Building Unity in New Hampshire

In a state like New Hampshire, where we take pride in a our sense of community, it can be difficult to recognize how racial bias and inequity affect the lives of some of our neighbors. This challenge is often made more complex by the fact that conversations about race and inequality are not always easy to begin.

The Racial Unity Team believes that understanding and acknowledging these realities is an important first step toward building a more inclusive environment where everyone feels seen, valued, and supported.

Programs That Create Real Impact

Racial Unity Team has developed several impactful programs, including:

• Bookshelf Diversity: Provides diverse literature to New Hampshire teachers and classrooms. For students who have never seen themselves represented in classroom literature, these books can be transformative.
• Art and Poetry Challenge: Provides students a meaningful platform to express their experiences and perspectives around themes of unity and inclusion. This helps build empathy and understanding among peers, fostering a stronger sense of community.
• Arts and Actions in Schools: provides a platform for students to express their lived experiences, hopes for the future, and visions for social change through creative mediums like murals, writing, and performance.
• Community Events: Participates in and organizing events such as BIPOC Fest, MLK Day celebrations, Juneteenth, Indigenous Peoples Day, and Frederick Douglass readings

How Granite United Way Donations Makes a Difference

As a small grassroots organization led by volunteers, Racial Unity Team faces significant funding challenges. Traditional grant processes are often cumbersome and time consuming, with restrictive requirements that limit how funds can be used.

Granite United Way’s new responsive grant funding model provides flexibility that allows Racial Unity Team to address immediate community needs rather than being constrained by rigid funding parameters. This approach acknowledges that community needs evolve rapidly, and effective responses can't always wait for traditional funding cycles.

Why This Partnership Matters

In a state where conversations about race and equity can be difficult to initiate, organizations like Racial Unity Team create safe spaces for genuine dialogue. Through their programs, they're fostering the vulnerability that's essential for authentic human connection.

By supporting this work, Granite United Way donors are helping to build bridges across differences and create communities where everyone feels like they belong.

How You Can Help

Racial bias may not always be visible, but their impact is real. Through collaboration, education, and your support, we can ensure that everyone feels valued, seen, and empowered to thrive in our community.

When you donate to Granite United Way, local volunteers direct resources where they're most needed, making a meaningful difference in building a stronger, more unified New Hampshire for all.