IT STARTS WITH US embraces the following fundamental beliefs to guide its actions and decisions:  

• All children are human beings of value and born with innate goodness.

• Children have the potential to develop the values and character traits to lead productive lives.
• Strong character helps children and adults live RICH lives filled with Respect, Integrity, Caring and Happiness.
• Adults have a role and a responsibility in helping children develop strong character.
• Children need adults to provide guidance, resources and accountability.
• Families are a special unit that nurture not only the child's physical development, but more importantly the child's underlying character and spiritual development.
• Relationships are important.
• Children deserve to live free of violence, hatred and crime.
• To grow children of character, we must grow healthy environments around the children.
• We all have special skills and talents that we can use to help children develop their character and maximize their potential.
• A critical mass of people can make a difference and change environments by taking action.