Our Values
Accountability
Most of us have said and done things in our lives that we regret, showed poor judgment, and were thoughtless. Let’s own up to it, learn and grow. We can learn from one another.
Camaraderie
We're stronger when we work together. To quote gay activist Cleve Jones, "One struggle, one fight." We support small businesses and organizations that share our values, prioritizing BIPOC, AAPI, or LGBTQIA run. However, we also commend the work of accomplices and allies.
Earth First
People will not survive if we continue to destroy the planet. Maybe that's a good thing, as other species are likely to flourish again. However, as beings with cognition, we have a responsibility and the power to bring our planet back into balance and heal the world around us to the best of our ability, heal the world around us.
Ecological Farming
According to Greenpeace, "ecological farming ensures healthy farming and healthy food for today and tomorrow, by protecting soil, water, and climate, promotes biodiversity, and does not contaminate the environment with chemical inputs or genetic engineering." This definition works for us.
Environmental justice
Borrowing once again from Green Peace, “Environmental Justice guarantees that all people have equal access to a healthy, safe, and sustainable environment, as well as equal protection from environmental harm." To us, it goes a bit further, where we're not just guaranteeing a healthy and safe environment but being proactive and taking meaningful action to ensure that those who are disadvantaged receive protection. Environmental justice is not just about vineyards; it applies to all places where people live, including cities and the problems brought on by gentrification.
Equity – Equity means a few things to us.
First, each person has different circumstances, and some have more opportunities related to race, gender, socioeconomic background, sexual orientation, and ability than others. Equity allocates the resources and opportunities people need so that they have not only fundamental human rights – food, clean water, clothing, shelter, and health care – but equal opportunity to reach their potential.
Equity also means giving workers a share of ownership or profits from their labor.
Equity allows workers a say in decision-making at their workplaces, especially in matters that directly impact their jobs.
Equity is a step toward liberation.
Give back, give up, pay forward
If we receive benefits, especially those from being part of a privileged group, we should share or give up resources to those who need them more.
Honesty
We're not into wasting our time with those who choose to appropriate other people's work or culture for their gains. However, we're happy to have conversations with anyone willing to take accountability. Let's be real with each other, even if it gets uncomfortable.
Humility
We should all know our worth, but our strengths don't make us better than other people. Value the wisdom and experiences that come from our elders. Those who have years of life's lessons also need to listen to the perspectives and concerns of our youth.
Liberation
People can be at their best when they’re free from oppression. Systemic oppression affects everyone, even the oppressors. Liberation begins when we become aware of our place in an oppressive system and through education, break free.
Respect
We believe in treating other people, other living creatures, and our natural world with care and thoughtfulness. Respect people's time, work, and what they do, no matter how seemingly small. We respect that everyone has a right to life balance and that we are more than what we do in our professional lives.
Solidarity
We stand in solidarity with oppressed people everywhere.