Values and Working Principles

The Community Social Planning Council applies and integrates a specific set of values and working principles throughout all its operations.

Values

The Community Social Planning Council believes:

• In the sustainability of a just and vibrant community
• That the well-being of people who live in our community can be enhanced by awareness and understanding of social policy and planning issues
• That open and accessible information is a tool for positive social change
• That all people should be treated with respect, fairness and dignity
• That we can best achieve our goals for positive social change by being firmly rooted in our community as a collaborative partner
• That our organization must be committed to critical thinking, and proactive regarding social issues in the community and the creation of innovative solutions
• That full and meaningful community participation and appreciation of our diversity is an important part of positive social change
• That the Community Social Planning Council must manage its affairs to ensure its sustainability and independence.

Working Principles

Building on its long experiences as a convenor of comprehensive community initiatives, the Council works to apply the following principles.

Demonstrating care and respect for each other, our community and the environment, through:

Cooperation - working with others to build community capacity Understanding - addressing underlying problems and opportunities

Participation - seeking input and involvement from the variety of voices in our community Inclusion - including those who experience the issues first hand

Communication - connecting in ways that everyone can understand

Sharing - sharing power, information, resources and leadership

Openness - open to innovation, various points of view and participation from all sectors of our society

Action - developing practical, effective solutions

Recognition - celebrating and positively reinforcing those who enhance quality of life in this region.