Our Mission
The mission of Community Tampa Bay is to promote dialogue and respect among all cultures, religions and races by cultivating leaders to change communities. Based in Florida, we work with individuals, groups and organizations to create an inclusive society strengthened and empowered by its diversity.
As long as there is bias and bigotry, fed by stereotypes and prejudice, there is work to be done. By influencing attitudes and behaviors through our initiatives we lead efforts to increase communication and understanding among persons of diverse backgrounds. We openly address ignorance, fear and hatred by providing safe havens for meaningful dialogue.
“Community Tampa Bay is one of the few places where I have been made to feel like I have potential...and I feel like that has been a HUGE aspect of the cultivation that I have gone through. Before Community Tampa Bay was in my life, I didn't believe in myself. I didn't have confidence, I didn't think I was capable of much, I didn't step out of my comfort zone and try new things. In no way would I have described myself to be a leader. It wasn't until I went to ANYTOWN in 2007 that I actually began to feel like I was somebody and that I could make a difference in my community. Community Tampa Bay and the people at ANYTOWN, made me believe that I had potential and that I could do great things with that.”
-Stephanie Coates, Program Graduate and Volunteer
Yes, we try to change the world – one person at a time. We promote a community of socially responsible and caring citizens by empowering individuals to become genuine agents of change in their communities.
Our Vision
We envision a community free from discrimination in which every individual is treated with dignity and respect. We include every individual, regardless of their race, faith, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age and physical or mental ability. Whatever one’s political, religious or other convictions, discrimination and intolerance are always wrong.
Our Core Values
It is understood that our purpose as an agency is best met when our core values are apparent in the way of work of our staff, Board, volunteers and programs.
We value diversity, the multiple respects in which people differ. We seek to understand our differences and also our common ground through dialogue.
We value inclusion, the practice of ensuring that people feel they belong. We seek to include multiple individuals and perspectives to ensure a rich tapestry of viewpoints and ideas. Paramount to our organization is youth-adult partnerships.
We value engagement, the result of inspiring passion in someone so they will want to take action. We honor the relationships that hold leaders and emerging leaders accountable to each other and their communities. We appreciate and expect civic service from our stakeholders and each other.
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