How Aligned Values Create Optimal Outcomes
At Strategic Earth, we envision a world where inclusive dialogue and meaningful collaboration are at the center of efforts to address complex environmental, community, and natural resource challenges. Our team’s approach with clients is rooted in our commitment to trust-centered relationship building, which facilitates equitable processes and mutually beneficial outcomes. We believe clear, shared expectations and open lines of communication are central to durable, respectful, and productive relationships.
Living into our values and working towards our vision means we are selective about the clients and projects we take on. Here’s what we’re looking for in new projects.
Constant Learning
We approach our work with genuine curiosity, so we love working with experts in their field who generously share their knowledge and experience. At the same time, we value clients who are open to new perspectives, recognize the value of bringing in additional expertise, and are willing to explore new ideas and approaches alongside us. We love working with clients who recognize that the best work often comes from bringing different kinds of expertise together.
Passion and Respect
We find it energizing when our clients are just as passionate about their work as we are. Especially when working in communities, we want everyone to feel that the project team genuinely cares about the outcome and community wellbeing. Passion is strengthened by respect, especially when engaging diverse communities with differing opinions, knowledge, and values. We value clients who approach collaboration with humility, openness, and transparency.
Clarity, Vision, and Flexibility
It’s helpful when clients have a sense of where they would like to go, whether it’s developing a strategic plan or building meaningful community engagement. Clients don’t have to have all the answers about how to achieve a goal – we’re here to help identify and support the path forward. We find that flexibility, listening, and responding to evolving client and community needs result in the best work.
Our work takes many forms, and we love that. You can explore some of the projects we have supported here. We are also open to new ways of applying our mission and expertise, which means an ideal project is not defined by one topic or type of work. It is shaped just as much by how we work together. With that in mind, there are a few things we consider non-negotiable in the projects we take on.
Our Non-Negotiables
Strategic Earth will not work on projects that harm communities or damage relationships. This doesn’t mean we shy away from difficult or complicated work, but the approach needs to be inclusive, honest, and transparent, centering communities affected by the outcome.
We do not engage in “outreach-only” work. Strategic Earth specializes in two-or multi-directional engagement that is not simply checking a box to “inform” the community. Our best work is done when we can help our clients create a space for people to be heard, learn from one another, and help shape the work in ways that reflect the communities involved.
The timeline and budget must be realistic. Working with the community is not always a straight path. Timelines must allow space for twists and turns and, sometimes, a little backtracking, to allow the project to advance at the speed of trust. Additionally, budgets should honor community’s time where possible by providing food, stipends, transportation support, etc. to reduce barriers to participation.
If you found yourself with a smile or nodding along because your values align with ours, email us at hello@strategicearth.com or give us a call at 310-243-6914.