Our Principles
The Relational Practice Movement seeks to counter the isolation and dehumanization in public services by prioritizing human connection. United across sectors, we aim to replace financially-driven practices with empowering and revitalizing approaches. Our principles embrace a human-centered approach, genuine relationships, collaboration, and holistic understanding. We value empowerment, continuous learning, and reflection. We advocate for systemic change, community, ethics, and continuous improvement. Join us in creating a more humane and connected world.
Putting the “Human” in Humanitarian
We exist in relation to each other; alone, we are isolated and vulnerable. A disconnected top-down service labels people as problems, leaving no space for anyone to take responsibility for themselves or connect with others. This damages our capacity to work together, especially in an economically-driven world where interactions are too often treated like transactions.
When human connections are lost, we see the breakdown of communities and relationships, and people struggle to find hope for the future. For each of us to be happy and successful, we need to feel like a part of something greater.
Relational Practice helps people who have felt silenced to find their voices, then listens and acts with them when they speak. By respecting and empowering everyone involved, the Relational Practice Movement allows us to create that sense of belongingness that we, as human beings, truly need.
Not Just Acting but Connecting
Understanding is the first step towards meaningful action. We invite everyone to reflect and encourage conversations about why treating people as people is crucial to an effective public service.
We must build this movement to transform the system. Together, we can mobilise those in positions of power to join us as allies.
Across the sector, we need to reflect on the failures in existing systems, revitalise caring environments, and rebuild effective services.
If you are an individual, think about how your work could be more relational. Start by considering how you can listen to others more effectively in your interactions and work alongside them.
As an organisation, build your staff’s capacity to work relationally, create safe spaces to reflect on your existing power structures, and design changes that encourage sharing of power. Start by making time to reflect on your current practices together.
If you are in a position of political or social influence, support organisations, institutions, and professions to work relationally. Start by including the principles of Relational Practice in new policies.
Separate but Together
Relational practice: a move from separated, fragmented service models focused on costs and problems to united, connected services that embrace each person as a whole.