We are thrilled to unveil our new vision and mission statements, reflecting our commitment to supporting Black and Brown youth in Washington, DC. After a collaborative multi-year journey involving youth, community members, board members, and staff, we are proud to share the next chapter of our evolution.
Our Vision
Critical Exposure envisions communities that are liberated, safe, and supportive for young people of Washington, DC, to dream, learn, grow, and thrive.
This vision encapsulates our aspiration for a future in which every young person in DC has everything they need to thrive.
Our Mission
Critical Exposure works with Black and Brown youth to transform DC communities and schools into safe, resource-connected places that are liberated from social, political, and economic barriers. We do this through youth organizing, storytelling, and leveraging the power of photography.
Our mission is at the heart of what we do—engaging young people to shape their own narratives and drive change in their communities. With this mission, we get specific about the core role youth organizing plays in our work.
Our Values and Foundational Beliefs
To guide us on this journey, we have established core values that reflect our principles and beliefs:
Values & Principles
- ACCOUNTABILITY: We act courageously to grow as individuals and as a collective to foster healthy and authentic relationships.
- CO-CREATION: Youth and adults work together to shape the spaces needed for young people to feel safe, voice their perspectives, and show up as their whole selves.
- CONNECTION: We strive to create spaces where young people feel seen, cared for, and experience meaningful connections.
- DEEP LISTENING: We commit to honest, transparent, and timely communication, practicing deep listening both internally and externally.
- PLACE AND CULTURE: We’re committed to the Black and Latinx/e communities that have shaped Washington, DC. We center culture in what we do and pay homage to the legacy of organizing and arts that exists here. As the city changes, our commitment to these communities must grow.
- POWER: We recognize how power differences between adults and youth manifest in organizations and movements. We commit to disrupting those dynamics and building youth power.
