EWB Values EWBers are motivated by a common purpose to build a more just world, and to build our organization into one that can have transformative impact helping to address global inequality. In the summer of 2009, we invited members from across Canada and volunteer-staff in Africa to share what values they felt were at the heart of EWB. Over 250 people responded, in dozens of groups. Their results were brought together, categorised by a group of volunteers, and are ready to be shared. Working Draft Aug 2009

Values next steps There are two versions of the results that we would like to use to develop a final draft by Conference The purpose of having two drafts is that in forcing a decision between the two (or some combination thereof), EWB members are more likely to think critically and debate at a deeper level. It is this debate and critical thought that is of the most value. It is hoped that most EWB members will engage with these values in some capacity over the next 4 months –whether it is to read both drafts and simply vote on one over the other, or to submit feedback, or to debate with other EWB members. Discussions on values should become an organisational habit and we need to also consider how to reinforce this in the long term.

Values next steps In order to best facilitate the selection of one of these drafts (or the combination), we propose to have a team of 8 members from different experiences within EWB. The suggested composition of this committee is: 2 EWB Chapter leaders (e.g. Pres or past JFs) 2 EWB Chapter members (e.g. exec or directors) 2 EWB non-chapter member (e.g. chapter alumni) 2 EWB Overseas Volunteer Staff (currently overseas or returned in 2009) Two members from the National Office will work closely with the committee. It will be the responsibility of the committee to ensure anyone in the organisation who is interested in providing feedback on the drafts of the values has the opportunity to do so. They will also be responsible for encouraging critical thought and debate around the draft values. While this committee will be designing the process, they can delegate the implementation to others as they see fit (e.g. have Josh speak with all chapter presidents).

EWB Values We would like values that are: -Concise. -Actionable. -Meaningful. -Memorable. They should be: 1.Short and memorable; not laundry list. 2.Capture the essential parts of EWB 3.Are actionable

We strive to do what she would advise us to. We help bring her voice into the rooms where she needs to be heard We stay independent to be able to stay true to her interests. We work through the complexity of a situation to find actions that address the root cause. We only know how much we don’t know, and when we are wrong, we admit our mistakes The whole is stronger than the sum of the parts. We believe in the potential of everyone and seek to release that through a strong community. We provide opportunity, support and feedback to all. Impact stems from an obligation to ask tough questions about our past, present and future work to determine if we are having the maximum impact for Dorothy. We strive to make the impossible possible. We combine imagination, hard work, innovation, passion and a willingness to take risk on into an unstoppable force All change begins with you and I. We commit to act in line with the change we aspire to. We commit to growth through regular self- assessment, and we have the courage to ask for feedback Remain Humble Build A Stronger Whole Address Root Causes Dream Big And Work Hard Put Dorothy First Courageously Commit Question Our Impact This Means We… Working Draft Aug 2009 Current

New Option – 2 Our bottom line: We put Dorothy first. We strive to do what she would advise us to. We help bring her voice into the rooms where she needs to be heard. We stay independent to be able to stay true to her interests. 4 values that guide how we work. 1) We question our impact Impact stems from an obligation to ask tough questions about our past, present and future work to determine if we are having the maximum impact for Dorothy. We approach our work with humility, openly admitting our mistakes. 2) We dream big and work hard We strive to make the impossible possible. We combine imagination, hard work, innovation, passion and a willingness to take risk on into an unstoppable force. 3) We address root causes We work through the complexity of a situation to find actions that address the root cause. 4) We personally commit. All change begins with you and I and we. We commit be the change we seek in the world. We commit to supporting and pushing each other through personal growth and regular self-assessment. We have the courage and trust to ask each other for feedback. 4 beliefs about the change we seek. 1) Injustice must be confronted, and dignity promoted “What begins with the failure to uphold the dignity of one life all too often ends with calamity for all” 2) Exceptional people catalyze systemic change “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has” 3) Human development is messy, simple solutions are rare “A wide range of factors come together to make the whole more than the sum of its parts, enhancing the ability of local institutions to manage internal dilemmas and respond to shifts in the external environment, both of which are changing continuously.” 4) Engineers bring great value “The 20th century’s unprecedented gains in advancing human development and eradicating poverty came largely from technological breakthroughs” Who are we? Humble entrepreneurs. We act. We ask. We achieve.

EWB Values These values are meant to guide our actions and our decisions. We believe that if we reflect on these, we will be stronger social change leaders and that we will have a stronger organisation in the fight against extreme poverty. Working Draft Aug 2009

Feedback These values are still in draft form, building off our work this past summer We are interested in feedback on these values. Do they capture what you think is important to you in your daily activities? Do they capture what helps EWB to be an organisation that brings about meaningful and significant change? Talk to other members, send an , comment on myewb.ca –share your ideas! Working Draft Aug 2009