As we wrap up 2022, it seems fitting to wrap up our final three value statements that the Harvest Board of Directors approved in September. As a reminder of the first four:
- We choose hope
- We uphold integrity beyond reproach
- We are committed to equity in all we do
- We advocate for an inclusive and united community
The next three reflect our focus on impact and how we hope to make a difference in MHC. When we make programming or funding decisions, you should know that we take many things into consideration, but how a project might positively change the lives of the people in MHC is the most important.
With that in mind, our next value is We Are Boldly Ambitious. I’ve said this many times, but one of our roles is to take risk and test innovative ideas — game-changing ideas. Not all work out, but knowing that some do means that you have to try. We continue this 20-year legacy of trying big ideas.
The next value closely aligns with being boldly ambitious. We Are A Catalyst For Generational Change. As we learned at the Level Up MHC summit, changing the course of a community can take up to forty years. With a long-term focus, you can make deep and meaningful investments that will pay off for many years to come.
The simplest example is the SEED Fund — investing in our youth and helping all of them to have a positive future is surely the best investment we could make. However, we have many of these examples- investing in our early childhood system, supporting our economic development efforts, and preparing our community to bring in new industries all are examples of long-term investments that should pay off for generations.
Finally, We Never Walk Alone. Our mission statement says it all: “In partnership with the diverse people and organizations that call MHC home…” Harvest may have financial resources (and a pretty spectacular board and team), but the only way MHC is going to progress is to accomplish this in partnership. Improving our community is an all-hands-on-deck effort. We are here to listen and to walk in partnership with all of you.
That sums up our current value statements. We hope you see these shine through our strategic plan and how we show up in our community. I wish you all a blessed and wonderful holiday season and I look forward to working with you in 2023!
