GVAT prides itself on being nonpartisan and pragmatic in its approach. The network does not endorse candidates or align with any political party.

We focus on issues and values that cut across typical partisan lines – like the dignity of work, access to healthcare, safe neighborhoods, and accountable governance.

Broad-based alliances deliberately include a broad spectrum of groups (e.g. business leaders alongside union workers, faith groups alongside secular non-profits), finding common ground on community problems despite differing ideologies.

The IAF Pacific’s work is values-driven. The organization often speaks in terms of justice, the common good, and human dignity.

Historically, IAF organizations have been known to push for practical changes. Sometimes these may be seen as “progressive” issues (e.g. living wages, affordable housing, supporting the prosperity and welfare of new migrants and affordable power bills, partnership with Indigenous groups and organizations).

Other times, our Alliances have also challenges 'NIMBY' red-tape that have restricted development of housing, opposed policies that entrench government dependence and worked to build prosperity through home ownership and support for small businesses.

Whatever the issue, these efforts are expressed and valued through moral and community terms rather than left-right, party or ideological politics.

Supporting democratic participation and vibrant civic life is at the heart of our work. The organization explicitly aims to “foster democracy” in an era when many feel disillusioned or powerless. One way it does this is by developing the leadership of everyday people – teaching citizens how to run meetings, speak publicly, conduct research, and effectively advocate for their interests. Over time, those trained leaders become school board members, neighborhood council chairs, or simply more active congregants or rank-and-file members, thereby renewing the fabric of local democracy.

Our campaigns yield concrete democratic gains. When an alliance presses a city council for a change and wins, that is citizens exercising power in the public square. When hundreds turn out at a public assembly, it models a more participatory form of politics.

Many officials have noted that IAF-trained community leaders ask informed questions and hold them accountable in constructive ways. The network’s measure of success is not only policy wins but also “human flourishing in communities where human development is often devalued”, achieved through “new relationships overcoming racial, religious and socio-economic divisions” and “concrete victories that change communities for the better”.

We create opportunities for people to connect and act powerfully and creatively as leaders – to bring about practical solutions to the challenges facing their families and communities.