Home > About >

Who is SAM?

SAM is not a person, it is an approach to life. SAM stands for (S)elf-Discipline, (A)ccountability, and (M)orality. These are three of our core values that will be the foundation for all of our programming. The following is a list of our core values:

Self-Discipline

Having self-discipline means that we are able to display self-control and integrity. By self-control we are referring to the ability to resist temptation and think before we act, rather than being impulsive and acting upon desire over reason. Integrity is the ability to use self-discipline to do what is right even when no one is watching.

Accountability

We stress the importance of being accountable for both our actions and our issues. While we cannot control everything that happens in the world, the one thing that we can control is how we respond to the events that take place. By developing the ability to be accountable for our actions we maximize our self-control and minimize the negative impact that external events can have on us. We also must be accountable for our issues. If we refuse to recognize what our challenges are, we will be unable to overcome them.

Morality

Our approach to morality focuses on intention. While there can be debate as to what is socially acceptable or moral behavior, there is no confusion as to whether or not we intend to be moral and intend to do the right thing. We do not accept any justification for doing something that we know is wrong.

Independence

We do not take an enabling approach to our challenges. If we adjust the environment to make it easier to cope with our challenges we do not develop the strength needed to overcome these challenges. By overcoming challenges and dealing with adversity we develop the strength needed to become independent.

Assertiveness

When dealing with others we should be direct, but not confrontational. We work to eliminate aggressive and/or passive behavior and work towards assertiveness.

Self-Improvement

We want to be better people today than we were yesterday. And we work to be better people tomorrow than we are today.

Service