United Way Toronto

It was a wholesale transformation across the organization that led to a more diverse board for the United Way Toronto (UWT). What started as an effort to create a more nimble and responsive governance structure, ended with a new framework that will extend well beyond the walls of Toronto’s most significant supporter of local social services.

When the board faced the challenge of reducing its numbers from 44 to 23, finding the right skill set was key. And this proved less of a challenge than for many organizations. The more than 200 agencies that receive core funding from the organization form part of the United Way’s “network” – a network that is an integral part of the support system for new immigrants to the city. Finding diverse talent here that was willing and eager to commit to their mission proved easy. From 2002 to 2010 board diversity climbed from 28% to 61%.

A diversity lens was also applied to the organization’s volunteer committee structure recognizing this as an essential part of the pipeline to the top roles. What they refer to as their “diversity journey” embraces the professional roles as well, with a charter on diversity ensuring these principles are embedded in all facets of the operation. The face of the senior executive team is dramatically different today, demonstrating these principles in action.

While the organization’s focus on its own diversity is ongoing, it has also branched out, sharing the benefits of diversity with its network. Their new Diversity and Inclusion Framework will provide a road map, policy and capacity-building tools to aid UWT’s network of member agencies to achieve their mission, identify and retain talent, and increase operational excellence.