The Culture at Street Smart Youth Project
The following attributes define and capture the cultural expectation of the organization and its employees:
Tribal
At SSYP, we embrace the concept of belonging, unity and cohesion. Despite our varied roles, each member of the organization is VALUED equally and serves as a champion to the larger mission of the organization. The intention of this principle is to mimic and redefine more positively, the familial and/or group support our youth often feel from negative systems (ie. Gangs).
Acceptance/Difference
At SSYP, we welcome and celebrate everyone. We do not believe in living in boxes or limiting others through the confines of our experiences. We promote a non- judgmental environment, where all youth and all staff are free to be themselves, whilst embracing the value of positive personal and professional growth through exposure. The intention of this principle is to promote optimal impact.
Knowledgeable and Intentional
At SSYP, we value education as a means for opportunity and success. We are intentional in our work and use evidence- based practices and theories as a foundation and guide. This expertise and the ability to put knowledge into practice sets us apart as a youth- serving organization and creates consistent success toward goals. The intention of this principle is to challenge the organization to constantly self- reflect and grow with fidelity to the mission and knowledge of the latest developments in health and youth development.
Passionate
At SSYP, we approach our work with vigor and dedication. We believe in going the extra mile. We value employees who have an organic desire to develop youth in meaningful ways. We believe dosage over time increases impact. Passion is the conduit for this formula. The intention of this principle is to create an environment where the love and respect for the work, propels the organization forward, throughout challenging times.
Consciousness
At SSYP, we value an elevated level of awareness, specific to the issues of race, politics and poverty. We acknowledge and try to examine and address the associated social determinants of health for under- resourced persons. We are rebellious in spirit, not afraid to tackle issues that may be controversial. We actively seek justice, oppose inequity, and act as advocates for issues, which impact our youth and the communities we serve. The intention of this principle is to promote a state of consciousness, which considers socio- political issues throughout the program design.
Belief in the potential of change
At SSYP, we believe in the power of change through exposure. We also believe that change is a process that requires patience, support and understanding. We actively promote growth for our team and our youth. We actively challenge ourselves to change unhealthy behaviors, while supporting one another toward goal achievement. The intention of this principle is to practice what we endeavor to teach, thereby creating authenticity and increased impact.
The following attributes define and capture the cultural expectation of the organization and its employees:
Tribal
At SSYP, we embrace the concept of belonging, unity and cohesion. Despite our varied roles, each member of the organization is VALUED equally and serves as a champion to the larger mission of the organization. The intention of this principle is to mimic and redefine more positively, the familial and/or group support our youth often feel from negative systems (ie. Gangs).
Acceptance/Difference
At SSYP, we welcome and celebrate everyone. We do not believe in living in boxes or limiting others through the confines of our experiences. We promote a non- judgmental environment, where all youth and all staff are free to be themselves, whilst embracing the value of positive personal and professional growth through exposure. The intention of this principle is to promote optimal impact.
Knowledgeable and Intentional
At SSYP, we value education as a means for opportunity and success. We are intentional in our work and use evidence- based practices and theories as a foundation and guide. This expertise and the ability to put knowledge into practice sets us apart as a youth- serving organization and creates consistent success toward goals. The intention of this principle is to challenge the organization to constantly self- reflect and grow with fidelity to the mission and knowledge of the latest developments in health and youth development.
Passionate
At SSYP, we approach our work with vigor and dedication. We believe in going the extra mile. We value employees who have an organic desire to develop youth in meaningful ways. We believe dosage over time increases impact. Passion is the conduit for this formula. The intention of this principle is to create an environment where the love and respect for the work, propels the organization forward, throughout challenging times.
Consciousness
At SSYP, we value an elevated level of awareness, specific to the issues of race, politics and poverty. We acknowledge and try to examine and address the associated social determinants of health for under- resourced persons. We are rebellious in spirit, not afraid to tackle issues that may be controversial. We actively seek justice, oppose inequity, and act as advocates for issues, which impact our youth and the communities we serve. The intention of this principle is to promote a state of consciousness, which considers socio- political issues throughout the program design.
Belief in the potential of change
At SSYP, we believe in the power of change through exposure. We also believe that change is a process that requires patience, support and understanding. We actively promote growth for our team and our youth. We actively challenge ourselves to change unhealthy behaviors, while supporting one another toward goal achievement. The intention of this principle is to practice what we endeavor to teach, thereby creating authenticity and increased impact.