Our Community

Values that guide the building of our community:

Simplicity:

A hyperfocus on material things separates us from things that truly matter, like our connection with others and a healthy sense of who we really are. When we focus on our inner condition instead of our outer condition, we feel a sense of purpose and are more likely to be joyful.

Additionally, by being humble, mindful of consumption habits, and carefully using resources, we can live in greater harmony with each other.

In action: We value people over things. We practice self reflection. 

Peace:

Violence, whether physical or verbal, does not solve problems — it causes suffering. Hence, we seek to resolve conflicts through effective communication rooted in active listening and nondual thinking. Conflict presents a powerful opportunity for moral and personal growth when we can take responsibility for our part and seek reconciliation.

Peace in the world starts with us. Simple kindness and approaching a disagreement with empathy when we are children is the start to becoming adults who can navigate international and inter-community relations with successful conflict-resolution skills.

In action: We practice peaceful conflict resolution. Learners must be able and willing to develop these skills to thrive in our studios.

Integrity:

We aspire to honesty, truthfulness, and consistency in thought, word, and action, even when the world's busyness and our weaknesses make it challenging.

When we fall short, we accept accountability.

In action: We enjoy authentic, supportive, life-long friendships through the respect and love integrity fosters.

Community:

We believe that every person possesses inherent worth and dignity and deserves love, respect, and care. We strive to create an environment where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and empowered to contribute their unique gifts and perspectives to our community.

Everyone in our studio has something valuable to offer the world. Hence, our studios need to be a place where we all feel safe to be our authentic selves, ask hard questions, and make mistakes. This safety is essential for curiosity and a love of learning to take root.

Balancing the needs of the individual with the needs of the group always has a tension. Recognizing the inherent worth and dignity of everyone in our community is a starting point for addressing that challenge. When the tension increases, we turn to nondual thinking to simultaneously open avenues for individual and community good. The goal is a win/win whenever possible, instead of the win/lose that black-and-white thinking leads to.

In action: We support each other through challenges — even the hard ones that look and feel messy. Learners engage in games together during free time and work together across all age groups. A weekly town hall where learners share ideas on improving their studio.

Equality:

We recognize the interconnectedness of all people and the importance of nurturing supportive, inclusive, and compassionate relationships within the broader human family.

We look to challenge stereotypes, biases, and barriers that may limit our learners' opportunities and potential. We do this to the best of our ability while acknowledging the need to root out and work to end our own biases.

In action: We enthusiastically welcome families of diverse races, socioeconomic backgrounds, family structures, ways of thinking and faith backgrounds.

Stewardship:

We deeply respect the natural world and the interconnectedness of life. Nature is a sacred gift that inspires awe and gratitude.

Out of respect for nature and everyone we share the planet with, we strive to go about our days in ways that take no more resources than what we truly need. We hope this will help adequate resources be available for all people now and in the future.

In action: We reuse what we can and are mindful to purchase supplies with less packaging and fewer chemicals when possible. We take care of our studio and aim to serve the larger community. Learners look for ways to serve their studio community and the larger community; guides look to provide these opportunities to the learners as frequently as possible.

*Our values are presented in the framework of the Quaker SPICES.