OPERATING PHILOSOPHY

In recognition of our special knowledge and skills, and consistent with our fundamental beliefs and values, the Canadian Association of Elizabeth Fry Societies, and it’s member societies, have adopted and operating philosophy which we believe will maximize our potential effectiveness and contribution to our communities.

The Canadian Association of Elizabeth Fry Societies and its member societies are, therefore, sister organizations which:

• Are for and about women in conflict with the law, a particular group of women whose issues are often common to all women in society;

• Hold as their core the provision of programs, services and advocacy to meet the needs of women in conflict with the law;

• Recognize and affirm the importance of each woman’s personal support system;

• Are committed to providing non-discriminatory, non-judgmental support and services to women;

• Are committed to the individual human rights of women in conflict with the law and to advocate for those rights;

• Are a part of the community, and as community based societies accept and share the responsibility of the community to women in conflict with the law;

• Value volunteers and utilize them as a vital link to their community base;

• Are committed to encouraging the public to be well informed on issues related to the Criminal Justice System and particularly women in conflict with the law;

• By virtue of some of the services the Societies provide are involved in the Criminal Justice System and accept responsibility for improving the system from within;

• Are committed to advocate for change and reform in the in the Criminal Justice System where needed;

• Are committed to continuous self-determination and self-evaluation of their programs, operations and existence;

• Are non-profit societies committed to managing their operations at all times in a financial and socially acceptable manner;

• Are supportive of other groups with similar principles, common advocacy goals, alternate and supplemental programs, and other resources;

• Are committed to action on the national level on behalf of women in conflict with the law, as individual Elizabeth Fry Societies and in cooperation with the national body and other Association members.