, including our communications;
- Seeking to better understand and improve the way data is collected and analyzed to better address needs and communicate services available in a way that is reflective and inclusive of our communities’ diversity;
- Addressing barriers that uphold inequities by creating pathways to opportunity and hope;
- Investing in organizations that equitably serve diverse populations and needs.
As a community leader, the Tulsa Area United Way accepts responsibility for and makes a commitment to creating and supporting inclusive communities. Many of the factors that stand in the way are clear: unconscious bias; structural racism; dehumanization based on race and culture; discrimination based on race, ethnicity, age, disabilities, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression. These factors contribute to ongoing disparities and inequities.
Within our region and unique history, laws, systems, policies, practices, and even violence have marginalized entire populations, most notably Black and Indigenous Peoples and People of Color. We denounce racism and discrimination, actions that undermine the well-being, vitality and economic prosperity of our community.
To see a one-page overview of the Board-approved TAUW 2023 DEI Plan as presented by the Diversity & Inclusion Advisory Council, please click here. Approved by Tulsa Area United Way’s Diversity & Inclusion Advisory Council on 09/30/2021 and by the Board of Directors on 10/06/2021.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT Opportunity Policy
Tulsa Area United Way shall not engage in prohibited discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, color, sex1, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, religion2, age3, disability4, genetic information5, veteran or military status, or any other prohibited discrimination based upon legally protected categories and/or characteristics.
This Policy applies to employment decisions including, but not limited to, recruitment and employment, promotion, demotion, transfer, compensation, selection for training, discipline, layoff, termination and other privileges and conditions of employment. Implicit in this policy is the commitment of Tulsa Area United Way to maintain a place of employment which is free from sexual and other types of harassment.
- Including pregnancy and caregiving status. Pregnant Workers Fairness Act
- Collectively Title VII and/or its state law counterpart
- Age Discrimination in Employment Act (“ADEA” Act)
- Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”)
- Genetic Information Non-Discrimination Act (“GINA”)
This policy is in compliance with the laws referenced above.
Updated 3/22/2023
VOLUNTEER DIVERSITY & Inclusion POLICY
Tulsa Area United Way believes that engaging a diverse volunteer base is essential to the success of our collaboration with and support of the communities we serve.
It is our policy to actively seek and include volunteers who broadly reflect the diversity of our community in terms of race, ethnicity, national origin, tribal citizenship, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, religion, age, disability, genetic information, carceral history, veteran or military status, or other aspects of diversity.
Approved by Tulsa Area United Way’s Diversity & Inclusion Advisory Council on 11/29/2022
COMMUNITY INVESTMENT INCLUSION POSITION
Tulsa Area United Way seeks and supports nonprofit partners that are inclusive in all aspects of their programming and operations—from recruitment of volunteers and the individuals they employ, to ensuring equitable access and meeting clients they serve with dignity and respect. TAUW supports organizations in their journey alongside our own as we all strive for inclusivity to strengthen our communities and ensure all people are afforded an opportunity to flourish and thrive.
Approved by Community Investments Cabinet 10/19/2023
Vendor Diversity Statement
Tulsa Area United Way intentionally seeks opportunities to work with diverse vendors and consultants. Our work with diverse-owned businesses supports the region’s financial stability—one of United Way’s foundational building blocks for better lives.
To align with this objective, TAUW forms relationships with and advocates for business that represent the diversity of our region and our nonprofit partners, including but not limited to BIPOC, women, veteran, LGBTQ+, immigrant, and other diverse-owned businesses. Our Vendor Selection and Procurement Policy guides our accountability processes to ensure access to potential business partnerships.
By working with businesses that share TAUW’s commitment to ethics, social responsibility, and excellence, we contribute to a Tulsa in which we all can flourish and thrive.
Approved by Tulsa Area United Way’s Diversity & Inclusion Advisory Council on 6/9/2023 and Finance and Audit Committee on 6/14/2023.