OPEN’s Organizational Values
About us
OPEN (Organization for Polyamory and Ethical Non-monogamy) is a California based 501c3 nonprofit. Our mission is to normalize and empower non-monogamous individuals, relationships, and communities. Our vision is a future where romantic and intimate relationships between consenting adults are accepted and protected regardless of relationship structure, gender identity, or sexual orientation, or other factors. Our theory of change encompasses three pillars:
Change how the world perceives ethical non-monogamy by advancing cultural acceptance and representation.
Improve the practice of ethical non-monogamy by empowering communities, sharing knowledge, and building resources.
Grow the power of the ethically non-monogamous movement in order to gain rights and protections, support aligned movements, and shape a more just and loving world.
Why this document?
Whereas our mission, vision, and theory of change articulate the “what” of our work, our values speak to the “why” and “how.” The objective of this document is to serve as a north star that will guide our organizational development, program design, partnerships, and more. This is intended to be a living document which will evolve as we learn and grow, both as an organization and as individual leaders.
Feedback? Questions? We’re listening. You can write to us anytime at info@open-love or reach us on social media @openloveorg. Alternatively, you can use this form to provide anonymous feedback. Finally, you can book a conversation directly with Executive Director Brett Chamberlin by visiting www.calendly.com/open-brett.
Our Values
Inclusive
We will work to create programs and spaces that are safe and accessible for all people without regard to their identity, ability, or lived experience.
Monogamy-friendy
Inclusion extends to our monogamous friends and allies! We recognize that non-monogamy is not fundamentally better or more “enlightened” than monogamy – it's just a different set of relationship options. People have the right to choose the relationship style that works for them, and may practice monogamy and non-monogamy at various times in their lives. We seek to engage a broad coalition of partners and allies, regardless of their preferred relationship structure.
Movement-minded
We recognize that we are part of a broad movement for non-monogamy, which itself intersects with numerous other social movements such as kink/diverse sexualities, LGBTQ+, and racial justice, among others. We will put the interests of the non-monogamy movement as a whole before the interests of our organization, and will strive to ensure that our programs and organizational strategy honor the intersecting movements of which we are a part.
Intersectional
We recognize that individuals hold many identities beyond their non-monogamous identity. We further recognize that the way that those identities intersect creates unique sets of experiences and challenges for individuals; and that in particular, individuals with marginalized identities are uniquely exposed to harm which can compound on the basis of intersecting marginalized identities. In our work, we will strive to honor and affirm the many identities that individuals hold.
Anti-oppression
We believe that sexual and romantic freedom is part of the broader project to liberate humans from oppression of all types such as systemic racism and patriarchy.
Impact-oriented
We strive to produce measurable, concrete change with a focus on substantively transforming systems of power.
Culturally humble
We strive for lifelong learning and self-reflection, acknowledging privilege, minimizing power imbalances, centering institutional accountability, and acknowledging those who paved the way before us.
Kind
We strive to honor, respect, communicate, and treat all people with kindness.
