Guiding Principles for Partnership

MN Office of Economic Opportunity

To work more effectively with local grantees, food banks, food shelves and other organizations, the Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) of the Minnesota Department of Human Services embraces four guiding principles: mutual respect, open communication, joint problem solving and empowerment through diversity.

Mutual respect. In working with staff, board members, and consultants, OEO values and recognizes the unique knowledge, ability and independence of each person. We are committed to treating all persons fairly and maintaining credibility by matching actions with words.

Open communication. Because effective communications is key to facilitating good working relationships with partners, OEO is committed to keeping lines of communication open. We strive to develop solutions to problems, to share program improvement ideas and provide information on new developments in the anti-poverty field. Communication is frequent and delivered through a variety of tools and media.

Joint problem-solving. A team approach to problem solving is best for arriving at effective solutions. OEO welcomes opportunities to think outside traditional ways and come up with "best strategies" for program development, conflict resolutions or compliance issues. We are open to change and work together in exploring options for mutually agreeable solutions. Our goal is to have agencies function independently with our support in an effort to meet the needs of local communities within the parameters set by legislation.

Empowerment through diversity. As a voice of the poor in state government, OEO is receptive to the cultural diversity, multiple perspectives, and varying abilities of people in poverty. We acknowledge and respect diversity in terms of (but not limited to) race, religion, culture, socio-economic background, family generational history, physical and mental ability, age, gender, sexual orientation, political affiliation and veteran status. We resolve to support all forms of diversity as community and individual assets, and to ensure that we accurately portray the diversity of those in poverty in our work and daily decision-making.

PO Box 64244 • St. Paul, MN • 55164-0244 • An Equal Opportunity Employer