A non-profit's mission, vision, and VALUES are three critical pieces to define and provide guidance to the organization's essence and work. YNPN San Diego has identified 6 key values that are critical as a whole for our non-profit, and align with our Board of Directors' own personal values.
To celebrate and learn more about our values, we asked our Board of Directors to let us know which YNPN San Diego value resonates the most with them and why.
OUR VALUES:
GROWTH | COMMUNITY | JUSTICE | LEADERSHIP | ADVENTURE | CREATIVITY
GROWTH
We believe that personal development is a lifelong journey, and that one may fail in order to succeed. We curate opportunities to learn new things, and share our individual and collective achievements along the way.
Leah Firebaugh
"Growth is critical in developing and realizing my personal and professional goals. While it's not always easy to remain committed to growth, I strive to be 1% better than the day before and that has paid off in my own growth journey. In order to grow our organizations and communities, we must be committed to growing ourselves."
COMMUNITY
We build connections and a space of belonging for nonprofit professionals in the San Diego region by embracing our shared and diverse lived experiences. We believe a key to happiness is the ability to be seen and heard for who you are.
Lauren Hartz
"In a world that is so big and interconnected, it can be easy to feel adrift. The community at YNPN has helped me feel centered. I wasn't working for much of last year, but YNPN helped me stay on top of my professional skills and connected to my professional peers."
JUSTICE
We strive to challenge systemic problems in the social sector by amplifying marginalized voices and promoting equity in our programming, policies, and practices. We treat others with respect, fairness, and integrity---and expect the same in return.
"We work in a sector that aims to make the world a better place, but many nonprofits still come up short in recognizing the depth and intersectionality of anti-racist and social justice work. My journey in learning about and speaking up for justice has been strengthened by all the people I've met through YNPN and it's an honor to work alongside such passionate people who seek justice through uplifting marginalized voices and undoing systems of oppression that have caused centuries of inequities."
LEADERSHIP
We believe anyone can be a leader no matter their professional position, and we actively work to expand the definition of leadership. Leaders recognize the value in those around them, take initiative towards positive change, and are courageous in the face of adversity.
Loretta Turner
"I am a firm believer that you do not have to be in charge to lead, and I also believe that leadership isn't about what you do, but its about WHO you ARE. At YNPN, we are all encouraged to be leaders, no matter what our titles are, and I am passionate about supporting other young professionals in becoming the leaders of their own lives."
ADVENTURE
As the saying goes, “life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” We take risks and have fun. We encourage exploration and seek exposure to the unique historical, natural, and cultural landscape of the San Diego region.
Mia Gonzalez
"What is life without adventure? Adventure involves challenging ourselves and our perceived limitations. Without taking some risks and exploring outside of our comfort zones, the world would be completely bland and without any challenges to the status quo."
CREATIVITY
Our success is dependent upon the collective energy, ideas, and contributions of all of our members. We innovate by incorporating diverse voices and perspectives in the design of our programs, communications, and operations.
Kat Salazar
"In the nonprofit sector, we are faced with challenges. Being creative helps problem-solve, presents different perspectives, and establishes connections. YNPN has helped exponentially grow my career and network through creative programming and opportunities. Creativity has helped me become an innovative nonprofit professional that is one step closer to my goal of becoming a global health leader."