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• Our Approach

Our Approach

Values

Our values inform every aspect of our relational approach.

• Learning and growth that are grounded in curiosity about self and the world, critical and creative thinking, and recognition of complexity
• Action that values relationships, processes, and outcomes and moves us forward together with intention, courage, and dedication
• Caring relationships and inclusive communities within which all experience belonging, interdependence, dignity, and joy
• Democratic practices and co-creation that share responsibility and power, repair structural and power imbalances, and generate equity, justice, and opportunity
• Resilience, grounded in hope, that sustains relationships through change and disagreement for the sake of short-term and long-term impact
• Lightheartedness that inspires play, enjoyment, encouragement, and new ways of thinking and being
• Transformation of people, relationships, organizations, and systems in fundamental and liberating ways
• Commitment to justice that seeks to realize the full and equitable participation of all individuals and groups in a society that is mutually shaped to meet their needs and support their flourishing.

Commitments

In our pursuit of a more just and sustainable world in which all people and the planet can flourish, we are committed to understanding and taking action individually and collectively.

single column table description of commitments

Accessibility and Inclusion A few ways we are living out this commitment: Providing image descriptions and closed captions on our website and social media Offering almost all our programs at no cost, and providing scholarships for programs with a fee Asking participants about accessibility needs in all event and program registrations Directly engaging populations including those with disabilities/chronic illness; First-Gen/Low-Income; veterans; Black, Indigenous, and People of Color; and LGBTQ+ individuals to understand and remove barriers to their participation

Anti-Racism and Racial Justice A few ways we are living out this commitment: Using bias-reduction strategies in all competitive selection processes in Civic & Community Engagement which include a first round anonymous review of applicants  Reading, reflecting on, and incorporating lessons from Teaching to Transgress by bell hooks and Teaching Race: How to Help Students Unmask and Challenge Racism as a staff  Partnering with Student Leadership Development, Student Unions and Engagement, and student activists to build a tool kit for student advocacy and activism, particularly focused on anti-racism Gathering and sharing data on the racial demographics (among others) of student involvement and leadership in Civic & Community Engagement programs as well as surveying students about their own anti-racism development in Civic & Community Engagement programs

Sustainability A few ways we are living out this commitment: 7 Generations Pre-Orientation focused on sustainability Waste reduction efforts within programs and events including meal kits and composting in Branch Out alternative breaks, minimizing individually packaged foods, encouraging participants to bring reusable water bottles Prioritizing sustained and transformative partnerships with community organizations over short-term transactional experiences Tracking how our projects and partnerships connect to the UN Sustainable Development Goals

Strategies

Committed to action, we employ these strategies to cultivate transformational relationships.

• Promote & participate in service and civic action
• Practice & facilitate community
• Teach, mentor, & advise students
• Encourage & facilitate dialogue and critical reflection
• Connect people & sustain relationships
• Curate & communicate opportunities for community engagement
• Nurture restorative spaces & advocate systemic change
• Examine assets and needs & assess learning and outcomes
• Foster creative problem-solving & generate new knowledge and resources