As an organization, ARCC has been firmly rooted in the belief that experiential education, adventure, and global travel are essential elements of real-world learning and leadership development. We also recognize that the landscape around us is constantly shifting, and therefore, we must also reflect from time to time to ensure we are not only staying true to our cause but also serving those who matter most to our organization. For almost 45 years, ARCC has strived to be the standard in delivering quality, fulfilling, and enriching programs for our participants. In order to do this, we must look at why, where, how, and with whom we travel.
We have spent the past year looking inward and engaging in a thoughtful and collaborative dialogue to update ARCC’s Mission, Vision, and Values. Our goal was not to reinvent who we are, but to reaffirm our purpose and ensure as an organization we are best representing ourselves, our participants, our partners, and our communities.
Our mission and vision now reads:
‘To cultivate the next generation of informed, empathetic, and action-oriented global citizens through experiential learning, intentional community partnerships, and responsible travel. We envision a world where cross-cultural engagement through accessible and ethical travel leads to a more just, connected, and sustainable world.’
We see this not only as a mission statement but as a recommitment to our participants and all those who have a shared interest in supporting global engagement and learning. We seek to foster a deeper understanding, to challenge assumptions, and to cultivate leadership through empathy and equity. In an era when division and disconnection are challenging our future, we are deepening our conviction in the power of cross-cultural engagement to move us forward. In doing so, we hope to encourage the next generation of active global citizens, curious and compassionate individuals excited to lead with awareness, humility, and purpose.
We know our vision for a “more just, connected, and sustainable world” is ambitious, but we also know it’s necessary. Every day, we are inspired by young participants who show up on our programs with courage, compassion, and curiosity, ready to ask hard questions, to learn from others, and to contribute in meaningful ways. If we do not embrace challenge for ourselves, we cannot in good faith lead others to do the same.
Values that guide us:
We have articulated six of our core values that help shape and drive us forward into developing programming and putting into action what we stand for and how we hope to inspire the next generation:
Ethical Travel & Environmental Justice
Social Justice
Fun
Collaboration
Lifelong Learning
Intentionality
This update to our Mission, Vision, and Values is not about a new direction; it is about intentional education and supporting the growth of the next generation of global citizens. We also strongly believe that the work we do is more vital and impactful than ever. In the face of domestic and global uncertainty, we feel a renewed commitment to lean into connection and be steadfast in our values. Now more than ever unity must be built through meaningful connection across borders, cultures, and perspectives to create a more collaborative and compassionate world.
To every student who has trusted and inspired us, every program leader who has guided us, every partner who has supported us, every community that has welcomed us, and to all our families and friends who believe in the power of experiential learning and cross-cultural engagement: you are part of this journey. We cannot do it without you.