What We Do

We work to create equity and opportunity for all New Orleanians by developing community leaders, fostering civic engagement, and advocating for open, effective, accountable government.

Our Vision

A New Orleans that is equitable, sustainable, and thriving.

Our Values

Equity

We believe that all New Orleans residents deserve fair access to opportunity and the avenues that lead to it, such as education, employment and good health. We put the people systematically excluded from government participation at the center of our work to reform and protect equitable, community-driven processes. We know that democratic systems respond to people who have the know-how and energy to engage, and seek to shift power to people that are most often excluded or marginalized, especially people of color, people with low wealth or socioeconomic status, LGBTQ+ people, and women. 

Diversity

In our organization, in our work, in our city, we celebrate the multitude of cultures and backgrounds and consider it one of our greatest communal strengths. We honor and respect all people, have compassion for their individual challenges, and support them in their quest for a good quality of life. We value the wisdom and support the leadership inherent in all New Orleans communities.

Collaboration

Convening, connecting and collaborating with many diverse partners is essential to our work and central to our ability to serve. We build bridges, develop networks, and collect and share information to enhance all our partnerships.

Engagement

To serve the community, we must be with the community: listening, asking, supporting, and including. We are guided by those we serve; we are always open and accountable to them.

Innovation

Building on research, best practices, ongoing evaluation, and – always — community input, we seek constant improvement, broader perspectives, and breakthrough achievements. Taking thoughtful risks is necessary to success.

Impact

Every action we take is intended to generate results, to promote a more equitable, sustainable, and thriving New Orleans.

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