We believe as an organization that it is important to explicitly share the values that guide our work. We strive to reflect these values in our interactions, meeting organization, methods, tools, and processes.
Introductions are only a first step toward building the trust that is the basis for strong, enduring relationships. When network members become confident that they can rely on each other's intentions, integrity, judgment, and abilities, they will act in new ways toward each other sharing secrets, making commitments, providing help, taking care, being accountable. Trust facilitates the quality of information and efficiency of transactions that flow between network members; it allows the network's gift economy to emerge.
- From "Connecting the Dots: Weaving a Network’s Core", a chapter from Peter Plastrik, Madeline Taylor, and John Cleveland’s book, Connecting to Change the World.
Relationships First
At its heart, every network - including the Arctic Observing Network - is made up of people working together to support common objectives. We seek to meet our partners first as individuals and at a human level. We are committed to prioritizing long-term partnerships, proactively building trust, and repairing where trust has been lost to contribute to a more connected and resilient Arctic Observing Network.
Shared Purpose
We value outcomes that evolve and grow out of shared purpose. By regularly returning to the question of “why this work matters” within our organization, we ground ourselves and sharpen our focus. By raising this question with our partners, we learn about their motivations and identify mutually meaningful opportunities to move forward together.
Amplifying Arctic Voices
The Arctic is a special place - filled with rich cultures, unique landscapes, and stunning wildlife. US AON seeks to amplify unique Arctic perspectives through our work - whether it be through technical assessments, in conversation, or in public-facing communication tools that are accessible and relevant to the Arctic context. We strive to inform our work through ongoing learning about the unique context of the Arctic, including complex colonial histories. Through this, we’ve deepened our respect for Indigenous peoples' unique and time-honored relationships with Arctic lands and waters and recognize Indigenous Knowledge as a vital Arctic observing system. We believe that striving for process equity with Arctic Indigenous peoples in our planning and assessment work will benefit Arctic concerns across scales from local to global.