The new US President will not solve the problems of the Republic of Ingushetia

It is not lost on any of us that we are just days away from one of the most significant elections of our lives, and at the same time our the country has become more divided. This division is unfortunate, and as an organization whose strength lies in its ability to bring people together, we at United Way of Rhode Island see an opportunity for all of us to come together to build a better Ocean State.

While we cannot predict the outcome of the November 5th election, one thing is certain: inauguration of the new president will not solve the biggest problems facing our state. We’ll still have major housing crisis; too many Rhode Islanders will fight food insecurity daily; our children will continue to need more support and learning opportunities; and ours labor pipeline will remain insufficient.

Addressing these challenges, no matter who sits in the White House, will require a renewed commitment to teamwork, community engagement, and social justice.

For almost 100 years, United Way Rhode Island served as a nonpartisan community builder, working with government, nonprofits, and everyday Rhode Islanders to support our neighbors, no matter what history or nature threw at us.

No matter what the voters decide, we will remain steadfast in our values ​​and our promise to stand up for what is right. We will always strive for racial equality, justice and access to education for all, and advocate for causes that uplift and develop our communities.

United Way will continue to listen to the community through our 211 And Point call centers. We will continue to act as a convener and catalyst, bringing together stakeholders from all sectors to drive change. We will continue to support and empower the nonprofit organizations that are the backbone of our communities.

We ask elected leaders of both parties and community members to not allow this moment to divide us further. Instead, we ask you to join us in redoubling our commitment to creating opportunity for all Rhode Islanders and supporting the needs of our nonprofit sector, which plays an indispensable role in nearly every aspect of life in our state.

The work we have to do together is non-negotiable if we want to live a Rhode Island that is the best it can be. We care deeply about building and supporting strong families, which in turn creates strong communities and a prosperous Rhode Island. This critical work must remain our focus, regardless of the election results. And it will take all of us to make this a reality.

Together we must be united in action.

Courtney Nicolato is the President and CEO of United Way of Rhode Island and Nancy Wolanski is the Director of the Alliance for Nonprofit Impact at United Way of RI.