Human-Centered Thinking to Repair the Social Fabric

Our Mission

We focus on…

Person & Family

Every human being is a unique and unrepeatable person created in the image of God with creative capacity and dignity. Family is our primary means of education and human formation—and one of the most important factors in social mobility and economic success.

Community & Social Institutions

A flourishing human life and society extends beyond politics and economics. Private, voluntary associations—including churches, schools, hospitals, charities, and local non-profit organizations—are essential components of a flourishing community.

Economic Development & Opportunity

Impartial institutions of justice create the context for economic dynamism and creativity. The normative path for people to escape poverty is by exercising their freedom to work, create businesses, and engage in commerce without undue burden.

Subsidiarity & Agency

Human beings are unique subjects with a social nature. We have agency and responsibility. We are also shaped by our environment. Any attempt to help those in need must always respect human freedom and responsibility while recognizing the impact of culture and environment.

Check out our upcoming events.

Network

We’re forming a partner network of likeminded organizations working to strengthen their communities. If you are interested in joining or learning more about this network, send us an email.

Why is any of this important?

The dominant model of poverty alleviation has been large-scale, expert-led efforts to solve social problems. Inspired by the achievements of the physical sciences, industrial management, and the impressive technical and social engineering that led to military victory in World War II, the idea was to use the same model and technical expertise to end poverty. Despite great optimism, this scientific approach to the management of people and society has weakened the natural communities where people flourish, especially for people in poverty. By focusing on the dignity and creative capacity of the human person, we seek to reframe thinking about poverty and flourishing and encourage strong communities that create the conditions for material and social prosperity.