Our Core Values

We all want clean, safe water for our families, no matter what we look like or where we come from. Clean water is not a partisan issue – it’s a basic need and a human right that connects us all.

If you care about clean water and healthy rivers, you are welcome here.

When it comes to protecting and restoring rivers, it is vital to hear from all voices. Whether your community is impacted by pollution, or your livelihood is threatened by flooding or drought…whether you’re a business owner, a farmer or rancher dependent on a river…whether you’re a hunter, angler, paddler, or someone who enjoys the beauty of nature…whether your special connection to a river is recent, or goes back many generations…our rivers need you.

This is why partnership has always been at the heart of what we do. Together, we build durable solutions that keep rivers healthy and communities safe, strong, and prosperous.

In achieving our mission, American Rivers is guided by four core values. These core values are important to us and guide how American Rivers staff works.

Lead with Collaboration and Trust

• We believe in the importance of developing deep and abiding partnerships through authentic listening and humility. We build trusting and productive relationships inside American Rivers and with partners, including Tribal Nations and communities of color.
• We act in collaborative ways that build enduring partnerships.

Infuse Equity and Justice

• We believe in just and fair inclusion both within American Rivers and with our partners where everyone has an opportunity to participate and prosper. We believe that all communities deserve access to clean water and healthy rivers; to be resilient in the face of floods, drought, and other climate risks; to have a role in decision-making processes for water and river management in their communities; and to share in the economic, social, and environmental benefits of healthy rivers and clean water.
• We act in ways that value and include all voices and perspectives.

Deliver Results

• We believe there are pragmatic ways to solve every problem, and we are passionate about finding solutions that work for people and rivers. We work together to find new approaches, innovate, and seek continuous improvement in ourselves and our teams. We always seek the win-win, showing the way around obstacles and finding the path forward.
• We act in ways that hold ourselves and our teams accountable to results.

Ensure Staff and Volunteers Thrive

• We believe in a culture that encourages hard work while recognizing self-care, revitalization, and joy for team members as essential in sustaining our leadership over time.
• We act in ways that support each other in our life journeys while on the American Rivers team.