Values Statement
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Rise Against Suicide is deeply committed to prioritizing and engaging diverse perspectives. We are an inclusive and equitable organization. We are dedicated to deconstructing the frameworks of oppression, within our organization and outside of it. Rise Against Suicide is loyal to the work of learning, re-learning, and continuing our education on matters of diversity, equity and inclusion. From the children we work with to our board members, we will engage all with dignity and respect towards race, religion, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic, disability, age, or veteran status. We are also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.
Empathy
Rise Against Suicide knows the importance of meeting people where they are at, and that empathy is the core of ethical behavior. We are all entirely human, and everyone that Rise Against Suicide comes in contact with will be seen and approached as entirely human. We strive to show the children we work with by example, the impact that empathy, kindness, unconditional love, and thoughtfulness, has on everyone. Rise Against Suicide is steadfast in allowing everyone we work with to at once be capable of empathy and having it reflected in our actions.
Safety
Safety is of the utmost importance at Rise Against Suicide. Youth who are burdened with suicidal thoughts have often lost or never known the feeling of safety. Thus, Rise Against Suicide is stringent with safety standards and regulations, including confidentiality and thorough background checks. Those who work with Rise Against Suicide, including outside vendors, must adhere to our safety protocols at all times.
Innovation
The world changes every day, and we must change with it. With every opportunity to improve, learn something new, and find new ways to benefit our program, we will strive to implement these changes cost-effectively and smoothly.
Responsibility & Honesty
Rise Against Suicide is devoted to consistently and honestly sharing our financial information and also will always be transparent in our fundraising and all annual reporting. In the event of a mistake or an ethical mishap, we will work diligently to take responsibility for our actions and repair the harm we have caused. Trust is an essential and vital piece of who we are as an organization.
Community
Our community is one of our most important stakeholders. Rise Against Suicide will steadily engage with our community to establish needs, questions, concerns, and make any and all changes based on this engagement.
Sustainability
Our sustainability practices are an important part of our program. We are stringent in keeping our ecological footprint as small as possible.
Gift Acceptance Policy
Rise Against Suicide actively solicits gifts and grants to further the mission of the organization. The organization has adopted the following Gift Acceptance Policy:
When considering whether to solicit or accept gifts, the organization will consider the following factors:
- Values—whether the acceptance of the gift compromises any of the core values of Rise Against Suicide, which are set forth in our Statement of values.
- Compatibility—Whether there is compatibility between the intent of the donor and the organization’s use of the gift
- Public Relationships—whether acceptance of the gift damage the reputation of Rise Against Suicide
- Primary Benefit—whether the primary benefit is to Rise Against Suicide, versus the donor.
- Consistency—is acceptance of the gift consistent with prior practice?
- Form of Gift—Is the gift offered in a form that Rise Against Suicide can use without incurring substantial expense or difficulty?
- Effect on Future Giving—Will the gift encourage or discourage future gifts?
All decisions regarding the solicitation or acceptance of any gift to RISE will be made by the Executive Committee of the Board in consultation with the Executive Director.