STAND UNITED
6-4-20
A Statement From Our CEO
America’s pursuit of a ‘more perfect union’ begins with safe, just and healthy communities. Now we face two viruses – COVID-19 and violence.
We at Trident United Way are deeply saddened by the toll we see COVID-19 taking in our communities; we are also broken-hearted by the brutality that led to the deaths of George Floyd in Minnesota, Breonna Taylor in Kentucky, Ahmaud Arbery in Georgia and other recent acts of racism and violence. We cannot stop thinking about the families and all those affected by these tragedies.
Condolences are not enough. Behind each horrible headline is the human story of pain that affects the entire community. These grievous incidents and threats against American citizens have sparked responses across the country opening up deep wounds that many have been working diligently to overcome. As Americans, we should Stand United – not divided – on equitable treatment for all people.
Recent local and national occurrences expose the prejudices and the disparities that prevent some citizens from being treated with the dignity and respect they deserve as human beings – and as Americans.
While we support the peaceful protests happening in our community, we are dismayed over the physical harm to citizens and first responders – and to public and private property – that has erupted in our region. Many of the impacted businesses are owned by people who have invested their entire lives building entities that employ our neighbors and serve our community.
We call for justice, unity and the condemnation of violence and property damage.
Trident United Way works to ensure:
• All people are valued and are treated with dignity and respect
• Equal treatment for all individuals with access to justice and security
• Opportunities are created to help all persons thrive, especially in the areas of education, financial stability and health
• Inclusiveness in our shared work to address community challenges, avoiding partisanship and achieving measurable results
Our children are watching to see how we respond in this moment and counting on us to build a just and equitable world for everyone. It is my prayer that the best parts of our humanity will prevail, and love will conquer intolerance.
At Trident United Way, we stand in solidarity with community members and other organizations addressing disparities of all kinds. We remain committed to building an inclusive and equitable region where all people have the resources and opportunities to thrive.
For 76 years, Trident United Way has stood strong with our citizens to resolve the pressing community issues that no one organization can solve alone. That will never change. We invite you to join us and others in breaking down barriers that divide us. What can you do, either individually or in partnership with others, to make our common home a better place for all?
Standing United, Trident United Way remains committed to addressing systemic challenges and inequities, healing our community and putting opportunity in the hands of all.
Here to Serve,
Chloe Knight Tonney
President and CEO
6-5-20
Enough Talk. Stand UNITED Tri-County. Let's work together for the benefit of our community.
Post and Courier Op-Ed by Fleetwood Hassel, Trident United Way Board Chairman
Take action today to begin meaningful engagement with Trident United Way or renew your involvement in the mission. Please connect with us by sending an email to standunited@tuw.org so that we can learn about your interests and how you would like to plug into important community work with Trident United Way and our partners.
National and Local Equity Resources:
Collective Impact Forum – Blog on ways to engage right now
The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture launched Talking About Race
The Sophia Institute: Social Justice Racial Equity Collaborative
The Avery Research Center at the College of Charleston– Race and Social Justice Initiative
Charleston Area Justice Ministry
Charleston Area YWCA – Stand Against Racism pledge
Charleston Area YWCA – Racial Equity Institute workshops
Additional Equity Educational Opportunities:
Emanuel Documentary - Watch for free
Transformation Yoga – Offers classes “In Agreement” and “Midday Check-In”
Warner Bros. Major Motion Picture “Just Mercy” free rental for the month of June
Charleston County Public Library Charleston Time Machine – The Charleston Riot of 1919