Our Values
Informed Advocates is guided by the following principles:
Informed Consent
Individuals should have access to meaningful, understandable information necessary to make informed decisions concerning matters that affect their education, healthcare, and personal autonomy.
Individual Dignity and Autonomy
Every person should be treated with dignity and afforded appropriate opportunities to participate in decisions affecting their rights and interests.
Equal Rights and Civil Rights
Individuals should understand and be able to exercise the civil rights and legal protections afforded to them, without discrimination or unequal treatment.
Consumer Protection
People should have access to accurate information about the services, institutions, policies, costs, risks, rights, and remedies relevant to decisions they are asked to make.
Transparency and Accountability
Government agencies and institutions should be understandable and accessible to the people they serve, and the public should have meaningful access to information necessary to evaluate governmental and institutional actions.
Evidence and Accuracy
Educational materials should distinguish established facts, applicable law, evidence, interpretation, and opinion. The organization strives to use primary and authoritative sources whenever reasonably available.
Nonpartisan Civic Education
Informed Advocates does not exist to promote a political party or candidate. Its purpose is to educate the public and facilitate informed, respectful participation in civic processes.
Respectful Engagement
Effective civic participation should encourage reasoned discussion, respectful communication, and meaningful consideration of differing perspectives.
Empowered Participation
The organization seeks to give people the knowledge and practical tools necessary to understand their rights and participate constructively in the systems that affect their lives.