Values

From AFSWiki

AFS-USA Core Values

Safety and Welfare – The safety and well being of our participants are our highest priority. In all our actions and decisions we make, this value above all others will always serve as the guiding principle in our work.

Respect - We treat all individuals respectfully, and value each other’s unique contributions. We treat each other fairly and are responsive to the needs and request of others. We are, by our mission and actions dedicated to acceptance of diverse peoples and viewpoints. We believe that the opportunities we offer through our organization and through our programs should be accessible to all regardless of race, creed, gender, nationality, cultural background, faith, sexual orientation or socio-economic status.

Accountability and Commitment - We believe in, and are committed to, the AFS mission and strive to exceed the highest standard in the work we do to enact the mission. We hold ourselves and each other accountable for the attainment of our goals and the demonstration of our values in all the work we do. We are passionate because the real impact of our work is to challenge thinking and change lives – both individual lives, and cumulatively, everyone’s lives through effecting the enhanced possibility of peace in the world.

Integrity and Trust – We practice and honor open and authentic communications with each other as members of the AFS-USA community and with all those with whom we come in contact as a result of our work for AFS – We are honest and ethical in all aspects of our work. We demonstrate integrity and contribute to building relationships within an environment of partnership and trust.

Continuous Learning and Improvement – We believe that learning, and in particular intercultural learning, is a basis for creating social change for the betterment of a worldwide community. We believe that continuous learning and personal growth must begin with us. We are dedicated to building our knowledge and skills and we will innovate in order to make ‘what is’ better and to make ‘what can be’ a reality.

Partnership and Teamwork – We believe to be most effective we must work together as a team in an atmosphere of mutual respect and support. Our personal conduct serves to break down walls and encourage people to work more cooperatively to achieve success. Through our teamwork and volunteerism, we work to foster a more civil society.