When we began creating our current strategic plan, we asked ourselves this question: “How can we ensure Elevate is still around in another 40 years?” This has continued to be a guiding question for us as we outwork the strategic plan. An important element of ensuring the future as an organisation is that our vision and values (our way of doing things) remain true to the original heart of the organisation.
Last year we began the process of defining our organisational values. In our process, there were opportunities for staff, members, ministry leaders, and partners to contribute their thoughts about what our values could be. All of these were collated to present to the Board of Trustees at the beginning of this year when we met to identify the core values. We then worked on refining these and deciding on a word to capture each value. We kept the description as simple as possible and aimed to capture the behaviour that we think displays each value.
I think we have captured the core values of our organisation well and I hope you do too.
Blessings,
Kirsty Armitage
RESPECT – we treat each other with kindness and equal importance.
This speaks of the value we all hold as humans made in God’s image and that we all deserve to be treated with respect and dignity.
SERVE – we look for ways to help each other.
This speaks of how we all have something to contribute. The way we do things at Elevate is that we all chip in how we can, and we look for when others need a helping hand.
WELCOME – we are warm and friendly to all people.
This speaks to the atmosphere we seek to create at all our events of acceptance and welcome. We can come as we are.
COME ALONGSIDE – we share our knowledge and encourage each other.
This speaks to journeying with people, churches, and other Christian organisations. It’s supporting each other to grow and taking whatever time that needs to.
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