United Way Community Campaign

United Way Fox Cities | 2021 7 The "why" behind the data ese data highlight just a few of the disparities that exist. e reasons behind the disparities are complex and can date back to systems and structures established generations ago that still affect conditions today. is past year, United Way Fox Cities invited the community to further explore these concepts with us. In fall 2020, United Way Fox Cities Emerging Leaders hosted three conversations using discussion guides created by Imagine Fox Cities, an initiative aimed at helping us become more intentional about shaping the future of the Fox Cities' well-being. e virtual gatherings covered race, racism and anti-racism. "e conversations on race were equal parts enlightening and exhausting. I quickly realized that there is a reason why we don't discuss these issues as frequently and as in-depth as we should — it is really hard. But, as with most things in life, sometimes the most necessary work is the hardest," says Rusty Zaspel, consumer engagement product manager for Kimberly- Clark, who helped facilitate the group discussions. "I gained a new appreciation that it is simply not good enough to sit in the relative comfort of the 'not-racist' camp. If I want to truly help change the world to improve the lives of my neighbors, co-workers and friends, I need to move beyond passive inaction and deeply consider embracing positive actions of anti-racism." United Way Fox Cities also invited the community to sign up for a 21-Week Equity Challenge, in collaboration with United Way Wisconsin. Across the state, more than 10,000 people signed up, including more than 1,650 from the Fox Cities. ose who registered received weekly emails with resources for engaging with topics such as privilege, stereotypes, and internal racism and bias. Starting in February and wrapping up in mid-June, the self-guided experience encouraged participants to develop a deeper understanding of how inequity and racism affect our lives and communities. Menasha Corp. actively participated in the 21-Week Equity Challenge by providing optional reflection opportunities for employees to discuss the articles, their experiences and what they learned along the way. "By creating a safe space for our employees to talk and share their experiences, we created a platform for an impactful and empowering discussion around these topics. is experience has been highly rewarding for our employees and we appreciate the opportunity to open up the dialogue regarding these important conversations," says Becca Jakubek, category manager for Menasha Corp. Peter C. Kelly, retired president and CEO of United Way Fox Cities, started a discussion group with close friends during the challenge. Together, the group dove deeper into the resources and topics; Bill Shepard and Shannon Kennedy participated. As they reflected on their experience, they shared, "e challenge was powerful. e net result, through a great deal of reading, listening, watching and discussing, is we have become more aware. More aware of the challenges faced by people of color, more aware of the implicit and structural racism surrounding us, more aware of our own racism, and of course more aware of our own white privilege. Not only are we more aware, we feel more competent in facing racism as advocates and activists. We humbly learned important skills in being a part of a collective discussion that taught us how to listen better and think more responsively." Equity Challenge 21-Week Want to lead your own conversations at your place of employment, within your social circles and even at your own dinner table? Find discussion guides about race, racism, anti- racism, class, privilege, allyship and bridging on Imagine Fox Cities' website under "Resources." imaginefoxcities.com Did you miss the first 21-Week Equity Challenge or want to join again? United Way Wisconsin is hosting another Challenge starting Aug. 30. Learn more at unitedwaywi.org/page/equity-challenge IMAGINE FOX CITIES

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