Together we are better
Our mission is to embrace diversity, advocate for equity & nurture a community where everyone can belong.
Our vision is a vibrant, diverse and welcoming community where everyone belongs.
Areas of focus
We focus on specific local initiatives that can make a difference in the everyday lives of UA residents:
COMMUNITY
UA Porch Parties
Host a party. Meet new people. Build community.
The Kindness Close to Home: UA Porch Parties initiative promotes a sense of belonging in our community through small neighborhood gatherings. Register anytime between Aug. 1 - Sept. 30. Host your party before Oct. 15.
CITY
Housing
Working to ensure inclusive housing policy.
We worked with Upper Arlington City Council to adopt a source of income amendment to its nondiscrimination ordinance making housing more accessible to those those who live and/or want to live in UA.
SCHOOLS
Students
Supporting the Schools to support every student.
We work with Upper Arlington Schools to ensure every student has what they need to thrive, and we aim to help the community feel connected to what’s going on.
Updates
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Equal UA Committee Building Welcoming Communities, whose focus centers on access to housing in UA, has advocated since 2020 for City Council to pass an amendment to the UA Nondiscrimination Ordinance to protect citizens from being denied rental housing based on their sources of income. We are happy to share that, after many thoughtful discussions and the careful consideration of both tenant and landlord, UA City Council passed this legislation unanimously at their Monday, June 17th Council meeting.
Learn more about Source of Income discrimination and this legislation:
At the end of the day, in Upper Arlington, if you can afford a home, have good credit and a good rental history, you should have an equal playing field to rent your home. You should not be disadvantaged because you rely on social security, child support, Veterans benefits, or some other legal, verifiable, and regular source of income.
Equal would like to extend a sincere "Thank You!" to the many experts in UA and around Central Ohio who provided important data and support through the advocacy process. Equal would also like to extend its sincere gratitude to City of UA staff and Council Members who continually engaged with an open mind and a sincere desire to take care of current and future residents of UA as well as those who provide rental units here. This engagement was a premier example of positive civic action and of government working for the people, by the people.
If you would like to join the Building Welcoming Communities committee, please email us at equalupperarlington@gmail.com. -
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Congratulations and "Thank You!" to the tireless work of UA citizens who advocated relentlessly for the UA School District to join the lawsuit and to protect public education. A sincere "Thank you!" also to the Board of Education members, Jenny McKenna, Nidhi Satiani, and Liz Stump, for voting in favor.
We are all on a journey to better understand diversity.
Together, we can help our community become more welcoming and inclusive in policy and practice.
