|
Our Approach
New Field Foundation contributes to the creation of a peaceful and equitable world by supporting women and their families to overcome poverty, violence, and injustice in their communities.
New Field’s approach is based on our philosophy of social change and the way we believe peace and equitability are realized.
Fundamental to effective change is our awareness that we must work together if we are to make a difference. As part of this, there needs to be a sense of appreciation for what each person or group has to offer, a willingness to participate in democratic and collaborative processes, the courage to speak out against wrongs, and a knowledge of just alternatives. All this helps create a world where people can live in peace with respect and dignity, and in unity within the differences of their own communities and cultures. Although there is great disparity between what is hoped for, and the way the world currently functions, collaborative efforts to secure a better world are vital. In particular, we believe that transformative and long-lasting change occurs when:
- Women facing poverty, violence and injustice work together, provide collective leadership and acquire knowledge of alternatives to improve their situation and that of their families and communities;
- Women from different backgrounds and circumstances form alliances across race, ethnicity, and class and work towards shared goals of equitability and peace;
- Strong local institutions emerge that provide resources to help sustain local collective efforts;
- Local initiatives that build on local cultural and economic strength are connected to national, regional, and international efforts; and National, regional, and international work is similarly connected to local communities.
In support of our mission, we have identified the following core values that inform all aspects of our work:
Joining together to share effort, knowledge and resources for peace and equality creates strength and accomplishment.
Even with the minimum of resources, women find the means to improve the well-being of their children, families, and communities.
Responsive relationships that include honest dialogue and empathy create the conditions for long-term mutual alliance, particularly during difficult times.
Differences are healed and power hierarchies broken when people cross barriers to make decisions together, resulting in a vital and ‘living’ democracy.
We recognize the growing gap between rich and poor in today’s world. We believe that everyone has the right to resources for their well-being. We see grants as potential for people to increase their resources and realize their dreams. We recognize that grants favor the few and that we are in a position of privilege in being able to select whom we recommend for funding. However, we do not believe that money is the only aspect of who we are and what we contribute. In all our work, we seek and value open and mutually beneficial relationships. We try to add value to any relationship by sharing knowledge, helping to make connections, offering accompaniment and providing relevant technical support. New Field Foundation wants to make sound and socially responsible investments. We apply numerous criteria when selecting securities, voting proxies, and participation in shareholder resolutions/activism. We invest in companies that give to their local communities, practice diversity and equal opportunity, strengthen their workforce, are environmentally committed, focus on products for the economically disadvantaged, and maintain their standards in operations outside the U.S. We do not invest in companies engaged in tobacco, alcohol, gambling, nuclear power, animal testing, and defense/weapons. Up to 15% of our investments are held in funds that provide loans at community level.
|
