CDI’s work is about transformation. We believe that cooperation as a foundation for change allows for creative, democratic and just solutions. We support real-world transformations by helping groups become co-owners of the places where they work and live.
How we do our work is as important as the outcomes of the work itself. We strive to live the values we teach, working together with mutual respect and accountability, communicating openly and honestly. As we serve those in need, we learn from those at the center of injustice.
We act on our values in the following ways:
CDI works to be Supportive:
We strive to be supportive by fostering unity, respect, open communication, and mutual accountability while prioritizing wellbeing.
CDI works to be Inclusive:
We strive to be inclusive by valuing differences within the context of collaboration, sharing responsibility, information, and skills, and working toward language justice and cross-cultural awareness.
CDI works to be Equitable:
We strive to be equitable by working to practice what we preach, making our own organization democratic and empowered while helping others to do the same, sharing resources, and acting as guides rather than gatekeepers.
CDI works to be Restorative:
We strive to be restorative by practicing mutual learning, welcoming authenticity and curiosity, honoring one another’s abilities and capacities, and moving at the pace of trust.
We summarize our core values with the following graphic:
