Values as the basis for action in the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies: the Youth as Agents of Behavioural Change (YABC) Initiative
Dr Katrien Beeckman, head of the Principles and Values Department of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), introduced the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement, composed of 186 National Societies, the International Committee of the Red Cross and the IFRC. It is guided by 7 Fundamental Principles (Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity and Universality) underpinned by universal humanitarian values, such as respect for diversity and human dignity. This ethical framework constitutes the raison d’être of the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement and determines its action and modus operandi. The Principles and Values Department has recently set up the YABC or 'Youth as Agents of Behavioural Change' initiative, which empowers youth to become ethical leaders in their community promoting non-discrimination, non-violence and social inclusion. See powerpoint presentation (2.7mb).
A New Framework of Values-Based Indicators and the ‘We Value’ Toolkit
Professor Marie Harder summarized the ESDinds Project (a two-year research project funded by the European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme) which is behind this conference. The basis of the project is that ethical values can be measured, when locally defined, by using a combination of indicators based on perceptions and observable outputs. An important output is the newly developed set of WE VALUE indicators, which allow civil society organisations and businesses to measure the intangible things that are important to them. This process enables them to crystallize their vision and goals, as they develop specific indicators and measurement methods. It can also assist them to achieve new relationships with funders: building a shared vocabulary around values helps both sides to appreciate each other. See the powerpoint presentation (6.6mb).
Project Evaluation and Transformation with Values-Based Indicators: the Echeri Project with Indigenous Children in Rural Mexico
Cardiela Amézcua Luna founded Echeri Consultores, a non-profit organisation based in Michoacan, Mexico that promotes environmental conservation through values education and the arts. It is affiliated with the Earth Charter Initiative (ECI), a founding partner of the ESDinds Project Consortium. She described Echeri’s experiences with WE VALUE indicators in a participatory evaluation of two separate reforestation projects working with indigenous children and youth. The indicators provided specific, detailed information about the impact of the projects, and the participatory process resulted in transformation of the smaller youth group at a deep level.