Spore's Values (DEI)

At Spore Initiative, our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is more than just a set of ideals; it is an ongoing process that shapes our actions and policies. In February 2024, we started a series of in-depth workshops, engaging staff across all levels of our hierarchy, to better understand how power dynamics in society shape our organization. Our aim was to create a space for honest reflection, open dialogue, and collective learning, to establish a solid foundation from which we could build our DEI efforts.

 

What emerged out of this collaborative process is this values paper that outlines our DEI aspirations and commitments. However, we recognize that this document is not an end but a beginning—a tool to keep us accountable and evolving, as well as a framework for navigating challenges with integrity and openness. We’re committed to learning, adapting, and strengthening our practices in this ongoing process.

As an organization founded in response to the climate crisis with a focus on frontline/affected communities in the Global South, we consider an ecological perspective to be at the heart of each one of our values. As such, each DEI value is addressed through an ecologically conscious practice.  

 

Our goal is to ensure that the principles outlined here are actively practiced, revisited, and revised as necessary. We invite you to engage with our values and share your feedback. Your insights are crucial as we work to transform our aspirations into actions and build a culture that truly embodies the values we hold dear.


Thank you for being part of this journey with us.

 

1.    Being Inclusive


We strive to create a welcoming environment where everyone’s voice is heard and valued. Spore actively supports marginalized communities and promotes equal opportunities for all, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, age, or social status.

 

2.    Being Respectful


Respect is fundamental to our interactions. We want to treat each other and the environment with care. We value dialogue, diverse perspectives, localized knowledges, lived experiences, and the self-determination of other people, their spaces, and practices.


3.    Being Welcoming and Caring


Empathy, kindness, and a welcoming demeanor define our approach. The motto "people make Spore" reflects our belief in the power of individuals and communities. We emphasize caring for our environment, while also actively addressing the often-overlooked gendered dimensions of care work. We honor and amplify the visibility of care roles, which are essential yet frequently undervalued.

 

4.    Staying Curious, Relevant, and Dynamic


We are receptive to change and strive to align our methods with the urgencies of our partner communities, while staying true to our core mission. With the privilege and independence inherent in private funding, we prioritize socio-ecological justice causes in the Global South, ensuring our efforts contribute positively to the environment. Curiosity and playfulness drive our experimentation and exploration of the past, present, and future.

 

5.    Being Conscious and Courageous


We are committed to fostering a courageous, conscious approach in our actions. We aim to create spaces for essential, sometimes uncomfortable, conversations that challenge the status quo and amplify the voices of those who are often unheard. We proactively ally ourselves with marginalized and overlooked communities and issues, advocating for their inclusion and representation in broader dialogues.

 

6.    Being Transparent


Transparency is fundamental to building trust, both internally and externally. We strive to make relevant institutional information accessible, including financial resources.   

 

7.    Partnership and Accountability


Our relationships are founded on shared vision and responsibilities. We aim for long-lasting relations, ensuring our space is lively and engaged, not just a facility to rent. When expectations are not met, we review, reflect, adjust, and strive to repair and change.

 

8.    Being Decolonial, Feminist, and Anti-Racist


We are committed to an intersectional approach towards coloniality, which binds decolonization efforts to feminist and anti-racist practices. Acknowledging historical and continued injustices and avoiding denialist perspectives, we consciously allocate resources to support decolonization projects.

 

9.    Being Fair


We are committed to ensuring fair compensation and positive working conditions for everyone we work with. We value and recognize the contributions of our partners, collaborators, and team members. Each partnership and alliance is thoughtfully chosen to align with and strengthen the causes we support.

 

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