June 21, 2020 | our foundations
our collective core

At and/now, we live by these core values to be and act for equity and justice, allowing each to guide our mindsets, behaviors, and relationships. When we are faced with complicated truths and complex emotions, we lean into our values to better understand ourselves, others, and the distance between us. That’s how we build stronger, connective bridges together.
PRACTICE BOTH/AND THINKING BY BEING CURIOUS ABOUT THE OTHER
- Hold space for multiple and opposing truths without judgement, blame, or shame
- Listen and share generously, curiously; seek out nuances and complexities that shape lived experiences different from yours
- Instead of agreeing to disagree, agree to learn and understand the histories, contexts, conditions, and patterns underneath disagreements
- Co-create meaning in tensions and discover a collective truth together
How can I be and act in ways to allow myself and others to show up more fully?
FOCUS ON COLLECTIVE IMPACT AND PRACTICE INDIVIDUAL INTENTIONS
- Assume good will from those you’re sharing space with
- Collectively call each other in and individually own impact by repairing, restoring, and reaffirming relationships
- Attend to power dynamics and systems of oppression that impact relationships, processes, outcomes, energy, and safety of the space
- Own your role and growth in community with others, being mindful always of how you show up as an ally, accomplice, and/or co-conspirator
How can I be and act in ways with the kind of personal agency that centers community?
SHOW LEARNING, HUMILITY, AND GRACE, NOT EXPERTISE OR JUDGEMENT
- Embrace mistakes, growth, and change — in yourself, in others, and together
- Accept non-closure and commit to ongoing and deeper engagement, dialogues, discoveries, and reflections
- Let go of being right or wrong, good or bad; forgive yourself and others generously
- Approach as a learner, beginner, bridge-builder
How can I be and act in ways that facilitate transformation and openness in myself and with others?
BE PROXIMATE, MOVING AT THE SPEED OF TRUST
- “Lead with love. Low ego. High impact. And move at the speed of trust.” — Co-founders of Black Lives Matter: Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors, and Opal Tometi
- “Proximity has taught me some basic and humbling truths, including this vital lesson: Each of us is more than the worst thing we’ve ever done. My work with the poor and the incarcerated has persuaded me that the opposite of poverty is not wealth; the opposite of poverty is justice.” — Bryan Stevenson, Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption
How can I be and act in ways that connect people together in trusting and just relationships?