Our Values

Shared Work

We believe there is much to be gained by participating in a shared work experience with people from other cultures. As foundations are poured and blocks are laid we work together towards a common goal. Through that shared experience we learn about ourselves and learn from one another as well.

Community Empowerment

We believe that sustainable community development depends on the empowerment of communities, not just the advancement of individuals. At their core our programs, including individual family projects such as housing or micro-loans, impact the entire community by contributing to a community fund, or generating local capacity within community leadership to manage the programs. It is our hope that through working with Bridges, individuals on both sides of the “Bridge” will work to build stronger, more united communities both locally and globally.

Transformation

We believe that everyone who participates in our programs will in some way be transformed by the experience. Transformation takes many different forms, but we hope at the very least it empowers each participant to deepen their understanding of our global interdependence, and to inform one's beliefs and one's actions at home.

Sustained Impact

We believe that change happens gradually over the long term. Lasting impacts on individuals and communities can be sparked during a Bridges experience but must be sustained afterwards. We hope to inspire a long-term commitment in our communities and volunteers to continue working as agents for change, both locally and globally.