Community Alliance of Lane County: Our Mission
CALC works to educate and organize for peace, human dignity, and social, racial and economic justice.
Community Alliance of Lane County: Our Values
At the Community Alliance of Lane County (CALC), our work is guided by a set of core values that inspire and inform everything we do. These values reflect our commitment to creating a more equitable, just, compassionate, and inclusive community. Our values support our vision that Another World is Possible. We are committed to upholding these values internally, within the policies, process and culture of the organization, and externally, in our community-facing work.
Justice: We strive for a society where fairness and equity prevail. Justice means addressing systemic inequities, challenging oppression, and ensuring that all individuals have the opportunity to thrive by means of restorative justice and repair work. Our work centers advocacy for policies and practices that dismantle barriers and unjust systems, and create pathways to opportunity and dignity for all.
Solidarity: We believe in the power of collective action and standing together across differences. Solidarity means showing up for one another, building relationships rooted in trust and mutual respect, and recognizing that our struggles are interconnected. United, we amplify our voices and strengthen our impact.
Human Rights: We affirm the inherent dignity and worth of every person. Human rights are universal, indivisible, and essential to a just and peaceful world. CALC works to protect and promote these rights, ensuring that every individual is treated with respect and compassion, regardless of their background or circumstances. CALC utilizes the definition of human rights as provided by the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which says that human rights includes economic, social, and cultural rights as well as civil and political rights.
Commitment to Action: Change requires more than words; it demands action. This includes individuals of all levels; CALC board members, staff, donors, and our community. We are dedicated to translating our values into meaningful efforts that drive social and systemic change. Whether through grassroots organizing, education, advocacy, or direct service, we are committed to creating tangible outcomes that reflect our vision for an equitable and inclusive future.
Courage: The path to justice requires us to confront difficult truths and take bold steps. Courage means speaking out against injustice, standing up for what is right, and remaining steadfast in the face of adversity. We draw strength from our community and the knowledge that change is possible when we act with integrity and resolve.
Appreciation: We recognize and honor the contributions of communities, individuals and organizations that work tirelessly for justice and equity, in the past and today. We know that community work for justice is done as a collective. We value intergenerational work and know we have a lot to learn from one another. Gratitude fuels our resilience and inspires us to celebrate progress, no matter how small. By appreciating one another, we foster a culture of strength, authenticity, and shared purpose.
Joy: Joy is essential to social change. Joy helps sustain the struggle for justice and reminds us of our dignity and wholeness. It helps us connect with one another and think outside the logic of injustice. Joy is not just for one self, but for all people. In the words of Sonya Renee Taylor, “joy is not a luxury. It is a vital nutrient of the soul of a just world.” It is easy to forget that we need joy in times of struggle, but it is imperative.
Together, these values form the foundation of our work at CALC. They guide us as we strive to build a community where every individual can live with dignity, equity, and hope.
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