Principle #1
YOU ARE NOT ALONE! Partners for Change is based on building community to solve problems and reach goals more quickly and effectively. Everyone can, and should, call on the community for help and support.
Principle #2
THRIVE. Every person—even you—needs enough relationships, resources, and reasons to thrive.
Principle #3
ALL RELATIONSHIPS ARE BASED ON RECIPROCITY. Make sure that everyone has the opportunity to give back to the community in a meaningful way.
Principle #4
TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR LIFE. People in poverty, like everyone else, should be able to chart their own courses in life. In our model, Change Leaders take an increasingly active role in leading their Circle, their lives, and how they give reciprocity to others using a 14-20 week course called Getting Ahead based on the book Getting Ahead in a Just-Getting-By-World by Phil DeVol.
Principle #5
LEARN A NEW LANGUAGE. It is important to have the language to help people succeed. Building relationships across class and race lines can be awkward. We use an approach developed by Dr. Ruby Payne, called “Bridges out of Poverty” to help develop the language needed for Allies and Change Leaders to have healthy communication.
Principle #6
ENJOY THE RIDE. Laughter, fun, and a bit of common sense are three gifts that serve us well on the journey to success.
