Our Values
In all ICDYA programming, the values of trust, respect, cooperation, and non‑violence form the core of our activities. When these values are reinforced with a sound academic and arts‑based education, youth are able to become active and constructive citizens. All programming is congruent with our vision and mission statements and based on the values listed below.
Trust
ICYDA staff members are committed to entering into trusting relationships with the youth in our programs. Trust means that youth are accepted for who they are and trusted that, provided with the resources, they want to create positive change in their lives.
Respect
ICYDA staff members respect the self determination of young people and are committed to building relationships built on respect but at the same time realize that respect from youth, who are naturally wary and often emotionally wounded, must be earned.
Cooperation
ICYDA staff members are committed to developing relationships built on cooperation. In this context cooperation means that youth have a voice, wherever possible, in the creation, structure, and operation of ICYDA programs.
Non Violence
ICYDA staff members are committed to developing and facilitating non violent relationships in every aspect of the agencies operations. Violence, in this sense, is not restricted to physical acts of violence but includes threats and all other forms of abuse verbal or structural.