At LivableStreets the goal of equity must be to create conditions that allow all to reach their full potential. Equity should address the discrimination imposed on people because of their race, class, gender, or sexual orientation. Equity is achieved when living-wage jobs, viable housing choices, affordable public transportation, good schools, strong social networks, safe and walkable streets, reliable and accessible public services, safe and well-maintained public spaces, access to healthy food, and other fundamental needs that affect the quality of life are available to everyone. Achieving equity requires developing cross-sector strategies through authentic participation led by those most impacted. ** Adapted from Action for Equity **

As a predominately white organization, we recognize our individual and organizational privilege to work on infrastructure projects that include bus lanes, bike lanes, land use and zoning reform, and access to greenspaces. Although access to affordable housing and transportation options, and safe greenspaces has long been a topic of advocacy within Black and Brown communities, we recognize that these conversations are more nuanced and may trigger some communities and neighborhoods we work with. For these reasons, we stand in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement, and with Indigenous Peoples, and People of Color (BIPOC). Our goal is to work in community, partner, and provide capacity to organizations in Black and Brown neighborhoods. It is our daily obligation to work as individuals and an organization to create equitable, free, and just lives for our Black and Brown friends, colleagues, neighbors, and communities. We commit to continuously learn and improve our organization, through our work, and with our partners. We commit to creating a safe space for our Black and Brown coworkers and partners. We commit to using our privilege to educate our white partners and to hold them accountable in actively practicing anti-racism and seeking to create systems that are inclusive and safe for Black people, Indigenous People, and People of Color (BIPOC).

With a rapidly changing world and Metro Boston region, LivableStreets is willing to change course when appropriate, and identify new resources in order to deliver on our mission.

We value a human-centered approach to our work and are committed to leading with kindness and empathy. We value people and their needs and prioritize their emotional, environmental, intellectual, physical, and spiritual well-being, both internally and externally.

As a place-based organization, we aspire to reflect those communities in which we work. We are committed to shifting processes to ensure that those who have historically been excluded or left out of conversations regarding mobility, policy, and green spaces are valued, heard, feel respected, and are part of the decision making process. We value amplifying local knowledge and lived experiences and seek to share those stories with decision makers to push them to find solutions based in community.

We value transparency in our communications, relationships, and actions, and hold ourselves accountable to the commitments that we make to our partners, donors, and each other.

Our work at LivableStreets values movement building and supporting the development and growth of civic leaders in the Metro Boston area. Talking about the work is not enough; we put thoughts and ideas to action and move from theory to practice. Success is not simply about “doing things,” but taking the time to champion the most meaningful projects. For us to be successful we believe that individuals and groups need to be involved in order to effect meaningful systemic change in their communities.

• Base Building: We train and mobilize individuals to advocate for projects in their own communities and policies that have statewide and national significance. This includes providing resources, connections, and supporting the leadership of community members and partners.
• Partnership: We are adept at building coalitions and convening diverse groups around common causes, and provide educational opportunities for and with partner organizations.
• Advocacy: We both partner with and challenge city and state agencies to secure equitable and just outcomes for communities within the Metro Boston region.
• Policy: We are issue experts who, through outreach directly with local communities, collect data, stories, and lived experiences to inform and support city, state, and national policies relevant to our mission.
• Accountability: We hold city and state agencies, elected officials, and community partners accountable to the commitments they’ve made, and we measure and evaluate the success of the projects and policies they implement.
• Education: We inform decision makers, the press, and the public at-large through our website, social media channels, publications, and public events.