At the Grove Initiative, we are committed to taking an anti-racist approach to this program, the experience of its participants and our impact on the wider community. Our guiding principles reflect this commitment.

Justice: We will choose partners that reflect and advance justice and systemic change.
Humility: We will listen first with curiosity and openness. We assume the people affected by issues and those who work with them understand the complexities better than we do. We ask what is needed. We wait to be invited. We show gratitude for what is offered. We make room so others can be at the center of this work.
Sustained Partnerships in the Community: We will establish reciprocal partnerships with organizations in the community, showing up when invited and staying when things get tough. Our work is guided by the needs identified by our partners. We will support their work and expand their capacity to meet their goals.
Social Connection: All projects will include meaningful opportunities for participants to connect, share and support one another. The quality of our connections matter as much as the work.
Learning: We will create shared learning opportunities for participants to better understand the history, root causes and power dynamics of community needs and issues.
Reflection: We will invite participants to reflect on their experiences in our program. Through reflective tools and practices, they will be invited to become more aware of their reactions and choices, see their efforts in the context of something larger than themselves and grow their ability to show up compassionately and powerfully in the wider community.

Guiding Principles