It's all about values

Keeping our values as the center/ core of our community of practice is something that all the members of HdV take pride in because they are guiding words and principles that we came up with collectively as a group (at our first community meeting- last November!) and feel strongly that by upholding them all members, the organization, and most importantly the community will benefit!  
Our values are… 

**Respect... The most important thing in any relationship. Recognizingpeople who are taking leadership and trusting their leadership knowing we can all be leaders. Respecting those who have made strong commitments to leadership while demanding respect from any and everyone. Keep open communication with your neighbors and community members.
** Responsibility... 
Ensuring that the core values ​​of the garden are the foundation that help usmake decisions, which motivates us to work together, to meet our obligations, and support the project in order for it to be successful. Keeping in mind that when you are in the garden we are all a family and everybody’s actions will be a reflection of HDV as a whole. Holding each other accountable to follow all the rules and make sure our values guide our actions.
** Dedication...
Taking the time to be familiar with all of the HdV core values. Surrendering yourself to the project in order to make it reality. Finding ways no matter the challenge to make the garden successful.
** Harmony...
Finding the balance with people and the land. You need humility to have harmony. Be humble in your actions. Treating everybody that works in the garden as your equal. Accepting people as they are- as well as respecting the physical and mental abilities of everyone in the community. Making sure not to criticize or offend others. 
** Listening...
Using more than just your ears to hear whenever a member of the community is talking ... also opening your mind to new ideas, keeping open arms to support others, and keeping an open heart to empathize with our neighbors.
**Sharing...
Keeping open communication with all members of the community. Allowing everybody to express their views onissues pertaining to the garden such as land decisions, our responsibilities, work, or resources so that nobody feels like they don’t have a voice. Allowing others to express themselves, to speak of their differences, histories and experiences so that we can all support and encourage each other. Remembering our mission statement and core values- and making sure that we are constantly discussing both of them to ensure we are always moving towards the same goal.
** Support...
Doesn’t necessarily stop at physical- but remember the emotional and spiritual. Knowing that you can count on members for help but also know that they are counting on you for your help. Giving each other a hand whenever it is necessary. Cooperating with one another with the ideology that we have the same goals and we want to see our neighbors succeed in their projects.
** Love... 
A burning passion that we have inside of ourselves to make a difference in our community. A feeling that motivates usor encourages us to help our neighbors, our friends, and our families by introducing them to a new way of life, a healthier life, a happy and content life
** Humility...
It is embedded in harmony. Recalling that we are all working as a group. Seeing everyone in the community as equals- whether in the ideas, intelligence, and their dedication to make the garden a success. Putting yourself in other people’s shoes, trying to look at problematic situations through different perspectives. Taking the time to get to know each other.
**Good Conduct...
Doing good in all your actions. Doing good by all residents of the area as well as the other participants of the garden. Respecting the community and most importantly the earth. Recalling that words are very powerful, and promising touse words that support our values. Using respectful language.
**Communication...
Giving everyone enough time to talk and express their ideas fully. Taking moments of reflection to see if it is the right time to share what you would say. Examining the feelings we have inside and respecting them. Remembering the importance of working out conflicts in a calm and respectable manner in order to harmony in balance.
** Justice...
The way we see love