We recognize Wisconsin ranks among the worst states in the country for racial equity and we are committed to working with our diverse network of community members, nonprofit, business and philanthropic partners and policymakers to identify and address root causes of inequities and local challenges in Dane County. We believe that combining our investments in successful community-based programs and our caring power of convening with sound public policy engagement and advocacy will lead to long-term, positive change for everyone in our community.
We are conscious of how public policy impacts the lives of our neighbors and creates the conditions for people in our community to thrive. We are committed to using our knowledge and research of local issues to help inform decisions-makers on policies at the local, state and national levels and mobilizing our community and partner network to help design and support solutions guided by measurable results. Developed in consultation with community leaders and our partner agencies, our public policy priorities are aligned to the strategic work of our mission to support the Education, Income and Health of all people in Dane County.
Our goal is to reduce the number of children under age five experiencing poverty in Dane County. We support public policies that:
Our goals are that all children read on grade level by third grade and all students graduate from high school. We support public policies that:
Our goal is that all Dane County residents’ income is above 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. We support public policies that:
Our goal is to eliminate general health and average life expectancy disparities between white residents and people of color in Dane County. We support public policies that:
In alignment with United Way of Dane County’s mission, we also provide support and promote citizen engagement as keys to strengthening the community and its nonprofit organizations. Therefore, we support public policies that:
One of the best ways to affect public policy is to take action yourself. Register to vote, contact your local and national politicians. Make sure your voice is heard! Check our the links below to help make a difference in your community.
Do you have a request for United Way to take action on a policy issue? Click to download and fill out this request form.
Do you want to know how United Way approaches our policy advocacy and engagement? Click to download our advocacy criteria guide.