GEM’s Mission,
Vision and Values
THE MISSION
GEMS’ mission is to empower the next generation of leaders to create change in their community, through community organizing.
THE VISION
GEM’s vision is to build a world where empowered community residents are able to lead transformational change rooted in equity and collective prosperity.
THE VALUES
We believe that building power, or the ability to act, is the best way to change historically unjust systems.
We believe that the community should make decisions about what happens to them as they are most directly impacted by what happens in their community.
We believe that relationships uplift and support systems change work.
We utilize education and empowerment to support systems change work.
As a result, we work with both intentionality and relationally.
LISTEN
We begin by listening and engaging with people in their current circumstances, building genuine connections that inspire and mobilize collective action.
EQUIP
Through free civics programs, we connect youth to the political and policy processes, equipping them to speak truth to power and participate in legislative change.
DISRUPT
We work to disrupt inequitable systems by empowering community members to actively shape their own futures.
BUILD
By building strong relationships with community stakeholders and leaders, we support grassroots, community-led campaigns that address residents' needs.