THEORY OF CHANGE

We use three main strategies to bring our mission to life.

  • Neighbors experience relationships, care, belonging, and affirmation of their humanity.

    We believe that everyone has the right to belong, and we work hard to make sure neighbors experience relationships - not transactions - when they are at GAAH. Cultivating environments that honor and affirm people’s humanity, culture, and identity is critical to what we do.

  • Neighbors gain awareness of self and others through creativity, expression, curiosity, empathy, and learning.

    Providing resources and opportunities to explore the arts and access quality education is such an important part of being human. We encourage everyone who walks through our doors to build awareness of self and others through creativity, expression, curiosity, empathy, and learning.

  • Neighbors are connected to and influence systems to create more equitable outcomes.

    We know that we cannot change the world without changing systems of oppression, and we aim to do that with our community members in the lead. We actively connect and engage with individuals within institutions, systems, & structures to advocate for neighbors, and we also connect our neighbors to resources, supports, and opportunities to influence and change the systems that impact our communities each day.

We know that we cannot change the world without changing systems of oppression, and we aim to do that with our community members in the lead. We actively connect and engage with individuals within institutions, systems, & structures to advocate for neighbors, and we also connect our neighbors to resources, supports, and opportunities to influence and change the systems that impact our communities each day.

KEY CHARACTERISTICS

Eager to Learn

We are willing to lean into discomfort to better understand each other and those we serve.

Accountable to the Team

We build trust and community by taking responsibility for our actions even when good intentions have negative consequences.

Committed to the Neighborhood

We cultivate a flourishing neighborhood by practicing reciprocity and listening well.

CRITICAL ACTIONS

Engaging with Youth

We actively support and interact with the young people we serve.

Calling Out Injustice

We help make things work for our neighbors by challenging systems, cultural norms and personal biases.

Sharing Joy

We express and celebrate the things that bring joy, the good in others, and the good in situations.