At Haverhill Pride, our mission is driven by a set of core values. They aren't just words on a page; they are the foundation for us—from how we organize our efforts to how we show up for the Haverhill community. These values are our compass, guiding us in how we show up for each other and for our community.

Our Values: What Guides Our Work

  • Community is at the heart of everything we do. We believe in creating a place where everyone feels a sense of belonging and where all identities are celebrated. Our goal is to foster a space that feels like family, built on respect and shared joy.

  • We believe true empowerment begins with a deep understanding of our own worth. Queer people are the vibrant architects of culture, art, and innovation, and we deserve to stand in that truth without shame. We are committed to fostering justice and equity, not as a goal, but as a living practice that affirms our essential role in society

  • We believe our knowledge is our power, and sharing it is how we build a bridge of understanding. History has shown us that when our stories are hidden, they can be weaponized against us. We provide clear, factual information to dismantle harmful stereotypes and build a stronger, more compassionate world.

  • For us, Pride is both a force and a promise. It’s the joy we feel when we come together, the celebration of our identities, and the unwavering resistance against anything that seeks to diminish us. At a time when our rights and freedoms are under attack, we are committed to standing firmly in our truth.

Community

Community is at the heart of everything we do. We believe in creating a place where everyone feels a sense of belonging and where all identities are celebrated. Our goal is to foster a space that feels like family, built on respect and shared joy.

Within Haverhill Pride

We work to build a supportive family where every committee member, volunteer, and leader feels valued and heard. Our meetings and events are built on mutual respect, ensuring we all have a place to contribute and grow.

In the Haverhill Community

We're committed to being good neighbors. We build connections with local businesses, residents, and other organizations, and we stand in solidarity with other local movements because we know the fight for justice is interconnected. We're always listening to the community through surveys and conversations to ensure our work is a direct reflection of what's needed.

Empowerment

We believe true empowerment begins with a deep understanding of our own worth. Queer people are the vibrant architects of culture, art, and innovation, and we deserve to stand in that truth without shame. We are committed to fostering justice and equity, not as a goal, but as a living practice that affirms our essential role in society

Within Haverhill Pride

Our leadership is rooted in collaboration and shared purpose. We work to ensure everyone on our team has the tools and agency to lead, make decisions, and drive change.

In the Haverhill Community

We advocate for just legislation, connect people with vital services, and create opportunities for personal and professional development. We're committed to building a community where every queer person is not just accepted, but recognized for their essential contributions.

Education

We believe our knowledge is our power, and sharing it is how we build a bridge of understanding. History has shown us that when our stories are hidden, they can be weaponized against us. We provide clear, factual information to dismantle harmful stereotypes and build a stronger, more compassionate world.

Within Haverhill Pride

We cultivate a growth-focused environment where everyone is invited to listen with respect and learn. We prioritize sharing knowledge about LGBTQIA+ history, local issues, and best practices to ensure our work is always rooted in understanding and continuous improvement.

In the Haverhill Community

We believe sharing our stories is a powerful tool for fostering empathy and allyship. Most of our educational content is shared through our social media channels, where we aim to break down myths and stereotypes. We share archival histories of queer people in Haverhill, collect oral retellings from our elders, and provide accessible resources on everything from explaining the letters in LGBTQIA+ to the historical context behind current legal challenges.

Pride

For us, Pride is both a force and a promise. It’s the joy we feel when we come together, the celebration of our identities, and the unwavering resistance against anything that seeks to diminish us. At a time when our rights and freedoms are under attack, we are committed to standing firmly in our truth.

Within Haverhill Pride

We are a strong, committed family built on shared struggle and common purpose. We trust in our team to pick each other up when we fall, and we lean on each other for courage and resilience. This is how we build the strength to show up for our community.

In the Haverhill Community

Pride is our promise that we are here, we've always been here, and we're not going anywhere. We will advocate for our constituents, stand in solidarity with other marginalized communities, and say no to power even when it's scary. We roll up our sleeves and put in the work, so we can build a world that is better for everyone.