We value and honor lived experiences of communities to guide us. Everyone is seen and valued for the expertise that they bring. We start with an openness to learn, not with predetermined questions. In doing so, we support communities to take the lead in defining what is important to them..

Strengths-based, asset-based approaches draw from the field of public health that focuses on community resilience. Believing in the inherent resilience acknowledges that many communities have been hurt and harmed by oppressive systems. Communities already have the inherent wisdom, resources, and assets to heal, grow, and thrive.

Human-centered design thinking provides tools that respect the creativity of all, promotes agile thinking, and supports collaborative problem solving. It is rooted in deep listening and observation driven by curiosity, empathy, and a drive for innovation and experimentation that is responsive to the needs of communities.

We approach our work as progressive educators influenced by people like such as Paolo Friere, bell hooks, and others who saw students’ lives as the starting place for engagement and learning. We design meetings as educational spaces that are grounded in respect, reciprocity, and power-sharing with community partners. Learning activities will promote reflection and reflexivity, collaborative and creative problem solving, and community building.