That no community may ever reach its potential as long as our youth are living in a culture of violence.
That we must engage our youth as partners in any effort to create a positive change in youth culture.
That cultural change may only be achieved through a combination of education, opportunity, and support.
That no single entity, organization or philosophical approach has the capacity or the diversity of approach to provide all the necessary pieces to create community wide cultural change.
That no entity or organization can or should determine the path for neighborhoods, communities, or cultural pockets. The path should always be driven from within.
That with the proper education, opportunities, and support, communities possess the will and ability to enact positive growth.
That the challenges that confront our youth—pervasive violence, perceived and/or real lack of opportunity, poverty, alienation, and the lack of a positive vision of their personal role in our society—must be overcome. This can be achieved with a holistic and flexible partnership of the groups and organizations that work most closely with the youth and families in our communities in partnership with the youth themselves.
Further, We, As Individual Organizations
Believe:
That, with support and education, our youth possess the will and ability to assume a leadership role in determining how to improve their lives.
That like the people and neighborhoods we serve, we can not reach our full potential unless we expand our own opportunities and education and support each other in partnership with ourselves and our communities.
That we must model the spirit and reality of leadership and partnership for our communities in order to enact cultural change.
That we are strengthened exponentially by the diversity of philosophy, practical approach, and organizational origin of our partnership.
That true cultural change may only come about when the bond between communities, community organizations, faith organizations, and policy making entities is active, strong, and enduring.
