Community Committee for
Funding Policy Review
C/O United Way of Whatcom County
220 Unity St., Suite 101
Bellingham WA 98225

RE: Boy Scout Funding.

Dear Mr. Snapp:

I talked to Mark today and he told me about the United Way's decision to make a requirement that any agency's who receive money from the United Way do so without discrimination toward any of the protected groups.

I wish to express my appreciation to you and the committee for voting this requirement into effect.

I know of the effects of discrimination first hand. I joined Georgia Pacific in 1969 and worked there as a painter for thirty-one years. I came out as a female in January of 1992. Within a five-year period I was given two written letters of reprimand and two verbal reprimands. The two written reprimands were defeated by the Human Rights Commission and by my union (Association of Western Pulp and Paper Workers). One of the verbal's was defeated by my union alone.

This level of punishment exceeded the level of punishment given to 115 of my co-workers, collectively. There were six co-workers on the paint crew. They were absolutely perfect. None of them received any reprimands during this period.

My company was determined to discharge me and they succeeded last June when they forced me to retire. I spent the last 35 months on involuntary disability. This was the result of the combined effort by my hourly co-workers, management and supervisors. I have a cold heart when I hear about the plight of my co-workers who have joined me in the unemployment line.

I am currently attending Whatcom Community College as a Paralegal. I hope to work in an attorney's office helping to end discrimination.

You and your committee have helped in this endeavor.

Sincerely
Sheila L Richardson

Non-Discrimination Policy

The New Non-Discrimination Policy as Adopted at the December 14 Board Meeting
Non-discriminatory. United Way of Whatcom County requires agencies desiring partner agency status to agree they will not discriminate in programs, services, staffing and/or volunteer areas on the basis of race, color, gender, disability, sexual orientation, age, national origin or religion. This policy will allow partner agencies to target specific populations for services. However, these services must be open to all people in the targeted populations.

Talking Points

United Way of Whatcom County requires agencies desiring partner agency status to agree they will not discriminate in programs, services, staffing and/or volunteer areas on the basis of race, color, gender, disability, sexual orientation, age, national origin or religion.

This policy will allow partner agencies to target specific populations for services. However, these services must be open to all people in the targeted populations.

This policy does not change the ability of United Way donors to designate to the agency or agencies of their choice, whether a partner or non-partner agency.

United Way of Whatcom County provides a unique way for people and resources to come together to help people in need. We are building a strong Community Safety Net for all of Whatcom County.

Because United Way's mission is to be the leader in raising and distributing resources to meet the community's human services needs, funding decisions are based on addressing local community identified needs through programs that demonstrate proven results.

United Way of Whatcom County believes that all people deserve to have access to the resources that will help them grow to their greatest potential. United Way is committed to assuring that every partner agency funded by United Way must be open and available to all people within the group the agency serves.

United Way of Whatcom County provides a service to donors, an efficient method for donors to support their favorite charity(ies) or invest in United Way?ain product, the Community Safety Net Fund.

United Way donors can choose who they wish to support by direct designation to any non-profit agency, by a gift to the Community Safety Net Fund (CSNF) or by excluding an agency, or agencies, from their CSNF donation. Direct designations are passed on to Partner Agencies above and beyond allocations from the Community Safety Net fund.

This policy will become effective as of the 2001 Campaign, and will be reflected in fund distributions from the Community Safety Net Fund beginning in January 2002.