Our Approach
Our programs are directed at producing sustainability in communities where we serve. We encourage, and require a commitment from the community members in which we serve to maintain the projects and programs of ASCEND and accomplish sustainability. Our staff, interns and volunteers serve as life-skills mentors, resources, and catalysts for social progress, and empower those we serve by working in partnership for change. We appreciate and respect different cultures, political systems, and customs. We believe in listening to and learning from those we serve by encouraging discussion and utilizing the knowledge and skills of the community members. Through this approach, we create an atmosphere of teamwork and understanding that bridges cultures and produces results.
ASCEND collaborates with local community leaders, government agencies and other appropriate partners as well as beneficiaries to create the most simple, sustainable, and measurable programs possible. We believe in Asset-Based Community Development programs, which allow us to identify the skills and assets of the community members and design programs to utilize the resources of the community, implementing program features and education where we feel it is most needed. Simplicity, sustainability, and measurability are key factors in the design and implementation of our projects.
- SIMPLE: Materials and instructions are available in country, so it is easy to replicate programs and projects to make modifications and improvements as necessary.
- SUSTAINABLE: Interventions are education-based to ensure local participants are able to continue efforts and teach others as part of their stewardship. Initiatives are affordable, so while primary capital or resources may be beyond the reach of recipients, ongoing maintenance or repayment costs are structured to remain within their economic capacity. ASCEND does not focus on aid, gift-giving or disaster relief.
- MEASURABLE: Results are important. Completing projects and undertaking programs is just the beginning. ASCEND helps beneficiaries share their success stories and measure their progress regularly. This enables all involved to see progress and challenges more clearly, and allows us to report to our partners and donors more efficiently.
“As leaders, we have a wonderful opportunity to empower! We can strengthen core competencies, innovate, communicate and mentor others so they can shine. We should exemplify ASCEND’s guiding principles of integrity, initiative and teamwork. We can share lessons learned, fine-tune best practices, and not repeat mistakes. Enjoy the journey! Be creative in partnering and mobilizing resources, be frugal in managing them, and be conscientious to report to those who entrust us with their funds.”
— Carolyn Dailey, President/CEO
The values and principals of ASCEND are vital to the success of our mission. Our values guide our programs and projects at home and abroad.
Values
- Service: The world improves through voluntary service. As we become actively engaged in good causes that alleviate human suffering, we can elevate and transform society.
- Unity: Every human being is of great worth. We should do everything within our power to assist our fellow human beings to achieve their full potential without regard to race, religion, nationality, or social position.
- Stewardship: Each of us has stewardship over the resources entrusted to us. It is our responsibility to be wise and good stewards and to use those resources to become self-reliant and to improve the lives of others. Good stewards allocate rather than accumulate.
Principles
- Integrity: Be honest, dependable and accountable!
- Initiative: Take action! Be courageous, willing to innovate and change. Work hard and work smart. Learn from mistakes and don't repeat them. Learn from successes and improve upon them.
- Teamwork: Coordinate and communicate! Identify good partners and work together. Leverage resources and expertise. Build strength, continuity and sustainability through collaboration.
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