About Us |
Our Vision
We are creating a healthier future in the Greater Grand Cities community.
Our Mission
We believe that healthy spaces are possible, and we are working toward them through fostering community connections, teaching food skills, and advocating for improved wellbeing.
Our Values
Empower – We want our community to be one where everyone can access power and believes they should be part of the conversation. Empowerment means each person is welcomed and they are ready to ask for what they need because they know their lived experiences are valuable insight. It is important for us to serve our community by working together with the people who live here for collective good.
Change – We act! Even when the answer to everything isn’t clear all at once, we can start by changing something. Prioritizing positive change means understanding that sometimes quick action is necessary because not every problem can be put on hold while we look for a perfect solution. We’re bold! This is true for an individual’s personal wellbeing and at the community-wide level. To us, being committed to change means responding to the moment and always looking to make an improvement if we can.
Generative – The “normal” way isn’t the only way. Working out the details of a possible solution in our constantly-changing world with an eye to the future is key. We know that repeatedly hashing out the same patterns of thinking is not going to drive the positive change we need, which is why generativity is so important. We value unique approaches and perspectives as we work together to ensure our community is one where future generations thrive. Whether an idea is new, or familiar, we’ll listen.
Optimism – Let’s take local optimism back! We see obstacles, but we know that in order to be sustainable, we can’t become stagnant. Not only do we believe in a future where greater wellbeing is possible for all, but we’re figuring out how to make it happen for ourselves, for our community, and for those who come after us.
Deliberative – We strive to do our best, but we know that no matter how wide our coalition, there are things we don’t yet know. An intention to lead through deliberative decision-making is our promise to work with our community members through close attention and mutual conversation, not just on behalf of them. This ensures we focus our work where we are most needed.
Abundance – When we share our resources with an abundance mindset, we are working toward a community culture where we sit in relationship with one another, where we set aside competition, where we instead work together to address the biggest challenges we all face. It is because we take true scarcity so seriously that we do not limit ourselves or our work, so that we are able to embrace generosity, which means both sharing what we can and also asking for help when we need it.
Authenticity – Being genuine is the only way to truly connect with one another. Acting with authenticity is also about apologizing and working to repair mistakes. What being a member of the community means to us is that when we get involved in an effort, we’re here for something beyond the transactional. We are committed to following-through.
Change – We act! Even when the answer to everything isn’t clear all at once, we can start by changing something. Prioritizing positive change means understanding that sometimes quick action is necessary because not every problem can be put on hold while we look for a perfect solution. We’re bold! This is true for an individual’s personal wellbeing and at the community-wide level. To us, being committed to change means responding to the moment and always looking to make an improvement if we can.
Generative – The “normal” way isn’t the only way. Working out the details of a possible solution in our constantly-changing world with an eye to the future is key. We know that repeatedly hashing out the same patterns of thinking is not going to drive the positive change we need, which is why generativity is so important. We value unique approaches and perspectives as we work together to ensure our community is one where future generations thrive. Whether an idea is new, or familiar, we’ll listen.
Optimism – Let’s take local optimism back! We see obstacles, but we know that in order to be sustainable, we can’t become stagnant. Not only do we believe in a future where greater wellbeing is possible for all, but we’re figuring out how to make it happen for ourselves, for our community, and for those who come after us.
Deliberative – We strive to do our best, but we know that no matter how wide our coalition, there are things we don’t yet know. An intention to lead through deliberative decision-making is our promise to work with our community members through close attention and mutual conversation, not just on behalf of them. This ensures we focus our work where we are most needed.
Abundance – When we share our resources with an abundance mindset, we are working toward a community culture where we sit in relationship with one another, where we set aside competition, where we instead work together to address the biggest challenges we all face. It is because we take true scarcity so seriously that we do not limit ourselves or our work, so that we are able to embrace generosity, which means both sharing what we can and also asking for help when we need it.
Authenticity – Being genuine is the only way to truly connect with one another. Acting with authenticity is also about apologizing and working to repair mistakes. What being a member of the community means to us is that when we get involved in an effort, we’re here for something beyond the transactional. We are committed to following-through.
Photographs courtesy of the Greater Grand Forks Convention and Visitor's Bureau
