Pro-choice/Pro-life
The pro-choice/pro-life debate is a controversial and potentially divisive subject.
It is essential that United Way not participate in this debate on issues of morality if it is to sustain the community consensus required to be effective. United Way can best serve Orange County if it is kept outside a pro-choice/pro-life debate.
Orange County's United Way supports hundreds of services in our community through its annual priority funding process. None of these organizations provide abortions, nor are there plans to fund organizations that engage in this practice.
United Way's donor choice program allows contributors the opportunity to direct their gifts to or away from agencies they may or may not favor. United Way cannot, however, influence the personal decisions of donors to give to a qualified non-profit organization of their choice.
People working together for a common purpose is at the heart of United Way's mission of helping. Leaders of factions on both sides of the pro-choice/pro-life issue must recognize this fact and respect United Way's obligation to remain outside the debate. By doing so, United Way is able to help more people.
