The CREW Philosophy

• If the CREW Philosophy is implemented with fidelity, then youth will exhibit more favorable outcomes both during and after program participation than otherwise would be the case.

• If volunteers are prepared, trained and actively doing their own internal work, then they will be better able to develop empathy and compassion for the youth and to respond to them in the moment.

• If youth see staff, volunteers and other youth who look like them and have similar lived experiences from the moment they arrive, youth will be less likely to feel alone and more likely to feel empowered to try something new.

• If we create a gentler vernacular for training, then our youth will deepen their compassion for other sentient beings (ie, training horse to accept a saddle and rider, rather than “break”).

• If youth experience a sense of belonging and community at The CREW, then they will know they have support and backing in the larger equine community and beyond.