What are community values?

Community values are beliefs, customs or traditions specific to a particular group of people. These include celebrations, clothing, language, foods, religions. Values also include the way that people are connected to the land and how they relate to one another. A value is someone’s principal, what someone stands for or believes is important in life, so when we talk about community values we talk about what a community finds important.

The connection to water and land has been important to New Mexicans for thousands of years, because without it they would not survive. In today’s modern world we are dependent on food and water being available in stores when we need them. Although there are advanced technologies and ways to transport goods now, there still is only the same amount of water on earth that existed in the time of the dinosaurs. If values are forgotten, we risk being disconnected to the very systems we rely on. This is why we must find value in protecting it.

Protecting Values

When we work together, we are stronger and bring more mind power to think of new ideas. The best way to protect values is to talk to your community members about their and your concerns, and involving them in your work. Speak to your elders to find out what they value and why. Research the past and spend time outside getting to know your area. We also must protect the values of the communities in which we work.