Our Philosophy
The ethical, moral, and philosophical underpinnings that guide every decision in our journey toward collective economic liberation.
A Living Philosophy
Citizens Reunited represents more than a business model—it's a living experiment in collective economic empowerment. Our philosophy evolves through member feedback, observed patterns, ethical challenges, and wisdom gained through practice.
Five Core Tenets
Collective Liberation
Individual debt relief creates collective economic power. When we free one person from predatory debt, we strengthen the entire community. Our liberation is interconnected—no one is truly free until we all are.
"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality." - Martin Luther King Jr.
Transparent Governance
Members see and shape every major decision. True democracy requires informed participation. We operate with radical transparency, sharing our challenges, victories, and reasoning openly.
- Open financial records
- Public decision-making processes
- Member voting on major initiatives
- Regular accountability reports
Regenerative Economics
Wealth flows back to communities, not extractive systems. We're building an economy that heals rather than harms, that nurtures rather than exploits, that regenerates community wealth rather than concentrating it in the hands of a few.
Dignified Existence
Every person deserves freedom from predatory debt. Healthcare, education, and basic needs should never trap anyone in cycles of poverty. We affirm the inherent dignity of every human being and their right to economic security.
This means:
- Free membership for those who cannot afford to pay
- Services designed for accessibility
- Centering the voices of those most affected
- Building power with, not for, our members
Systemic Transformation
We're not just managing debt, we're changing the game. Incremental reform is insufficient when the system itself is predatory. We're building alternative structures that prove another way is possible.
Our transformation strategy:
- Demonstrate viable alternatives to predatory finance
- Build political power through organized membership
- Create replicable models for other sectors
- Shift cultural narratives about debt and dignity
Philosophical Roots
Solidarity Economics
Drawing from cooperative movements worldwide, we prioritize mutual aid, democratic ownership, and collective benefit over individual profit.
Liberation Theology
Inspired by faith traditions that center the poor and oppressed, we see economic justice as a moral imperative and spiritual practice.
Indigenous Wisdom
Learning from cultures that prioritize collective wellbeing, reciprocity, and seven-generation thinking in economic decisions.
Feminist Economics
Challenging systems that devalue care work, we center reproductive labor and community sustainability in our economic model.
Ethics in Practice
Do No Harm
Every decision evaluated for potential negative impact on members and communities
Center the Margins
Those most affected by predatory debt have the loudest voice in solutions
Long-term Thinking
Sustainability and intergenerational wealth over short-term gains
Iterative Wisdom
Continuous learning and adaptation based on member experiences
The Invitation
This philosophy is not static doctrine but a living framework that evolves with our collective wisdom. Every member contributes to its development through their experiences, insights, and participation.
Together, we're not just solving debt—we're reimagining what an economy rooted in justice, dignity, and collective care can become.