We are a community of leaders who share a profound commitment to ensuring all people have the opportunity to contribute to a vibrant America and with opportunity and effort can live their lives to their fullest potential. This commitment is rooted in beliefs and values that support and guide our work together. Leadership 18 comprises CEOs of 22 of the nation’s largest social sector organizations including charities, non-profits, and faith-based organizations. We represent organizations that serve over 87 million people annually, with 5.6 million staff and volunteers, and $44 billion in total revenue.

We believe that societal challenges can be solved when all people have access to the supports and resources we all need to live safe, healthy and productive lives—for example access to a quality and affordable education, to a job that produces sufficient income, and to quality healthcare. When these supports and resources are not in place in all communities, our nation loses valuable human capital and our opportunity for growth and advancement is limited. Ultimately, this has negative effects on the vibrancy and vitality of our communities and our nation as a whole.

As such, we stand together behind the following values:

• We need everyone’s potential for the civic, social, and economic well-being of our communities.We want ensure that everyone can fulfill their potential and contribute fully to our economy and our communities. To achieve this goal, we need supports like a strong education system and job training that contribute to people’s physical, social, and financial well-being. We know that our communities are stronger when everyone can realize their potential.
• We are better together.We believe strong, self-sustaining societies are inclusive.  Society should empower all people and allow them to live free from hate or diminishment, regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, faith, or status.
• Strong communities are our most valuable resources.We believe that community-driven visioning and problem-solving is a pre-requisite to long-term human success.  When entire communities come together to support comprehensive solutions, all parts of society benefit and progress becomes self-sustaining.
• Innovative supports, programs and services benefit everyone. We believe that everyone in society needs strong supports around them. We must ensure that all people have access to the resources and supports they need as they strive to live to their fullest potential.  We must have strong health and social supports and programs available to ensure everyone has the chance to succeed. When those things are in place, our whole country moves forward.
• Cross-sector partnerships effectively solve problems.  As vital as the charitable and nonprofit social sector is, we cannot replace the essential role of government and our partnership. Therefore, we believe in a strong governmental commitment to support the well-being of all.  We call on all our elected leaders and governmental policy makers to support the physical, mental, economic and social well-being of all US citizens and residents. When we fail to do this, people who are sick, disabled, poor or marginalized, or discriminated against based on race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity are most immediately affected. And the consequences of failing to act reverberate across our society.

These values drive our alliance’s agenda and focus, and we advocate for them through community partnerships, public policy initiatives and civic campaigns. With our collective experience and expertise, we will do all we can to strengthen individuals and communities, create opportunity and ensure that the voices of all members of society are respected and heard.