We believe the vast majority of adults have the capacity to speak for themselves and act with others on issues important to their families and to their values.  We have learned that change in a democracy requires power -- either the power of organized money or the power of organized people.   We can build the power of organized people by rediscovering the relational arts of conversation, listening, strategic thinking and effective action. 

Today's dominant culture puts consumption, celebrity, materialism and "do your own thing" individualism above building strong families, children and citizens.  We challenge this dominant culture using our God-given talents, our religious and civic traditions and our heritage of American democratic values. 

• We identify, develop and train leaders.  Many people have the proven talent to run a church fiesta, a school fund raiser or a Little League tournament.  Through A.C.T., they learn the skills of the public arena so they can challenge the hurdles to opportunities for local families.

• We strengthen our congregations, schools, and neighborhoods by reconnecting them internally and, then, throughout the community.  Members groups organize by listening, asking questions, hearing stories and agitating their traditions and imaginations.

• We work to build a large constituency of city dwellers and surbanites, from both forgotten neighborhoods and affluent areas.  Through conversation and listening, people discover their common values and concerns, and they help each other in reciprocal action.

To remain independent, A.C.T. accepts no government funding. We are politically non-partisan, although we are partisan to our families and communities. We never endorse candidates, or any political party.