1.   Women have the right to political, economic and social equality.

a)  We demand major changes in the patriarchal structure of our society and in the values that support this structure.

b)  We believe that violence is a means of social control.

c)  We hold men accountable for the elimination of their violence against women and children.

d)  Women and children have the right to live free from poverty.

e)  Our resources are provided at no cost to those who use them.

f)  We promote the advancement of women into influential, decision-making positions.

g) Women have the right to participate in decisions and policies that affect their lives.

 

2.   Women who have experienced violence and other forms of abuse are essential allies in the work of program development, public education, and social change.

a)  Accurate information and the opportunity to be equal participants in all aspects of society contributes to women's ability to assume control of their lives.

b) We use our beliefs to guide us in our work and we do not impose them on the women and children using our services.

 

a)   We recognize that children are especially vulnerable to abuse and we pay particular attention to ensuring their safety.

b)   We advocate the development of appropriate resources for children in order to meet their needs and the needs of their mothers.

 

4.       Women have the right to reproductive choice.

   We support safe, accessible, and fully funded services for terminating pregnancies.

 

5.       Women's experiences, voices, and wisdom are unique and vital resource to society.

a)    Our work is responsive to the needs identified by women using our resources.

b)    We recognize the skills and capabilities that help women to survive forms of violence. We encourage women to view their experiences and skills as strengths.

c)   We recognize that all women share common experiences and these experiences guide our work.

d)  The day-to-day operation of the Women's Resource Society of the Fraser Valley is managed by women.

e)  Silence and isolation perpetuates personal and systemic violence.

 

6.       Women are oppressed because they are women. Additionally, they experience racism and other forms of oppression based on ethnicity, class, culture, sexual orientation, spirituality, age, ability, as well as on physical and psychological characteristics.

a) We need to be open and respectful to the realities of all women's experiences.

b) We are committed to identifying and eliminating discrimination in the Women's Resource Society of the Fraser Valley.

c) Systemic oppression in society must be eliminated.

d) Within all aspects of the Society, we strive to appreciate and reflect the diversity of the communities we support.

 

a)  We promote egalitarian relationships between the board, volunteers, staff, and women who use our resources.

b)  We are committed to a cooperative approach to management that promotes participation.

c)  We encourage and practice open and respectful communication.

d)  We seek alliances with other feminist organizations.

e) We keep informed regarding women's issues and view our role as advocates.