September 30, 2019

Since 2006, CAASE has stood with survivors as we work to end sexual harm in Chicago. At our organization’s founding, our 3-person staff focused on prevention education and public policy reform. Over the past 13 years, we’ve expanded to a staff of 20 whose work also includes community engagement and legal representation for survivors in civil and criminal cases. Our approaches and capacity have grown significantly—and so has our vision for the future.

Our planning for what comes next has always been based upon the values we hold as an organization. The ideals that guide our work are distinctly embodied by our staff and the actions they take on a daily basis. Yet, these principles have remained undefined. We knew we needed to distill our collective understanding of CAASE’s core values in order to continue on a unified and clear path forward.

A joint committee of staff and Board members came together to provide invaluable input on what unique principles describe CAASE and its endeavors. After diligently working together over several months, we are proud to introduce CAASE’s newly adopted values: 

Dignity 

We respect the inherent humanity of all people and strive to expand opportunities for personal autonomy.

Accountability 

We answer to survivors and collaborate with allies as we seek to hold those responsible for harm accountable.

Progress 

We create individual, institutional and cultural change by using innovative approaches to ending sexual harm. 

Equity 

We commit to building a world where every person, with consideration for their intersecting identities and unique circumstances, has the same access to opportunity and power.

These values shape the way we approach our work, guide the way we make decisions, and measure the success of our efforts. We’re proud to present them to supporters like you and hope you will help us live our values every day as we build a future free from sexual harm.