United Way of Erie County plays a unique role both as a leader in the health and human services sector and as a major resource to the community. This bond of trust goes far beyond legal or regulatory requirements to include our core values and ethics.
To fulfill this special obligation, five core values provide the foundation on which we base our actions and decisions.
1. TRUSTWORTHY: We act with integrity that inspires the highest truth.
- We stand as “one” in the relentless pursuit of instilling and promoting public confidence and trust.
- We maintain the highest standards of excellence and accountability, including prudent use of finances, and fair, accurate, and honest disclosures of information.
- We keep our promises. People know it: “United Way makes my caring count.”
2. A PASSION FOR EXCELLENCE – COMPETENT: We make a positive difference and have a measurable impact of enduring consequence.
- 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.
- We make good decisions.
3. VOLUNTEERISM: We are made relevant and impactive 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.
4. INCLUSIVENESS: We are strong only when we are inclusive.
- 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—the community, the donors, our own staff and families, boards, and volunteers.
- We believe in a movement built from the rich diversity and gifts of all people in our community.
5. TEAM PLAYERS: We work as a team to effect positive change.
- We are effective conveners—bringing all 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.
- We recognize and celebrate success.
- We stand behind each other.
- We lend a hand without being asked.
- We speak up and listen well.
- We are optimistic.
