RESULTS Core Values
When a RESULTS activist learns about an issue, learns to speak powerfully about that issue, and then meets with her member of Congress to convey a persuasive, powerful message, she is actually transforming our democracy through her own practice of it. She creates a more inclusive, compassionate and just society because she embodies the qualities of that society. This kind of personal transformation isn’t always comfortable — since it usually requires that we develop new skills and habits and beliefs. That’s why we work in groups to support each other’s growth. As each of us grows, we create a world where the end of poverty is a real possibility. The second core value is ongoing learning. Part of that is our willingness to keep educating ourselves, learning new information — learning about issues and how they can make an impact on poverty; and learning to convey that information powerfully to others. We also support each other to try new things, to take risks, even though we know it won’t be perfect. We create a safe environment where we can learn from our failures and keep being creative in reaching our legislators and our communities. We commit to learning from one another, always striving for excellence. Here’s one example. Over the years, RESULTS domestic staff and activists have come to realize that addressing poverty in the United States requires universal health coverage. People cannot lift themselves out of poverty when health crises continually sabotage their efforts. We have had to educate ourselves in the complexities of health care policy and learned to work with a broad coalition of other organizations. This willingness to keep learning how we can make the biggest impact on poverty is an example of how we practice this value of ongoing learning. The third core value is action. Instead of waiting to be inspired to take action, we realize that being in action actually inspires us. We receive monthly action sheets, weekly e-mail updates, and phone calls to support each other as we take strategic, persistent action in order to create measurable results toward ending poverty. We keep ourselves inspired by celebrating these actions and successes. For instance, we celebrated the culmination of months and years of hard work when a historic, life-saving $48 billion Global Leadership Against AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria bill was made into law. RESULTS was instrumental in ensuring that the bill included $4 billion for global tuberculosis programs over the next five years, with a bold target of treating four and a half million people sick with TB. As another example, our activists are helping put health care for all Americans at the top of the political agenda in this and coming years by pushing for reform during meetings with members of Congress, candidate appearances, town hall meetings, and community events. The fourth core value is building powerful relationships and building community. In RESULTS, you’ll work closely with others activists locally in your RESULTS group, instead of just being a lone activist. We consider all people as partners, acknowledge each person as an extension of ourselves, and try to show dignity and respect to everyone. We recognize the collective power of our diversity and inclusiveness and work to build coalitions among those working toward similar goals. We seek to find areas of shared concern even with those whose views can seem quite different. We operate with the belief that our issues are not partisan issues; they are human issues. We encourage each other’s leadership and commit ourselves to each other’s growth, creating powerful and rewarding teams and communities. We build a strong sense of community within our organization, with a transparent decision-making processes. One example of how we’ve partnered with leaders from across the political spectrum was when we got 30 senators to join in sending a letter to the World Bank president in January 2008. The letter invited the Bank’s president, Robert Zoellick, to a meeting with members of Congress, and requested that the World Bank invest more of its billions in development resources in microcredit, a poverty alleviation tool with proven success. Two Republicans and two Democrats joined in initiating the letter and more than a third of the 30 signers were Republicans. And finally, the fifth core value is empowering citizens. RESULTS was founded on the principle that each human being has the ability to make a difference and to improve the world. We lead by example, becoming more skilled advocates for a harmonious and just world. We form a strong network of staff, grassroots activists and allies, and continually work to expand this network, empowering more and more people in the vibrant practice of democracy. One of the exciting ways we do this is by hosting our International Conference in Washington, D.C. each summer. Activists from all over the world gather for four days to hear from leading experts, participate in trainings, and share the best ideas in the field. Then we visit over 300 congressional offices in a huge grassroots lobbying effort. To recap, the five core values of RESULTS are:
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Over the years RESULTS has adhered to a set of core values that help guide the actions of our staff and volunteers. The first core value is the belief that the transformation of the individual is key to transforming society. This is what Gandhi meant when he said, “We must be the change we wish to see in the world.” When an individual such as a RESULTS activist, a member of Congress, a Head Start parent, or a microcredit borrower exercises her power to make the world a better place, she starts to embody the qualities of that new and better world.