1.3 Culture
Summary
Our core values are Peace, Wisdom, Deliberation, Respect, and Agency. They guide how we take initiative and work together.
1.3.1 Core values
Peace. We are peaceful activists. We do not harm people or property, or threaten to do so.
Wisdom. The fight for democracy is a marathon, not a sprint. We take care of ourselves and others.
Deliberation. We consider a range of tactics, disagree openly, and incorporate feedback.
Respect. We are kind, listen, and use nonviolent communication.
Agency. When we feel strongly, we take action.
1.3.2 Operating principles
Abundant leadership. Everyone can develop as a leader. Take initiative, think about strategy, and help resolve conflict.
Distributed responsibilities. Share responsibilities and make them clear so work doesn't depend on one person.
Tactical freedom. Within our values and agreed campaigns, teams can try different ways to advance the mission. Check decision rights before making commitments for the organization.
Collective learning. Test ideas, reflect on what happened, and share what others can learn. Written documentation helps useful knowledge travel.
1.3.3 Behavioral commitments and red lines
The following standards have one canonical home in A.1.1. They apply alongside the values above.
Leadership standards
People accepting formal responsibilities, including Fellows and staff, are expected to:
- Take their responsibilities seriously and do what they say they will do.
- Welcome feedback and listen to disagreement.
- Care for the people they work with and use good judgment.
- Share information and avoid becoming a bottleneck.
- Put the success of the movement ahead of personal status.
- Hand over or step down from a role when they can no longer fulfill it.
Source: A.1.1 Values-related standards, red lines, and reporting · Status: adopted · Updated: 2026-10-02
Red lines and reporting
People acting in the name of Sapiens First must not:
- Harm or threaten to harm people or property.
- Bully, harass, intimidate, or discriminate against others.
- Deliberately humiliate people.
- Knowingly create serious risks for participants or the public.
- Misrepresent Sapiens First's demands, values, activities, or relationships.
People who cross these lines may be asked to leave an event or step down from a role. They may also be asked to stop acting in the name of Sapiens First.
To report a concern, email rohan@sapiensfirst.org. Following a report, leadership interviews the parties involved and other relevant members before deciding next steps.
Source: A.1.1 Values-related standards, red lines, and reporting · Status: adopted · Updated: 2026-10-02
Political activity and representation
Members can hold different political views, participate in other organizations, attend outside events, and sign petitions in their personal capacity.
Sapiens First does not currently issue official candidate endorsements or coalition statements. Democratic chapter endorsements are a future possibility. Confirm any change in policy before representing an endorsement as official.
Source: A.1.1 Values-related standards, red lines, and reporting · Status: adopted · Updated: 2026-10-02
1.3.4 Culture in daily work
Apply the values to concrete choices. Before an action, consider risks to participants and the public. When a plan is contested, listen to the disagreement and explain the tradeoffs. When work depends on information you hold, share the context so others can act. If you can no longer fulfill a responsibility, arrange a handover rather than letting it become a bottleneck.
These examples explain the principles. Check decision rights before making organizational commitments. For practical conversations, see 3.1.1 Feedback culture.
1.3.5 What is distinctive about our culture?
Our culture pairs room for initiative with shared values, clear responsibilities, and collective learning.
Further Reading
See B Further Reading.