Pillars

Our work is built on three core pillars: Community, Youth and Families, and Business. These foundational elements drive our mission to empower individuals and organizations, cultivating inclusive environments where equity and belonging can flourish. We are committed to action in all we do, delivering tools, resources, and partnerships that spark lasting and meaningful change across workplaces, communities, and beyond.

Community

The Community Pillar of the TUC is dedicated to fostering strong, inclusive communities by supporting organizations and initiatives that promote equity, understanding, and collaboration. This pillar serves as a catalyst for positive change, working to bridge gaps, strengthen connections, and empower communities to thrive in an environment where diversity is celebrated and valued.

What does it look like in action?

Community Engagement and Outreach: Initiatives to actively involve community members in decision-making processes, programs, and events, ensuring diverse voices are heard and represented.

Inclusive Training: Offering training programs and education that promote understanding and respect for diverse cultures, backgrounds, and identities within the community.

Collaborative Partnerships: Building partnerships with local organizations, businesses, government agencies, and community leaders to address systemic barriers and foster collaboration through diverse perspectives, promoting inclusion, equity, and opportunities for all.
Environmental Justice: Advocating for environmental policies and practices that promote equitable access to clean air, water, and green spaces for all community members, particularly marginalized groups.

​Economic Empowerment: Investing in initiatives and partnerships that promote economic empowerment, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy among underserved populations, contributing to sustainable economic growth and opportunity.

​Arts and Culture: Promoting cultural diversity and inclusion through arts exhibitions, performances, and workshops that celebrate the community's diverse heritage and foster cross-cultural understanding.

Youth and Family

The Youth and Family Pillar of the TUC is committed to empowering young people and supporting families by fostering environments where all individuals can thrive. This pillar focuses on creating opportunities for growth, education, and well-being, ensuring that youth and families have the resources and support they need to build strong, inclusive communities.
Youth Development and Leadership Programs: 
These initiatives focus on fostering positive growth in young people through education, mentoring, leadership training, and the development of workforce and life skills. The Youth and Leadership Initiative aims to empower the next generation by providing them with the tools, knowledge, and experiences needed to drive meaningful change within their communities. This initiative is rooted in the belief that nurturing youth leadership is essential for building a more inclusive and equitable future.

What does it look like in action?

Leadership Academies: A series of workshops and training sessions focused on developing leadership qualities such as public speaking, teamwork, and advocacy, all through the lens of fostering inclusion and equity. These academies could culminate in a capstone project where youth leaders design and implement an initiative aimed at promoting positive change in their communities.

Mentorship Programs: Pair young people with experienced leaders who can provide guidance, support, and career advice. ​

Apprenticeships: Collaborate with local organizations and industries to establish apprenticeship programs that offer youth practical training and real-world work experience across various fields. These apprenticeships provide a more immersive and sustained learning experience allowing participants to develop specialized skills and gain in-depth knowledge over an extended period.
Annual Youth Leadership Summit: Host an annual summit that brings together youth leaders from diverse backgrounds to exchange ideas, learn from one another, and collaborate on strategies for fostering inclusion and equity. The event could feature keynote speakers, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities to inspire innovation and drive meaningful change.

​​Youth Advisory Board: Establish a Youth Advisory Board within the diversity council that allows young leaders to contribute to decision-making processes. This board would provide recommendations on initiatives, policies, and programs from a youth perspective.

​Internships: Establish partnerships with businesses, non-profits, and government agencies to provide youth with internship opportunities. These internships will offer participants valuable hands-on experiences in various fields, enabling them to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world settings.
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Financial Wellness and Legacy Building (Youth and Family)

Providing education and empowerment for youth and families in financial management, budgeting, parenting skills, saving, investing, and homeownership to achieve long-term stability and foster generational wealth building.

What does it look like in action?

Financial Education Workshops: Workshops offered across various venues, including community centers, schools, and online platforms, addressing key financial topics such as budgeting, credit management, debt reduction, and saving strategies. 

Homeownership and Investment: Programs are designed to promote equitable access to homeownership and investment opportunities, particularly for historically marginalized and underrepresented communities. These initiatives focus on providing comprehensive education on the home-buying process, financial literacy, and investment strategies, while addressing systemic barriers that have traditionally limited access to these opportunities. The programs may include partnerships with financial institutions to offer affordable mortgage options, workshops on building and maintaining credit, and guidance on wealth-building through real estate and other investment avenues. By integrating the principles of equity, opportunity, and collaboration, these efforts aim to close the wealth gap and promote economic empowerment across diverse communities.
Parenting Workshops: Workshops focused on character development, civility, and respect, providing practical guidance on fostering these values in children. The programs are designed to help parents nurture their children’s social and emotional growth by instilling positive behaviors, teaching the importance of respect for others, and promoting civil interactions. In addition to these core values, parents will learn strategies to support their children's development of responsibility, empathy, and integrity.

Youth Financial Literacy Programs: Programs designed to equip young people with the essential skills and knowledge needed to manage their finances effectively. These programs offer interactive and engaging lessons on topics such as budgeting, saving, credit management, and the basics of investing. By fostering financial literacy from an early age, these programs aim to build a foundation for responsible financial behavior and long-term economic well-being.

Health and Wellness (Youth and Family)

Fostering inclusive physical, mental, and emotional well-being through comprehensive health education, culturally sensitive counseling services, and equitable access to healthcare resources that respect and meet the needs of all individuals and communities.

What does this look like in action?

Inclusive Training for Healthcare Providers: Implement comprehensive DEI training programs for healthcare providers to improve cultural competence, reduce biases, and enhance the quality of care provided to all patients.

Community Health Initiatives: Launch region-wide health initiatives, including wellness fairs, summits, and mental health campaigns, to engage and educate the public. Collaborate with businesses, schools, and community organizations within the TUC network to promote these initiatives and encourage widespread participation.
Support for Minority-Owned Health Businesses: Provide targeted support for minority-owned health and wellness businesses, including mentorship, funding opportunities, and access to TUC’s network of partners. Promote the inclusion of these businesses in health-related projects and initiatives within the TUC community.

​Addressing Health Disparities: Focus on education that addresses health disparities and equips marginalized communities with the tools to advocate for their health.

Business

The Business Pillar of the Unity Collaborative is committed to fostering a thriving business ecosystem that values diverse perspectives, equitable opportunities, and an inclusive environment as drivers of innovation and growth. This pillar focuses on supporting businesses by offering resources, guidance, and strategies to foster inclusive workplaces, expand economic opportunities, and promote sustainable practices. By empowering businesses to lead with equity, we aim to drive success that benefits both companies and the communities they impact on regional, national, and global levels.

What does it look like in action?

Workplace Inclusion and ESG Strategy: Developing and implementing a comprehensive strategy that incorporates workplace diversity, equitable practices, and sustainability principles.

​Workforce Opportunity and Inclusion: Enhancing hiring, retention, and advancement efforts to build a workplace culture that embraces belonging, fairness, and diverse perspectives.

Workplace Development Programs: Implementing workforce development initiatives that provide comprehensive support for career advancement opportunities for employees from diverse backgrounds, including justice-involved individuals. 
Community Engagement and Collaboration: Collaborating with external organizations and stakeholders to advance initiatives that promote opportunity and support community-building efforts.

Training and Education: Providing ongoing training on inclusion, workplace diversity, ESG principles, and ethical business practices to foster cultural competence and sustainable decision-making among employees.
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Tools and Resources: Providing a suite of essential resources, including benchmarking tools to track progress, surveys and assessments to understand employee sentiment and organizational culture, and additional materials designed to promote fairness and cultivate an inclusive workplace.