What Does “Principles-Based” really mean?
Rising Tide is a “principles-based” organization.
What does this really mean?
We have identified 17 core values that we hold to be foundational to a full, productive and meaningful life. We call them “Pillars” because they are supportive of the lives we want to live. We classify these values into 2 categories: Pillars of Responsibility and Pillars of Integrity. Pillars of Responsibility tend to be more outward focused: how we interact with and serve others. Pillars of Integrity tend to be more inwardly focused: how we live our inner lives, set our course and make decisions. These Pillars are aspirational in nature. We recognize we are human and will fail at times. But we also seek to grow in these areas and take intentional action to do so.
These principles provide the framework of operations for our organization. In addition to our guest speaker, each monthly meeting will be themed around how we can grow and develop in one of the Pillars.
Pillars of Responsibility:
Self-Determination—This means we don’t make excuses. We take responsibility for the course of our lives and we make things happen. Not everything is in our control, but the things we can change, we change. When circumstances are truly beyond our control; we control the one thing we can: our attitude.
Perseverance—We keep going when things are tough. “Hard” is never an excuse. We recognize that whatever life gives us, some other person has already faced this same set of circumstances and triumphed. We can, too.
Civil Leadership—We recognize our role and responsibility as citizens to participate in the civil discourse of our communities and our nation. We stay informed, we vote, and we take appropriate action when needed.
Personal Development—We take positive action to improve our intellects, our spiritual lives, and our health.
Sobriety—No, this doesn’t mean you can’t have a glass of wine with dinner. What it means is that you shouldn’t have 12. But you already knew that.
Social Impact—We actively seek to have a positive influence on the world around us and improve the live of others, through small actions and large.
Investment—We invest our gifts wisely. Not only our currency, but our time, our physical assets, our relationships, too.
Stewardship—We take good care of every blessing and utilize it wisely.
Pillars of Integrity:
Sisterhood—We uplift and encourage each other. We recognize no boundaries of race, age, or religion. We are family and we have each other’s backs.
Natural Law—We recognize that all viable political, legal, economic & governmental systems rest upon two key concepts. “Do all that you have agreed to do,” and “Respect others and their property.” We keep our promises, we live up to our responsibilities and we respect the rights and private property of others.
Courage—We are not controlled by our fear. We rise above it to take appropriate action in the face of it.
Honesty--We are honest in word, thought and deed. Even when the cost is high.
Faith—We believe in a benevolent, loving Sovereign Creator.
Generosity—We eschew selfishness & greed in all its forms.
Loyalty—We are faithful to all those whom we owe fealty. We live up to the trust we are given.
Kindness—To all living things, at all times.
Fairness & Justice—We deal only fairly with others and seek justice in all things.
