Home ›› Who We Are ›› Values and Strategy

YES! Values and Strategy


Our Mission

YES! connects, inspires and collaborates with young change-makers in building thrivingWe believe that life is precious and magnificent, and that we were put on this Earth for more than mere survival. We all have the birthright to love, to prosper, to grow, and to learn ever more what it means to be who we are., justWe believe that people everywhere deserve to be free and respected as they are, to have their basic human needs met, and to experience their gifts recognized and called forth. Recognizing ever widening gaps of wealth, safety and freedom, we value sustained attention and commitment to equitability, diversity, partnership across differences, and shared decision-making., and sustainableWe believe personal and planetary ecology are inseparable, and that everything we do sends out ripples not only to the whole Earth community, but to all future generations. We seek to walk consciously upon the Earth, bringing intentionality to every choice we make and its impact upon all of life. ways of life for all.

How We Work

We incubate exploratory and innovative programs, remaining open to the evolving needs and opportunities of our constituents and our world. We seek to facilitate growth and positive change on three simultaneous and deeply interconnected levels: the innerWe value spiritual, emotional and physical health and wellbeing, using whatever paths and forms support each unique individual in gradually becoming more aware, compassionate and courageous. Our experience is that we are all deeply impacted by our personal, family and cultural histories, and that transforming unhealthy fears, habits and reactive impulses takes steadfast commitment and discipline. We respect the many paths that serve as guideposts and sources of sustenance on the human journey, and we seek to awaken and affirm a sense of connection to the sacred in all of life., the interpersonalWe strive towards relationships built on respect, generosity of spirit, and a commitment to one another's growth and well-being. We value deep listening, taking the time to hear and understand one another across differences. We value speaking our truth with compassion, honoring each other's unique perspectives and gifts. We use conflict as an opportunity for greater clarity, authenticity and transformation., and the systemicWe are committed to helping build a thriving, just and sustainable way of life for all, and to supporting those people and groups who work toward this goal on personal, local, regional, national and international levels. YES! recognizes the interconnectivity of all the challenges in our world today, and sees every act of courage, love and wisdom as a stand on behalf of the wellbeing of current and future generations..
 

Our Strategy

Why Work With SmallIn the 1950s, the Highlander Research and Education Center united and trained diverse activists for participation in the civil rights struggle. Participants included a number of then-unknown people who would eventually become world famous symbols of the civil rights movement - including Rosa Parks, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Andrew Young. Highlander found that there was tremendous power in bringing together small groups of committed people from a range of backgrounds, and working with them to build bonds of trust as well as sharing skills for action. In the face of beatings, tear gas, fire hoses, and all the fear and violence these organizers would face, the sense of trust and connection they built at Highlander helped organizations and movements to maintain solidarity and partnership at times when fracturing and infighting could have been devastating to their cause. Today, on a global level, we seek to build on the Highlander model by connecting, supporting and building links between diverse and pivotal leaders of organizations and networks around the world that are working for a future of peace, justice and sustainability. Groups Of YoungIt's part of the youthful spirit to stand for and believe in possibility, to think in new and creative ways, and to have enough impatience and audacity to take on what previous generations have thought impossible. But many young changemakers work in isolation, and lack the strength and efficiency that can be nurtured by cross-pollination, and the balance that comes from receiving the wisdom of elders. Young people can gain enormous benefit from the kind of community YES! Jams offer - and when they are supported, the results will continue to touch the world for many decades to come. LeadersJam participants are people who have founded organizations, led movements, been social pioneers, and are inspirations to large numbers of people. Some have won the Reebok Human Rights Award, the Goldman Environmental Prize, and been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. Others may never be well-known, but are steadily transforming enormous fear and violence into hope and empowerment.? In A Word, Leverage.

How Do We Measure Success?

When our alumni:

  • Form new organizations and networks

  • Expand their organizational staff, fundraising and impact

  • Succeed in campaigns and programs

  • Link efforts and work collaboratively

  • Support one another in times of need

  • Develop practices that aid health and wellness

  • Cultivate more honest and loving relationships

  • Develop stronger networks of friends and community

  • Expand strategic philanthropic activity

  • Feel more confident and capable in their lives and work