ADVENTIST DEVELOPMENT AND RELIEF AGENCY

About ADRA

The Adventist Development and Relief Agency is an international non-governmental organization with the vision of changing the world, one life at a time. ADRA is present in more than 125 countries providing Individual and Community Development and Disaster Relief without regard to political or religious affiliation, age or ethnicity.

ADRA seeks to identify and address social injustice and deprivation in developing countries. The agency’s work seeks to improve the quality of life of those in need.

ADRA invests in the potential of these individuals through community development initiatives targeting Food Security, Economic Development, Primary Health and Basic Education.

ADRA’s emergency management initiatives provide aid to disaster survivors.

Identity Statement: The Adventist Development and Relief Agency is a global humanitarian organization of the Seventh-day Adventist Church that demonstrates God’s love and compassion.

Mission Statement: ADRA works with people in poverty and distress to create just and positive change through empowering partnerships and responsible action.

Vision Statement: ADRA is a professional, learning, and efficient network that embodies integrity and transparency. ADRA reaches across boundaries empowering and speaking out for the at-risk and forgotten to achieve measurable, documented, and durable changes in lives and society.

ADRA Believes:

1. That through humanitarian acts we make known the just, merciful and loving character of God.

2. That to work with those in need is an expression of our love for God.

3. That the compassionate ministry of Jesus is its own abundant motive and reward.

4. That we are an agency of change and an instrument of grace and providence.

5. In expressing concern, compassion and empathy through our work.

6. That equitable partnership with those in need will result in sustainable change.

7. That age, gender, race culture and families enrich the communities with whom we work, and are assets to be respected and affirmed.

8. In non-discrimination and respect for differences, accepting people as equals regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, political or religious affiliation.

9. In participatory development that utilizes both men and women’s capabilities and provides equal opportunity to individuals of differing ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds.

10. That all people have the fundamental right to care, basic goods and services.

11. That all persons, especially children, have the right to a life of opportunity and the freedom to choose their own culture.

12. In enabling partners to create participatory and sustainable community structures for information sharing and civil engagement.

13. That all resources, opportunities, and advantages are gifts, which must be managed responsibly.

14. That all people, in particular women and children, have the right to protection and a life free from violence, sexual exploitation and all other forms of abuse.

15. In demonstrating integrity and transparency in our work at every level.

ADRA OPERATING PRINCIPLES

1. ADRA decisions and strategies are consistent with its beliefs, mission and vision.

2. ADRA demonstrates respect for diversity treating people with equality regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, economic, political, or religious differences.

3. ADRA engages in appropriate and empowering partnerships to identify, facilitate and effect durable solutions to human needs.

4. ADRA conducts its operations and delivers its programs with environmental sensitivity.

5. ADRA documents and applies operational learning to enhance individual and organizational effectiveness and innovation.

6. ADRA maintains a work environment and systems that enable staff to achieve professional, personal and spiritual growth.

7. ADRA practices the highest principles of transparency and integrity; adheres to professional standards and requirements, and demonstrates fiscal and legal responsibility by implementing rigorous control and compliance systems.

8. ADRA enlarges its resource base to meet humanitarian needs, in accordance with managerial, technical, and organizational capacities.

9. ADRA shares plans, information, resources, and learning within the Network enhancing efficiency, effectiveness and flexibility.

10. ADRA advocates for the basic rights of the people with whom it works empowering them to speak for themselves.
     

© DACO/SLIS August 2008