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Our Mission & Vision

Family Matters partners with youth, families, and communities to cultivate a way of living in the world that develops strong relationships, meaningful communication, and safe environments for courageous social change.

We seek to build an equitable society for all.

Core Values

Family Matters gives voice and action to building an equitable society through
transformative relationships, education, and leadership development.

  • Family Matters nurtures meaningful and life-changing relationships within homes, schools, and communities.
  • Family Matters engages youth through transformative educational experiences to foster a love of learning. In efforts to close the education gap, youth are supported through school transitions and are prepared to be college- and career-ready.
  • Family Matters partners with youth, families, and the community to cultivate leaders that are confident, resilient, responsible, and accountable.
  • Family Matters prepares and supports youth and families in effectively navigating institutional and systemic constraints.
  • Family Matters co-creates a safe space for community conversations, trainings, and intentional movement toward a more just society.
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Our Uniqueness

 

Family Matters’ Uniqueness: The Principles of Leadership

 

Family Matters is set apart from other organizations by our foundational tenets, the Principles of Leadership. Having used this method for more than three decades, we have found that the Principles are universal and inclusive. The three tenets of the Principles of Leadership rely on specific concepts that can be applied in almost every situation: ask questions to gather information and remain authentically curious; listen to hear the words, to understand their meaning, and to trust that what a person says is true for them; avoid blaming and shaming; be direct in asking for what you want; be empathetic.

 

Principles of Leadership tenet

Why we use it

For example:

(1) Positive thinking and language:

a method of thinking and being that opens pathways to forward-looking thoughts and actions

Judgment language is experienced as negating, minimizing, antagonistic, condescending, and patronizing and often leads to shame and humiliation.

“I can’t believe that you spent so much money to rent a booth at the jewelry show, and we didn’t sell a single thing. Money doesn’t grow on trees, you know.”

Future-focused language acknowledges that changes can be made in the future, so that mistakes can be learning opportunities.

“Now we know that jewelry shows are more effective for fine jewelry. We’ll try something different next time!”

(2) Thoughtful and considered decision-making:

an understanding of consequences as opportunities for learning, growth, and affirmation

Acting out of fear or partial information often leads to desperate decisions.

“I failed in math again this semester. I am never going to understand fractions. It’s hopeless.”

Choices based on informed and considered information lead to consequences that are accepted and/or embraced.

“I asked for a tutor and practiced my fractions every night for 15 minutes and I passed math this semester.”

(3) Peaceful conflict resolution:

an approach to resolving conflicts that fosters harmony and new beginnings and strengthens relationships

When conflict is presented with blaming and shaming language, people often either shut down or get defensive.

“I always find your shoes in the middle of the hallway. People trip over them all the time.”

When conflict is presented with patience, acceptance, and vulnerability, it opens a pathway for negotiation or understanding.

“When shoes are left in the middle of the hallway, I worry that people will trip. Would you please put them on the porch?”

 

The Principles of Leadership are infused into every element of our organization, from academic support for youth, to teen leadership activities, to the professional development of the staff team and Board of Directors, and to community-building and neighborhood goal-setting work.

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