Organizational Values

Established in 2020

 As we celebrated 31 years of OUTMemphis, our staff decided to revise the values that governed the ethics of our organization. Our team worked together to understand the guiding principles that were important to us, our work, and our community. These values are our commitment to the community as we pursue justice and support for the LGBTQ+ people of the Mid-South. 

WE SHOW LEADERSHIP FOR THE LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY BY…

________________________________________________________________________________

  • providing a safe, welcoming, and reliable space. 
  • challenging ourselves, our city, and our region. 
  • truthfully representing all members of our community. 

WE WORK TOGETHER AND UNDERSTAND OUR PURPOSE BY…

________________________________________________________________________________

 

  • advocating for our interests and educating those who don’t understand us. 
  • building equity-driven policies and sustainable programs. 
  • sharing in open discussion and making time to foster trust. 

    • WE HOLD A STANDARD OF INTEGRITY AND HUMILITY BY…

    ________________________________________________________________________________

    • taking accountability and participating in solutions. 
    • speaking truth to those who need to hear them and fighting for those who can’t speak. 
    • stating our privileges and surrendering space. 

    WE PURSUE EQUITY AND INCLUSION AS WE SERVE OTHERS BY…

    ________________________________________________________________________________

    • rooting ourselves in accessibility and respecting all experiences. 
    • committing to a lifetime of learning and seeking out new perspectives. 
    • decision-making that centers and uplifts marginalized individuals in our community. 

    WE TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR OUR LEGACY AND STRIVE FOR A BETTER FUTURE BY…

    ________________________________________________________________________________

    • relentlessly pursuing health, wellness, and economic justice for all through impactful programs. 
    • acknowledging past harms and investing in healing. 
    • honoring our foundation and taking seriously the responsibility of representing others. 

    WE RECOVER FROM OUR MISTAKES BY…

    ________________________________________________________________________________

    • accepting when we must change. 
    • collaborating, reflecting, and learning with others. 
    • issuing authentic apologies and verbalizing our plans to improve. 

    WE WELCOME NEWCOMERS BY…

    ________________________________________________________________________________

    • understanding that the presence of others is a privilege for us.
    • providing safety to all and honoring the individual without judgment.
    • listening and providing open communication.

    WE CELEBRATE WITH PRIDE BY…

    ________________________________________________________________________________

    • showing up as our full selves with joy, passion, and humor. 
    • expressing gratitude for the human connection in the Mid-South. 
    • never stopping the work.