This value reinforces the idea that we are all leaders in this organization, that all positions are critical and that the way we show up for, communicate with, take interest in one another matters. We must be conscientious about the example we set for each other, for our participants, for our volunteers and must strive to act in accordance with a spirit of love. When a tough decision must be made it can be made with attention towards the best and kindest outcome for all as we keep our mission as our true north.

We cultivate compassion when we offer those for whom and with whom we work the permission to show up in all their humanity. When we accept each other where we are on good days and on days when we are not our best. When we take the extra step to check in when things feel off, to demonstrate that we have noticed and that we see and accept one another.

Compassion is a value that leads to safety and security which in turns leads to a commitment to one another and to the importance of our daily work together. 

This value demonstrates our commitment to open communication and respect. There is no greater demonstration of respect than the act of really listening to another person. Whether to support a participant as fully as we are able or to work with each other with an effort to reach a true understanding of the perspective and experience we each bring, there is no greater gift we can offer than the gift of our full and non-agenda driven attention.

This value demonstrates our commitment to an attitude of growth, learning, open-minded thinking and tolerance. It recognizes that our world is much bigger than any one experience, that varied experiences lead to varied perspectives and that the more we can embrace our differences the more likely it is that we will also discover and appreciate our commonalities. This value also speaks to the recognition that our worlds are constantly shifting. We cannot and should not remain stagnant and that an attitude of curiosity, acceptance, and flexibility allows for all of us to continue to grow in healthy ways. 

This value in many ways represents our reason for being.  The Action Center is here to support the pathway towards personal growth for our participants through our programs, services, and supports. We demonstrate a commitment to this value for ourselves when we personally strive to learn more and bring more to our work each day, and when we as an organization prioritize this growth by supporting and encouraging new learning, new skills, new experiences for each other. We embrace the goal of continual growth.