What we value

We value…

• A culture of participation by promoting and practising approaches that enable people to participate effectively in problem-solving, planning, decision-making and working together
• Shared responsibility by fostering individual and collective responsibility, trust and honesty to create a sense of belonging in pursuit of a more just world
• Constant learning by asking questions of ourselves and others to promote our ongoing development
• Wholeness by respecting the diversity and uniqueness of individuals and communities, encompassing mind, body and spirit
• Making a difference by making a contribution as part of our individual life journeys, and enabling others to do the same
• A global perspective by maintaining a global and historical perspective to provide a context for our actions at the local, national and international levels.

How we reflect our values

Our mission, our structure, our charitable objects and our activities all reflect our values.

How we defined our values

Our values reflect who we are and our history as an organisation.

The process of defining our values in 2001 was itself a reflection of those values. We articulated our values statement through a participatory process involving members throughout the UK and overseas.

We participated in an on-line conversation facilitated by colleagues of ICA Canada and using the ToP Focused Conversation method.

Then we drew on the responses to draft a statement of values at our annual Christmas gathering in December 2001, and the statement above was adopted by our Board on January 30th 2002.

Below are the questions that we answered through the on-line conversation, and summaries of our responses to each:

Basic Information

Question 1: What first attracted you to become involved with ICA or to become re-involved if your interest lapsed?

Summary: Most members were first attracted to ICA by the opportunity to volunteer overseas in a grassroots community development project. Others were attracted by the participatory facilitation skills or referred by someone they knew well.

Members stayed involved because of the emphasis on civil society, participatory values and the global mission and spirit dimension of ICA. The quality of the training, the opportunity to stay connected with like minded people, and the opportunity to learn about life are also contributing factors to members continued involvement.

Question 2: What have been some most meaningful events or experiences for you, in your involvement with ICA?

Summary: The most meaningful events and experiences have been volunteer training events and the international volunteer experience; visiting other ICAs and attending global ICA events that broadened one's understanding of ICA; taking facilitation courses and being able to immediately use the tools; being part of an ICA training team; being welcomed at other ICA:UK network events and being involved in a network/team of people who are making a difference in many different ways. Members also appreciated events that have grounded their understanding of ICA and its role.

Experiences

Question 1: When have you felt ICA addressing something of great importance to you? Describe it briefly.

Summary: Members felt ICA was addressing something of real importance during programmes that challenged their life direction or reminded them that they individually and collectively could make a difference; during ICA training and facilitated events where people realize the value of their own wisdom and potential; and when talking about real life issues and the ICA approach to those issues.

Question 2: When have you discerned a fundamental characteristic of ICA that distinguishes it from other organizations or networks that you have known?

Summary: The fundamental characteristic of ICA that distinguishes it from other organizations or networks are: the consistent focus on process and participation; ICA's focus on the personal responsibility and the development of the individual; and the belief that each individual has a valid contribution to make.

There is a movemental feel to the organization. The values and beliefs are aligned in every aspect of the organization. The spirit dimension and understanding allows the organization to focus on asking the right questions and not just on having the right answers.

Question 3: When have you felt a fundamental tension or mismatch between you & ICA?

Summary: A fundamental tension or mismatch was felt between the members & ICA around ICA's language, the cost of the Volunteer Foundation Course; and when we spend time on policies and procedures.

There is also a tension when we consider working in areas that appear to be in conflict with our values and when I feel out of alignment with the values I know ICA holds. As a new person on the journey of development, a member experienced tension.

Implications

Question 1: What is there fundamental about ICA that it is important not to lose?

Summary: As ICA:UK goes forward it is important not to lose the fundamentals of: value based methods and approaches that provide people with effective ways of working together; individual and personal responsibility within the larger collective whole; recognition of the uniqueness of each individual; maintaining a global & historic perspective as a context for our actions at the local and international level; the valuing of individual and organizational honesty and trust; the engagement of the spirit dimension in life; and the sense of belonging to a team.

Question 2: What are other key words or phrases that describe the uniqueness of ICA:UK and you would like to see included in a statement of values?

Summary: Other key words and phrases to describe the uniqueness of ICA:UK are: participation; concerned with the human factor in development; local and international network; addressing the spirit of people; learning, sharing, questioning; a commitment to tackling injustice and inequality in a way that values and welcomes diversity; the individual and collective responsibility, within the group and in life.