People First (118 views)

[Admin]

People First:

I'll throw in a description here when I get one haha. DISCUSS BELOW

[Notafakeperson..]

So.. I'm actually not sure what this value is exactly. But I'm guessing it has to do with putting people first, or something.

I'd say there are at least a few ways to look at this. First, customers first. What's interesting (and possibly difficult) about this idea is that you have two different sets of customers. We are serving both the social ventures and the teams that we train and send to them. We have to be careful not to settle for what's easier or more convenient, if it does not serve our customers. At the same time, I'm sure Kendra and JC (and everyone) will agree that being in between lots of different conflicting interests can be difficult to navigate.

The second way I think we could look at this is "humanity first". If we're trying to make a more equitable and sustainable world, then that includes all the people in it. For example, that may mean looking to support causes in ways that maximize good to the most people. But, at the same time, does that mean we might be sacrificing the interests of smaller groups of people for the sake of everyone? Or might we even sacrifice the planet for the sake of humans? Probably not, but it's one way of looking at this.

There are likely many more ways to take this: understand problems in terms of their human impacts instead of the overwhelming nature of global issues, focusing on problems with direct human costs, making a point to support causes that seek to improve humanity, etc. etc.

I'm interested in hearing what other people think. I really like the sound of people first, I just wish I knew exactly what it meant.

[Admin]

Don't you think you might be overthinking this? Don't harm people. Make sure we're taking care of ourselves, the people we're working with, and the people they're trying to serve. People have needs, make sure they're met.

If you start getting philosophical, you'll just start having never-ending conversations with yourself.

[jc]

It seems to mean everything you just mentioned, which is why it works I think. It follows from the same stream of thought as "Lead from Why", or in AmeriCorps speak, "recognizing the why behind the what". It's necessary to remember in the course of all of our actions, from filing paperwork to the development of bureaucracy to the training itself, that these things are various means to a specific end: improving the lives of people. (Also, my favorite pastime is never-ending philosophical conversations with myself )

[jc]

What I mean to say is it says a lot by saying very little. It's concise.