Our Values
SAGE’s Emblem & Values
SAGE was formed to honor the wisdom in this Greek Proverb:
A society grows great when its elders plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.
The tree in SAGE’s emblem is the tree in the Greek Proverb. SAGE’s tree has seven branches for the seven coming generations to consider in our decision-making. Each of those branches represents a child reaching upward to their full potential. The tree is surrounded by a circle, representing Earth and the horizon of our own lives and the promise of continuity between generations.
Our five values guide how we work together for a better future.
Community
Active community participation and revitalized community institutions are vital to creating a world in which younger and future generations can thrive. By working together and sharing our diverse strengths, we make a lasting and significant difference for coming generations.
Relationships
Personal relationships are at the heart of community engagement and social change. As we build and nurture respectful relationships, we are continually inspired to give forward throughout our lives.
Equity
Because younger generations face significant environmental decline, extreme student debt, disparities in educational opportunities and wealth, and other challenges when compared with earlier generations, we believe older adults are called to serve as advocates in creating a more just, equitable and healthy future.
Inclusion
We value diverse cultures and welcome people of all racial, ethnic, socio-economic, and political backgrounds. We continually seek opportunities to create a more diverse and inclusive community by becoming more self-aware, challenging our perspective, learning across differences, and honoring the many ways that people give forward.
Legacy
The desire to give is universal and all people have unique gifts to share. We encourage everyone to give forward, guided by the Greek proverb: “A society grows great when its elders plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.”