Guiding
Principles

Involve Those Closest to the Issues

We know that the most successful social programs listen carefully to and learn from the people most impacted by those programs. Top down efforts rarely work. We approach our work with humility and respect for diverse identities and opinions, giving particular attention and weight to voices from underrepresented populations.

Pass the ‘But For’ Test

"Would this have happened if the Barton Institute didn’t exist?” If the answer is yes, it’s probably not the right project to undertake.

Address Major Social Issues

The Barton Institute seeks to tackle major social issues in partnership with the people most involved in those issues.

Create Definable Impact

We strive to engage work that has a measurable impact, acknowledging that impact is both quantitative and qualitative, and can often take years or decades to mature. All work of the Barton Institute should have a definable, if not quantifiable, impact.

Cross-Sector Expertise

Progress in addressing major social issues can best—and often only-- be achieved if private, public and nonprofit sectors work together.

Start Local, Inform Global

The best way to add value and avoid duplication of efforts is to begin at home, in the Denver metro region, with the hope that these efforts will then inform broader geographic regions, most notably the urbanizing Rocky Mountain region.