OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES
The guiding principles for the BUILD THE DREAM project were developed by an engaged cross-section of stakeholders. The four principles will guide all design, programmatic, and operational decisions throughout the BUILD THE DREAM project.
RELEVANT AND IMPACTFUL
“You may live in the world as it is, but you can still work to create the world as it should be.”
– Michelle Obama
• Seeks to provide solutions to an ever-evolving set of community needs.
• Supports residents’ physical, mental, social, and emotional development.
• Houses an array of progressive and evolving program elements and resources that link people to opportunity.
• Leverages and involves expertise of dedicated staff, community and partners.
INCLUSIVE
“A child that is not embraced by the village will burn it down to feel warm.”
– African Proverb
• Welcomes all community members to meaningfully engage with the spaces and programs in an open and accessible manner.
• Celebrates all ages, races, ethnicities, backgrounds, abilities, and means.
• Supportive of a diverse set of perspectives, cultures, and values.
• Emulates an environment of equity, justice, and hope promoting a genuine sense of social connectedness.
EXCELLENT
“All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.”
– Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
• World-class and unique spaces designed to inspire and delight.
• Bold, daring, and artistically crafted environment, striving to create a wow-factor.
• Spaces, programs, and partnerships that are innovative and consistently recognized as top in region and country.
• Utilizes leading resources to tell meaningful stories and measure outcomes.
SUSTAINABLE
“The future depends on what you do today.”
– Mahatma Gandhi
• Good steward of community investment to return long-term social, economic, and environmental benefits.
• Stabilizes and restores the place that once was, setting up the neighborhood to heal and thrive.
• Utilizes legacy, history, and culture to shape a promising future.
• Creates an environment that promotes a cycle of safety, trust, and consistent renewal through empowerment and investment.