Poverty is a Policy Choice.
At UpTogether, we believe every person is an expert in their own life.
But too many systems in our society have been set up to prevent hardworking people from getting ahead. That’s because in the U.S. there is a broadly held stereotype that if you’re experiencing poverty or financial hardship, it’s solely your fault.
We know that’s not true.
UpTogether is working to change systems so that everyone can thrive.
UpTogether is a national nonprofit organization that, for over two decades, has partnered with governments, philanthropy and community organizations to distribute cash directly to families while learning how they work together in community to reach their personal goals and achieve financial security. Together, we do the following:
- Invest in families and individuals with limited incomes by providing them with cash they can use however they wish, no strings attached
- Amplify stories to change the narrative and tell the true lived experiences of people facing financial hardship and financially under-resourced communities
- Rally for state and local policies and practices that support and accelerate socioeconomic mobility
UpTogether’s strength-based approach of community, capital and choice recognizes and honors people’s initiatives, abilities and self-determination.
Community
How we do it:
We learn from financially under-resourced communities and co-create opportunities for people to build and strengthen their social networks.
Why we do it:
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People benefit from the power of community and naturally and routinely exchange social capital and help one another. |
Capital
How we do it:
We invest in individuals and families through unrestricted cash.
Why we do it:
People must have access to sufficient capital to invest in their own lives.
Choice
How we do it:
We trust that people are capable of making decisions for themselves and their families.
Why we do it:
People are experts in their own lives and must have full choice and control over their time and resources.
Our Mission
We invest in people in historically undervalued communities and amplify their true lived experiences, working together to influence policies and rally for systems change.
Our Vision
All people in the United States are seen and invested in for their strengths and are able to build power, reinforce their autonomy and drive their own economic and social mobility.
Our Values
Community
We’re better together than we are alone, and we know that with the support of our neighbors, family and friends, all of us will have a better shot at achieving our goals and dreams.
Impact
We focus our time and energy on collective work that will have the largest impact for people experiencing financial hardship.
Collaboration
We center the lived experiences of our members, partner with them to change systems and work with them to co-create opportunities for people to reach their financial goals.
Racial Equity
We are committed to being an anti-racist organization and we promote anti-racist policies that eliminate the racial wealth divide.
Leadership
We intentionally create space for everyone to lead, regardless of their title.
Choice
We respect everyone’s autonomy and know each person is capable of making their own decisions.
