Strengthening Culture, Promoting Environmental Sustainability, and Creating Opportunity
Nonprofits, businesses, elected officials, and citizens alike can all benefit from a deeper, shared understanding of the conditions in their community, what is being done to improve them, and how resources are being invested. Accelerating their impact will require data collection (both quantitative and qualitative), advocacy, and collaboration in new and imaginative ways if we are serious about achieving shared goals.
To promote alignment in conversations, data analysis, and collaborative action, New Sun Rising has adopted the Sustainable Development Goals. This structure allows us to coordinate capacity building and financial resources deployed through the Vibrant Communities Framework while inspiring anyone who is working towards peace, prosperity, and dignity for all people and the planet.
While established globally, the goals provide a common framework to help organize stakeholder efforts at all levels (local, regional, national, and international) and from all sectors (government, nonprofit, corporate, and citizen) toward a more equitable and vibrant world. The 17 interlinked goals have four key principles:
First, the goals are universal and apply to all nations and communities, both developed and developing. Issues in an area will have an effect on others so it is paramount that efforts must be coordinated, intersectional, and collaborative.
Secondly, the goals merge all forms of sustainability – social progress, environment protection and economic development. For example, we can grow food to feed all without depleting the soil, develop our economies without increasing inequity, and produce enough electricity for all without emitting more carbon dioxide. This ‘triple bottom line’ approach requires balanced investments and integrated strategies from all sectors.
The third principle states that no one should be left behind. There is no progress without the inclusion of those in society who are most vulnerable: education must reach indigenous communities, jobs equitably created for all races and gender identities, healthcare accessible for rural communities, and oppressed people centered in decision making and partnerships.
Finally, the global goals need active engagement from all. There must be frequent and inclusive conversations which lead to action on these topics, including civil societies, the private sector and academia.
