Guiding Values
WA-SAIGE as an organization holds values which guide our decisions and work internally, and what we offer surrounding communities.
- Multicultural Competency: We value multicultural humility, the practice of reflecting on our individual and collective identities, as a means to examine organizational activities. Further, we strive toward multicultural competency as a beacon for continual education and response in support of multi-cultural beings and their communities.
- Social Justice Advocacy: By taking research and knowledge beyond the conceptual, we value tangible actions designed to promote social justice.
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: We promote diverse perspectives and minoritized communities to be included in all spaces. However, we value systems that go beyond inclusion, those which strive for deconstruction and rebuilding with diverse perspectives at the table.
- All Professional Backgrounds: While born from the counseling profession, WA-SAIGE is committed to interprofessional education in order to support LGBTGEQIAP+ communities who may benefit from and consume various professional services beyond the mental health fields.
- Leadership: WA-SAIGE strives to be a leader in advocating for regional mental health services. Further, our organization places importance on creating positions for mentorship opportunities in order to contribute to the skills and trajectories of future leaders.
- Community and Relationship Focused: We value the strength of community, and believe strong communities hinge on relationship. By linking folks across Washington State, WA-SAIGE aims to create powerful regional connections and support.
- Education, Scientific Practice and Knowledge: WA-SAIGE values ongoing education informed by evidence-based research and lived experience.