Cascade Gateway Foundation Policies

1. We are citizens who have joined together to counter a proposed mining operation that would devastate our environment and the community within it. Therefore, we are committed to cooperating with one another to mount the most effective campaign possible in opposing the applicant’s plan.

2. We recognize our opponents as adversaries, but not as enemies. They are business people seeking to serve their customers and their investors in a competitive marketplace. Therefore, we don’t “hate” or attribute to them improper motives.

3. We recognize people in government are performing difficult tasks, and are often forced to select between unappealing options. Therefore, we always exhibit respect towards the individuals with whom we interface at all levels of government.

4. We recognize that the growth of our region means we cannot insulate ourselves from its impacts. Therefore, we seek solutions that balance the interests of our membership with those of our region, nation and planet.

5. We realize that organizational effectiveness sometimes requires CGF to assume a single position on issues upon which some members are likely to differ. Therefore, we strive to maintain an atmosphere of trust and open communication so that members can share perspectives and seek agreement with minimal anxiety.

6. We realize that our effectiveness requires teamwork and trust among members, and between members and third parties cooperating with us. Therefore, we pledge to take our commitments seriously, and to expend all reasonable effort in order to fulfill obligations we’ve assumed on behalf of CGF.

7. We realize that CGF will be judged upon every contact our members have with our opponents, government, the media and the public at large. Therefore, when representing CGF in person, through the media, or in correspondence of any kind, members will strive to be courteous, cooperative, and pleasant.

8. We expect our campaign will have to continue for years into the future. Therefore, we must work to insure that CGF will be a vibrant, thriving organization with a consistent long-term plan for its own existence and growth.

9. We realize there are other organizations pursuing objectives that are parallel to, but not identical with those of Cascade Gateway Foundation. Therefore, while we will cooperate whenever possible, we will jealously guard our independence, and refuse contributions from sources which could give an appearance of inappropriate influence.

JTM