United Way of Southeast Minnesota stands on the side of humanity.
We believe that every person in our community deserves to live with dignity, safety, and belonging — free from fear, discrimination, and dehumanization.
Recent events in Minnesota have caused deep concern, distress, and uncertainty for many families. In our shared community, legal residents, citizens, and their neighbors are experiencing anxiety that affects their well-being, stability, and sense of security. We stand in solidarity with all members of our community who are living in fear or feeling unsafe right now — and we affirm their intrinsic worth as human beings.
United Way respects the rule of law and the role of lawful authorities in upholding public safety. At the same time, we believe that how justice and public safety are carried out must reflect constitutional protections, respect for human dignity, and the core values of compassion and equity we hold as a community.
We also affirm our longstanding commitment — as articulated in our organization’s policies and in our values — to stand firmly against discrimination and dehumanization in all forms. United Way of Southeast Minnesota rejects actions and rhetoric that demean, stereotype, or marginalize people based on race, nationality, religion, immigration status, or any other identity. Such actions harm the fabric of community life and are inconsistent with our mission to build a thriving, inclusive region for all.
Our mission is to create a thriving community where every person can succeed. We know that a community thrives not through division, but through empathy, unity, and shared respect for all people who call Southeast Minnesota home.
When we support our neighbors with compassion and uphold the dignity of every person, we strengthen not just individuals, but the whole community.
United Way of Southeast Minnesota stands firmly on the side of humanity, human rights, and community strength.
— United Way of Southeast Minnesota Board of Directors & Leadership
last updated January 23, 2026 8:00 am