guiding principles

indigo foundation has four guiding principles which describe how we work: community ownership, sustainability, transparency and equity. We commit ourselves to follow these four principles in our work. In turn, we ask that all the communities we work with align with these principles.

1. Community ownership

Lasting systemic change is best effected by resourcing and empowering communities to transform themselves.  We support community initiated and led development as we believe that communities and the people within them have the knowledge and wisdom to determine the best solutions for their development.  We are guided by our community partners and supporters in decisions about our strategic direction, policy making and approach to development.

2. Sustainability

Good investments in community development create change that is sustainable: change that has a long lasting and positive impact. Strategies and actions must be socially, environmentally, culturally, economically and politically sustainable, and result in development outcomes that are equitable and life changing. Development patterns that perpetuate today’s inequities are neither sustainable nor worth sustaining. Change must always be made with a view to supporting the capabilities, opportunities and potential of future generations: intergenerational social justice is a foundation to achieving a sustainable impact.

3. Transparency

Transparency builds confidence and trust in relationships and facilitates participation and accountability in organisations and programs.  Transparency in decision making, planning, implementation, financial management, and reporting is vital in ensuring fair and equitable outcomes.  Our systems need to be transparent for our partner communities our members, supporters and we support and encourage partner communities to develop their own processes for transparency and accountability.

4. Equity

A commitment to equity is at the centre of organisational management and program development. Equitable organisations focus on social justice, human rights, universal access, fair treatment, inclusiveness, dignity for all, and challenging embedded power relations.  An equitable approach addresses issues of vulnerability and discrimination due to gender, class, disability, ethnicity, indigeneity, race, religion, poverty, age, gender identity, sexuality, sexual orientation and geography. We have a focus on achieving equity for women and girls.