So What Else Inc. 10 Pillars

Youth Empowerment

With the proper tools, support, and buy-in, youth have the potential to be agents of innovation and progress in their local, regional, and national communities.

“We have a powerful potential in our youth, and we must have the courage to change old ideas and practices so that we may direct their power toward good ends.” – life rights leader Mary McLeod Bethune

Constant Growth

Always seek new knowledge and opportunities for learning and growing.

“Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement and success have no meaning.” – Founding Father Benjamin Franklin

Be True to Yourself

Don’t do something just because everyone else is, or because it seems like the easiest option. Do what you feel is right and stay true to who you are.

“The moon does not fight. It attacks no one. It does not worry. It does not try to crush others. it keeps to its course, but by its very nature, it gently influences. What other body could pull an entire ocean from shore to shore? The moon is faithful to its nature and its power is never diminished.” – philosopher Ming Dao-Deng

Leave No Trace

We only have one planet; be respectful of your surroundings and minimize your impact by taking only what you brought with you and leaving nothing behind. Work towards living a zero-waste life!

“When we heal the earth, we heal ourselves” – environmentalist David Orr

Compassion

Treat your peers with compassion, understanding, and the respect that you would wish them to give to you.

“Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive.” – Dalai Lama

Creativity

The arts are a powerful form of expression through which we can interact with the world in new ways unique to ourselves.

“Creativity is putting your imagination to work, and it’s produced the most extraordinary results in human culture.” – author Ken Robinson

Non-Violence

Instead of taking out your frustration through aggression, use rationality and understanding to stay calm and see issues from others’ points of view.

“On either side of a potentially violent conflict, an opportunity exists to exercise compassion and diminish fear based on recognition of each other’s humanity. Without such recognition…the moment explodes into violence.” – poet Aberjhani

Pay It Forward and Civic Responsibility

Build on the selfless actions of those around you and spread that kindness on to others.

“You don’t pay love back; you pay it forward.” – author Lily Hardy Hammond

Understand your role in your community and what you can do to improve it. Continue the cycle of service and work toward being an engaged, informed, and helpful citizen.

“A morally and civically responsible individual recognizes himself or herself as a member of a larger social fabric and considers social problems to be at least partly his or her own” – editor Thomas Ehrlich

Positivity

Maintain an open, welcoming, positive attitude to help us create a safe space in which, together, we can learn, play and grow.

“You cannot have a positive life and a negative mind.” – motivational speaker Joyce Meyer

Teamwork and Sportsmanship

When we work together we can create a community that takes us further towards our goals than if we work alone. Teamwork allows us to motivate and support each other. Competition is only good when it’s fair and positive.

“Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships.” – pro basketball star Michael Jordan

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has.” – cultural anthropologist Margaret Mead