Values
The mission of United Way of the Midlands is to determine and respond to the critical human service needs of our community in the areas of education, income and health. This critical role requires that all of us involved in UWM, who foster such an essential public good, must assume the responsibility of earning public trust. Accordingly, United Way of the Midlands plays a unique role both as a leader in the health and human services sector and as a major resource to partner organizations to build trust through all that we do. This bond of trust goes far beyond legal or regulatory requirements to include our core values and ethics.
To fulfill this special obligation, seven core values provide the foundation on which we base our actions and decisions.
EXCELLENCE: We perform with excellence in word and deed at all times. We share a commitment to surpassing all expectations in quality, skill and achievement. We consistently assess our performance to ensure we are achieving goals and exceeding standards. We expect our volunteers and partners to embrace and maintain this pledge of excellence.
RESPONSIVENESS: We listen and respond to the needs of the community. We assess the needs, identify areas of concern and seek out resources to fund solutions. We respond with a commitment to bring about positive change.
LEADERSHIP: We initiate leadership for community building to effect positive change. We are effective educators and conveners--bringing diverse segments of the community together to promote individual well-being and common good. We are leaders of a process that multiplies the impact of people's innate desire and capacity to care for one another. We help transform visions of compassion and giving into dynamic reality.
INTEGRITY: We act with integrity that inspires the highest trust. We stand as "one" in the pursuit of instilling and promoting public confidence and trust. We maintain the highest standards of excellence and accountability--including a prudent use of finances and fair, accurate and honest disclosures of information.
IMPACT: We make a positive difference and have a measurable impact. We make a difference in our community. Our efforts change lives. We are committed to a United Way that is relevant to its people, its community and the times. We assume responsibility as good stewards of and are accountable for our work and sustainable results.
VOLUNTEERISM: We are relevant and impactful through the spirit of volunteerism. United Way is outstanding in the way it invites volunteers to express their philanthropic beliefs ("expression of one's love of humanity"). We believe that the most effective models of service and excellence are created through the leadership of volunteers.
OPENNESS: We are accessible to all interested in participating in or examining our involvement in impacting the community. We aspire to involve every segment of the community in every aspect of our work. We act in ways that respect the dignity, uniqueness and intrinsic worth of every person.
COLLABORATION: We are committed to a group process to reach common goals that cannot be reached through the efforts of individuals or organizations acting alone. We believe in a movement built from the rich diversity and gifts of all people.
