JRCT’s founder, Joseph Rowntree was always very clear on one thing: for your efforts to have any lasting benefit, you must tackle the roots of a problem. If you only treat the “superficial manifestations” of social or economic problems then you will ease the symptoms for a time, but make no lasting difference.
At JRCT, it wants to engage in philanthropy which challenges the existing power imbalances in society to effect real change.
It places itself at the cutting edge of difficult and contentious issues. It believes in creating dialogue to support change towards a better world. It recognizes that change can take many years to achieve. It is willing to take the long view, and to take risks. It tries to be flexible enough to respond to the changing needs and demands of the world.
JRCT trustees are Quakers, and decision-making and practice are based on Quaker values. Trust meetings are based on Quaker business method. Each Trust meeting starts and ends with a period of silent worship. It does not vote – it tries to listen to each other and to God, so that It is guided to the right decision.
