Since I advocate for decolonised, participatory, intersectional, and inclusive approaches to our work, my company must also practice these values at the organisation level. These are my participatory principles for running The SMC Group, some of which relate to projects but are also useful lenses through which to see your work. They are a foundation for my JEDI+ work that targets inclusion.

These lists of values [please see the others on feminist, decolonised, and queer values] were directly inspired by my toxic experiences in private philanthropy and Open Society Foundations in particular. I saw first-hand what not to do, so my work calls on our sector to put in the work and do better rather than pay lip service to performative allyship.

Meaningful Engagement

• Prioritise inclusive and participatory approaches to decision-making, ensuring plularity of voices and perspectives, and that everyone feels heard and valued.
• Implement diverse engagement methods, such as surveys, focus groups, and community forums, to gather input and feedback.
• Provide accessible and culturally appropriate platforms and resources to facilitate engagement for individuals with diverse backgrounds and abilities.
• Ensure transparency in the decision-making process by promptly sharing information and feedback outcomes.

Collaborative Partnerships

• Collaborate with nonprofit organisations, community groups, and others to co-design and implement projects and initiatives.
• Engage in open and inclusive dialogue to build trust and mutual understanding among partners.
• Seek opportunities to leverage collective resources and expertise to maximise impact and sustainability.
• Recognise and respect each partner’s unique strengths and contributions, promoting a sense of ownership and shared responsibility.

Capacity Building and Empowerment

• Provide capacity-building support to partner organisations and reach out to them for your own, to develop relationships and strengthen the skills of others in the sector.
• Offer training, workshops, and mentorship programs to enhance their organisational effectiveness and sustainability.
• Foster a culture of learning and knowledge-sharing, encouraging continuous improvement and innovation within the nonprofit sector.
• Empower marginalised and underrepresented communities by providing resources and platforms that amplify their voices and enable their active participation.

Inclusive Data Collection and Analysis

• Utilise participatory approaches in data collection, involving diverse people, especially those marginalised in your communities, in designing and implementing data collection tools and methods.
• Ensure data collection processes are inclusive and respectful of diverse cultural, linguistic, and accessibility needs.
• Analyse and interpret data in collaboration with partners and members of your team, valuing their expertise and perspectives.
• Promote data analysis and reporting transparency, sharing findings in an accessible and understandable manner.

Cultural Sensitivity and Responsiveness

• Approach consultations with cultural humility, recognising and respecting the diverse’ diverse cultural backgrounds and experiences.
• Adapt communication styles and methods to be inclusive and respectful of cultural norms and preferences.
• Collaborate with cultural intermediaries or community leaders to facilitate meaningful engagement with culturally specific communities.
• Regularly reflect on and adapt practices to ensure they align with evolving cultural sensitivities and community needs.

Ethical Practices and Confidentiality

• Adhere to ethical guidelines and best practices in all aspects of consultation, ensuring confidentiality and privacy.
• Obtain informed consent and communicate transparently about the consultation’s purpose, process, and potential outcomes.
• Safeguard sensitive information and avoid any unauthorised use or disclosure.
• Regularly review and update internal policies and procedures to maintain compliance with evolving ethical standards and legal requirements.

Evaluation and Learning

• Incorporate participatory approaches to assess the impact and effectiveness of projects over the long term, focussing on impact beyond the project’s lifetime.
• Regularly solicit feedback to identify strengths, areas for improvement, and opportunities for innovation.
• Use evaluation findings to inform ongoing learning and adaptation, ensuring continuous improvement and accountability.
• Share evaluation findings and lessons learned with the wider sector, contributing to collective knowledge.