Ethical and Operational Standards

At Re/val Strategies, our work is guided by a deep commitment to the following core values and ethical standards that define who we are and how we operate, informing our strategies, partnerships, and operational practices. 

Place-Based Strategies 

We honor the importance of local context—social, historical, cultural, and geographical—in shaping sustainable, relevant strategies for change. We tailor our approaches to reflect and respond to the unique needs and strengths of each place. 

Place-Based Ethical and Operational Standards 

  • Conducting locally responsive research and engagement that respects traditions, values, customs, histories, and lived realities. 

  • Valuing local leadership, labor, and wisdom in all aspects of decision-making. 

  • Avoiding one-size-fits-all models or strategies. 

Interdependence 

We center the role of shared humanity, mutual respect, and collective impact. Every individual plays a role in their community, and every community connects to and impacts other communities around the globe influencing how we, as a society, evolve, grow, and survive

Interdependence Ethical and Operational Standards 

  • Upholding dignity, compassion, and care in all relationships. 

  • Valuing interconnectedness to create opportunities for solidarity across differences. 

  • Challenging systems and behaviors that dehumanize, devalue, or divide. 

Lived Realities 

We value the voices, expertise, and leadership of those with relevant lived experiences. Their insights are not only valid but vital in driving meaningful and sustainable outcomes. 

Lived Realities Ethical and Operational Standards 

  • Acknowledging individuals with lived experience for their contributions. 

  • Avoiding extractive practices. 

  • Creating spaces and opportunities for people to share, lead, engage, and influence. 

Community Empowerment & Collaboration 

We are committed to power-sharing and authentic collaboration with communities. We believe sustainable transformation happens when people and communities are meaningfully involved in driving and shaping their own futures. 

Community Empowerment & Collaboration Ethical and Operational Standards 

  • Utilizing collaborative methods in goal setting, programming, evaluations, and other joint efforts. 

  • Fostering participatory decision-making and co-creation with community stakeholders. 

  • Recognizing and addressing power imbalances in all partnerships and engagements. 

Strengths-Based Perspectives 

We believe that every individual and community possess inherent strengths, capacities, and assets. Our approach seeks to recognize, elevate, and build upon these strengths rather than focusing solely on deficits.

Strengths-Based Ethical and Operational Standards 

  • Affirming the resilience, knowledge, and skills of those we serve and partner with. 

  • Designing programs and strategies that harness and develop community and individual assets. 

  • Acknowledge shortcomings while also recognizing that challenges and obstacles are opportunities for improvement, not permanent limitations.