Word of the Day: Values

We all have a set of values that govern our actions, help us foster relationships, and drive us to accomplish our goals. During our board retreat yesterday, we named our top values as an organization.

Newly hired Jackson Public Schools superintendent Dr. Errick Greene set the tone for the day facilitating a discussion about what we value in public education. From there we worked on a series of activities all culminating with the following top three organizational values:

Compassion – From our board to staff and everyone in between we must show compassion for one another and those we serve. Compassion is the driving force behind how we design our programming, communicate to our community and provide opportunities for exposure and growth to our children and families. Without compassion, we can’t hope to have an impact.

Community – Operation Shoestring was founded on the power of community. Our founders wanted to affect change in their world and decided to take the matter in their own hands. They built a foundation for a support system in our community. Although our direct services have shifted, our desire to continue to invest in our community remains steadfast.

Equity – At the core of our tagline “We All Rise Together” is the idea that if we supply our children and families with equitable access to experiences that help them learn, grow and thrive then we can build a better society.