Our Core Values
We respect and care for Mother Earth and Mother Nature.
The Maya have a deep and special relationship with Mother Earth and Mother Nature. We defend her because she is our mother, and it is through her that the Maya dream of remaining connected to the land, our origins, and our way of life. Our connection with Mother Nature, along with the traditional knowledge, history, and ceremonies that arise from this bond, allows us to conserve and protect our lands, territories, and sacred natural elements. Guided by our Vision, we aim to share our message with all of humanity and raise awareness about the harmful ways we have treated the Earth and the cosmos.
We Honor our Ancestral Wisdom and Traditions.
We are committed to sharing historical knowledge with children and youth to help them understand their traditions and cultural heritage in order to take pride in their identities. Our ancestral philosophy—rooted in cosmovision, spirituality, and science—allows us to fully experience life and be part of the larger whole. Our connection to the world and the cosmos is the basis of our actions, thoughts, and sentiments in life and of life. We honor and preserve ancestral knowledge and values so that the Maya, especially those living outside traditional Maya territories, can be dynamic conservers of their own culture, history, and traditions.
We believe in the fundamental human rights of Self-Determination, Liberty, and Dignity.
Our work and priorities are guided by the vision and practices of our spiritual and traditional leaders, elders, and authorities. We aim to address the root causes of discrimination, inequality, and oppression, the diaspora of the Maya, and the destruction of our communities and environment. We acknowledge the right to exist as distinct peoples, the right to self-determination and self-government, and the right to be free and equal to all other peoples, without discrimination. (See United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, art. 1, 2,3,4, and 5. Sept. 13, 2007).
We have a responsibility to Care for Each Other.
We recognize that all of humanity is interconnected; therefore, we have a duty to care for one another. The greatest expression of our humanity is loving and supporting one another. This act of caring is evident not only within our communities, families, and internal teams but also in how we take care of ourselves.
We place Humility at the core of our work.
Humility is grounded in the values of the Culture of the Corn, which serves as the foundation for mental clarity and spiritual strength in all our actions. This culture is shaped by lived experiences that guide us in approaching life and reflecting on humility, prompting us to "look in the mirror" and examine ourselves. Through our humility, we cultivate curiosity, enabling us to grow continuously through self-examination, experimentation, and adaptation.
We embrace Accountability and Transparency to guide our actions.
We believe in fostering a positive culture of accountability and transparency that builds trust and encourages open communication within our organization. These values create an environment where members can respectfully hold one another accountable for their actions and commitments, both in our work and in the communities we serve. By clearly defining and articulating our expectations and objectives, we position ourselves to work effectively toward our shared goals.
We Envision a Future that realizes and celebrates all life and liberation.
Inspired by our ancestors, we dream of a world where humanity collaborates to shape a culture that drives life to flourish. As we imagine this future, we draw upon the traditional teachings and values of Maya Cosmovision that advocate for freedom, fraternity, solidarity, love, kindness, and compassion. We anchor ourselves in our visions for a world, encompassing ecology, politics, economy, and society, ensuring the celebration of life by listening to and expressing diverse perspectives and promoting the reconciliation of humanity with the cosmos.