A Notion, A Scream Values
In discussions among circles and the Board, these values serve as a reference to guide our decisions. They are especially helpful when there’s no clear “yes” or “no” answer, such as when weighing outreach or fundraising opportunities, or a potential expense. Click here to go back to the Words We Live By.
Favorable
Inclusive and welcoming language and practices.
Small or family organization.
Black, Indigenous, people of color, or queer focused.
Understanding of oppression and structural inequalities; belief that society is rigged in favor of cis het white male power.
Practices and outcomes promote equity.
Processes of due diligence in which a range of voices is heard and considered.
Processes enact mutual respect.
We are approached as equals with mutual benefit in mind.
Processes acknowledge different needs and abilities, and outcomes that differentiate equitably.
Processes and outcomes are transparent and accessible to all.
Processes and outcomes promote the best of humanity, including kindness, grace, and justice.
The direction of change feels uplifting and spiritually nourishing to all parties.
We are enjoying it, learning from it, and building connections in the process.
All parties involved feel heard and cared for.
Maximum individual freedom is accommodated within an ensemble of shared values.
DIY, used, recycled, bartered
Cause for pause
Silence on issues of inclusion.
Incomplete understanding of structural power dynamics, but may be willing to listen and learn.
This is the way it has always been done.
Really, the main justification is to make money or save money (grant applications may be an exception).
Established institution (state, academy, etc)
Organization or source serves primarily rich white people.
Decision benefits many but not all people.
We expend time, resources and energy to get people up to speed on equity, inclusion, care, connection, beauty, and joy.
They want to tell us what to do with our bodies.
It’s plastic.
Few alternatives were investigated.
The same people are always being asked to do the adjusting.
New retail, big box source.
Adds bureaucracy when a conversation would suffice.
Absolutely not
Someone in the choir is exploited, abused, denied.
Evidence of bigotry.
Culture, language, or practices of greed, exploitation, cultural appropriation, or extraction.
Denial of oppression and structural inequalities.
Authoritarian, fascist, or extractive governance practices and/or relationships.
Absence or silencing of Black, indigenous, and queer voices and perspectives.
Prioritizing the comfort of white people.
Language and practices enact hierarchical