Vision and Values

We are committed to doing work that centers equity in its process and results to advance social justice.

We think critically about power structures within our projects and design them to shift power towards communities that have systematically had less power and privilege. We foster compassion and accountability to undo oppressive structures. We work internally and externally with those engaged with and impacted by our work to harness learning and evaluation to further equity beyond our (virtual) walls.

We demonstrate flexibility, care, and empathy to all. We create a culture of trust and ensure that those engaged with and impacted by our work are treated with respect and dignity. We have hiring practices that value and encourage equity, diversity, and inclusion.

We elevate and support the work that has already been done by BIPOC evaluators, researchers, and other professionals who have contributed to the decolonization of learning.

We embrace the diversity of people and perspectives in our world, as we actively seek knowledge different from our own and explore it with gusto.

We pursue and invite new knowledge and perspectives, no matter how uncomfortable it is. We strive to approach our work with a beginner’s mindset grounded in curiosity, humility, love, and empathy. We ask questions and seek input to broaden our awareness.

We value the perspectives and lived experiences of those engaged with and impacted by our work and recognize they are the experts of their experience. We actively create spaces for and bring in voices of community members, including grantees, advocates and historically marginalized communities. We pay attention to the world outside of philanthropy, research, and evaluation to ground our perspective in the social context and global movements.

We work to be aware of, break down, and mitigate our natural human biases. We acknowledge learning as a continuous process that may be limited by our positionalities. We hold differences, allowing for multiple perspectives to coexist. We seek to learn from and utilize other paradigms, ways of knowing, and methodologies.

We understand that as we learn, we are given the opportunity to face challenges and grow, even when that means having to make complex but necessary changes.

We question our own actions, past and present, and reflect on how they contribute to or uphold oppression. We take responsibility and with courage work to heal and improve.

We think critically, creatively, and interdependently about why and how we do things and adapt based on what we are learning. We lean into discomfort and productive challenges. We steadfastly pursue feedback to tackle and leave behind what no longer serves us.

We cultivate opportunities for growth and efforts to become ever more inclusive in service of social justice and equity. We support those engaged with and impacted by our work to undertake challenges and risks that may seem daunting at first, but whose potential to drive positive change outweighs the fear.

We know that fostering a community allows for us to make space for each other, to value and learn from each human connection, allowing us to do our work as whole people and conscious colleagues and partners.

We take time to build caring relationships and do our best to learn about a person’s whole being, supporting connections that center our and their humanity. We treat everyone with respect, dignity, and empathy.

We create intentional space and time for all people to be heard, from every level in our organization to those engaged with and impacted by our work. We are committed to making the systemic changes necessary to elevate the voices of those with the least power and privilege and provide a platform for everyone to collaborate.

We put the needs of the individuals we work with before an unnecessary sense of urgency originating from systems of oppression. We believe that a sense of belonging and culture of trust are the key ingredients of successful partnerships.

We believe that our work is driven by our ability to be honest with one another. For us, authenticity can only exist in spaces that welcome and celebrate the unique perspective of each individual and the feedback they may offer or receive.

We make decisions and take actions that align with our values, beliefs, and commitments and compassionately hold each other accountable.

We are straightforward with those engaged with and impacted by our work. We call each other in, rather than out, uplifting vulnerability and transparency. We share data, insights and information while actively seeking feedback from each other, the communities we serve, and our clients and partners.