how we work
We believe that meaningful, effective and equitable community engagement requires actively creating the change we wish to see in the world.
While we support a wide range of clients and conversations, what they all have in common is a commitment to putting people and relationships first.
We’re here to disrupt old patterns and help you imagine new ones. We’ll help you move past "that's the way we've always done things" to understanding the perspectives of those most affected by your decisions.
Our vision is a world filled with communities that engage in meaningful dialogue across differences; where we may not agree but our relationships are better as a result of the conversation.
Together, we can create new solutions to the problems of our times.
Everything we do at Tilia is rooted in creating the conditions in our communities where everyone can thrive, feel a sense of belonging and be resilient in stormy weather.
We act with integrity. We engage in self-reflection and personal critique, seeking out and acknowledging our own biases. We include those who have different perspectives and experiences from our own, understanding that together we are stronger. We hold ourselves accountable for elevating community voices and advocating for those who are underrepresented or excluded.
We are collaborative. We work in partnership with our clients and believe that relationships matter. We connect people to one another to create communities that we want to be part of.
We are curious. We listen to learn, understanding that even in sameness there is difference and recognizing the evolving and dynamic nature of intersecting identities and experiences.
We are creative. We try new things, thinking on our feet and adjusting to circumstances as they arise. We are systems thinkers who understand that magic happens in the messy middle.
We are transformational. Our work creates stronger, more resilient and more equitable decisions that bring out the best in people, inspire positive action and create possibilities for positive futures.
People are at the heart of our work.
We’re working to help create better communities for us all. We believe that people should be involved in the decisions that affect them. They should also be able to participate in ways that work for their situations and respect the unique perspectives they each bring to the table.
When organizations listen to those affected by their decisions, the results are stronger and more equitable outcomes. That’s where we can help – by creating space for people to provide meaningful input about your programs, policies and projects so that you can make better decisions.
