By LaKisha Deon    2-23-2023

In my observations over the last few years in the social entrepreneur space, I noticed that individuals and organizations have different perspectives on how to partner with one another. I often use statistical terms such as mutually exclusive and mutually inclusive. Yes, I know this is not an article on statistics, and yes, I know it may seem awkward to describe partnership with these two terms; just hold on, give me a chance to explain.

Mutually exclusive partnerships are where the agreement is written/spoken in such a way that each part of the agreement excludes others from benefiting or profiting at the same time.

Mutually inclusive partnerships are written in such a way that all parties benefit. The outcomes of the partnership are not limited to one party profiting, yet it is set up where all parties simultaneously come out on top. Isn’t this exciting? Everyone is blessed!

At 4Tucson, our vision is this:

To see a city aligned with God’s ways, so that His peace and prosperity are experienced by all generations.

This vision is a demonstration of how we desire to be mutually inclusive with our partnerships. In Matthew 5:43-45, Jesus stated “You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.”

With these verses, which are part of the Beatitudes, Jesus taught us that it is our responsibility as Christians to work together so that all benefit whether they are a Christians or not. When we, as Christians do our part, when we recognize our role in the solutions, the benefits can be mutually inclusive for our city and our neighbors.

True partnership in the eyes of 4Tucson requires acts of humility. It requires intentional actions of inviting others to partner with us so that the just and unjust can live in a flourishing city. 4Tucson has a saying that, “You do not have to believe what we believe in order to care about what we care about.” I would go further on this topic to add a Frederick Douglas quote, “I would unite with anybody to do right and with nobody to do wrong.” These two statements in my view are mutually inclusive.

This year in my role as the new CEO of 4Tucson, I am continuing to communicate and demonstrate our cultural values of Integrity, Service, Collaboration, Unity, and Partnership. These words are not flat, 2-dimensional sayings to us at 4Tucson. These words are the values that we as a team hold dear to our heart. We intentionally live out these words in our daily walk with Christ, and as we engage with others to solve our city’s most systemic issues. 4Tucson’s belief system will always start with biblical truths. This is the core of 4Tucson. The bible tells us in Ecclesiastes 4:9, “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor.” We at 4Tucson will continuously seek partnership with others willing to work with us for the mutually inclusive reward for our labor in the Kingdom of God.

Would you partner with 4Tucson as a member to see a city aligned with God’s ways so that His peace and prosperity are experienced by all generations? As a member you will be invited to contribute to programs and projects that make a difference in our city’s mission field.