- Broad-based, consisting of congregations and other institutions from across the region which represent the racial, religious, and economic diversity of the area.
- Values-based, involving people who are committed to acting on the call to social justice that is so central to many of our faith traditions.
- Non-partisan, never endorsing candidates or political parties, but embracing fully the art of politics—the discussion, debate and active participation necessary for persons to take collective action to reclaim their birthright as citizens in a democratic country.
- Dues-based, giving member institutions ownership over the organizing and the independence to act freely on their own interests.