AIM values

Purpose

The list of five ‘must have’ values listed below is the ‘glue’ that provides the framework in which the nation-wide mosaic of independent community democracy groups can work collaboratively towards achieving common goals while preserving the necessity for each group to factor in/overlay local circumstances, priorities and community wishes. The purpose is to create a unified sense of purpose and ethical behaviour and decision-making without compromising the ability of each member to retain allegiance to the needs and wishes their local community.

Common Cause: Our shared national commitment to the first three values clearly identifies the main issues and principles upon which we stand united as a recognisable national movement.

Independent Focus: Crucially, in addition to our three common focus areas,  values four and five establish the principle that AIM members each need to consult stakeholders, evaluate evidence, widely and consider the expressed wishes and needs of their communities. 

These values and the dot-points used to expand upon their meaning are presented here as draft suggestions. You are urged to provide comments and suggested alternative text in the Comments page.

"Must have" values

1. Integrity and accountability

  • We accept funding only from sources that attach no ‘strings’/conditions.
  • We believe in honesty, transparency and accountability.
  • We base our decision-making on transparent analysis of trusted information from reputable sources.
  • We share information from trusted sources openly with our community, other member organisations and elected representatives.
  • We promote governance structures designed to prevent corruption and moral disengagement.

2. Climate and the environment

  • We acknowledge the impact of natural and human activity on climate and support efforts to reduce emissions combat the adverse impacts on natural, social and economic systems.
  • We advocate for the protection of natural ecosystems and the maintenance of biodiversity.
  • We promote efforts to improve the sustainability and resilience of natural and human habitats.

3. Equality and social justice

  • We believe in treating individual and groups in our communities in accordance with the principles of human rights, environmental, social and intergenerational equity.
  • We recognise the rights and priorities of First Nations peoples and organisations with respect to reconciliation, treaty, truth telling and expression of their voices to governments.
  • We promote equality and respect for women, minority groups and disadvantaged sectors of society.
  • We believe everybody, particularly women, children and vulnerable minorities, must be able to live in safety, free from acts and threats of violence, abuse, intimidation and the scourge of addiction.

4. Community focus and engagement

  • We are driven by the needs, views, priorities and desired outcomes of our communities.
  • We are respectful and inclusive in gathering, collating, storing and communicating information from all sectors of our community.
  • We are long-term and strategic in our use of critical thinking and analysis of evidence from trusted sources to inform our decision-making.
  • We are inclusive in allowing eligibility for voting membership to all adult residents of our area, except elected representatives (who are allowed to join as “Friends”.
  • We welcome collaboration from young people and interested parties outside our area, including members of other AIM  community groups, who are able to join as non-voting “Friends”.

5. Independence

  • We value and protect our independence as a grass-roots, incorporated, not-for-profit association of residents from our area.
  • We value our participation in the independent mosaic as a collaboration of like-minded groups and candidates, but have no obligation to act in concert with any other participating organisation beyond our commitment to these shared “Must Have” values.
  • We are independent of party politics and do not deal with organisations that attempt to apply pressure or attach obligations or directions.
  • If we decide to support an independent candidate we will only do so after a rigorous vetting process, agreement on value alignment and the candidate creating a separate legal entity with complete responsibility or fundraising and the execution of their campaign.
  • Our group does not provide direct funding to independent candidates but we may assist, by agreement, with volunteers, advice and information .

Optional additional values

To account for local preferences and circumstances each AIM member is free to add additional value statements. These could cover items not specifically mentioned in the Must Have list or provide additional emphasis or details. The list below is for demonstration purposes and readers are invited to suggest additions, deletions, modifications, clarifications etc.

  • Socially progressive, environmentally and economically responsible
  • Focussed on safety and prevention of violence, coercion and addiction
  • Collaboration and teamwork
  • Excellence and innovation
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