Southwest Initiative Foundation

Southwest Initiative Foundation / About Us / Vision, Mission, and Values

Vision, Mission, and Values

Our vision is for all people to thrive in southwest Minnesota.

We believe our communities are strongest when all people can fully participate in our region’s opportunities. Southwest Minnesota is home to a strong entrepreneurial spirit, safe communities, high-quality schools and early childhood supports, and high civic participation and volunteerism. We know we have work to do in ensuring all southwest Minnesotans experience real inclusion and equal access to opportunities.

We put our mission – connecting people, investing in ideas and building communities – into practice every day to make our vision a reality.

SWIF group next to a "Where we belong" sign in a park holding books

Our Values

Our work can look different from one program, partnership or place to another. Our organizational values guide our work and ensure we bring the same care and commitment to every interaction.

Optimism

  • We believe the future of southwest Minnesota is bright!
  • We aspire to achieve great things in our region.
  • We are uniquely positioned to take a strategic and long-term view.
  • We start with what works and build on the assets in our organization and communities.

Belonging

  • We believe that dignity and belonging are core human values and that all people deserve the opportunity to reach their full potential.
  • We are a human-centered organization and acknowledge that people have different needs and aspirations.
  • We commit to removing barriers that prevent full participation in southwest Minnesota’s abundant opportunities.
  • We use our resources to create opportunities for all people to thrive in the communities they call home.

Integrity

  • We value honesty and high ethical standards.
  • We are accountable for our words and actions.
  • We are trustworthy, fair and respectful.
  • We embrace courageous leadership required to live out our mission.

Innovation

  • We value learning and curiosity.
  • We continuously seek to expand both personal and organizational knowledge, and we are willing to take healthy risks in pursuit of big ideas.
  • We are open and responsive to immediate opportunities and challenges.
  • We approach problem solving through a deliberate process that relies on experience and experimentation.

Collaboration

  • We believe better results come from working together.
  • We treat our colleagues, partners and communities with empathy and respect.
  • We approach our role in collaborative processes with humility, hospitality and heart.
  • We openly share what we learn.