The American philosopher and pragmatist Charles Peirce taught that all thought when resolved led to belief, and only with belief do we stand at the doorway of action.

“Thus, both doubt and belief have positive effects upon us, though very different ones. Belief does not make us act at once, but puts us into such a condition that we shall behave in some certain way, when the occasion arises. Doubt has not the least such active effect, but stimulates us to inquiry until it is destroyed.”  Charles Peirce, The Fixation of Belief

Hence the power of a first step for those in recovery who no longer doubt powerlessness over their struggles or the unmanageable reality of their lives.

As  community we have grown and changed over thirty plus years.  And through our history there are certain “beliefs” that we can embrace having resolved our collective uncertainties through shared experience and challenges.  As part of our recent Middle States Accreditation visit, we were asked to put those beliefs into writing.  Below are the fruits of that effort.

1. We believe in sincerely caring about others and helping them to the best of our ability.
2. We believe in putting principles before personalities.
3. We believe the 12 Steps are a way of life.
4. We believe in growing along spiritual lines through the grace of a Higher Power.
5. We believe that we keep what we have by giving it away.
6. We believe that it is important to have healthy relationships with our peers.
7. We believe that everyone deserves to be treated with respect.
8. We believe an education is necessary for a successful life.
9. We believe that life is about progress, not perfection.
10. We believe that gratitude is a key element to happiness.
11. We believe that honesty, purity, unselfishness, and love are among the principles we should strive to live by.
12. We believe that recovery is possible through introduction of new thoughts and healthy, honest relationships.
13. We believe in a spirit of excellence.
14. We believe that our school must be conscious of, and responsive to, the dignity, welfare, and worth of our students.
15. We believe that young people need to build character in order to live successful lives.
16. We believe that when at-risk youth repair relationships with parents and siblings they will find happiness and success.
17. We believe that troubled teens recover by developing themselves spiritually, physically, and mentally.
18. We believe that society benefits when young adults are taught to be honest, responsible, and accountable for their actions.
19. We believe that personal integrity is a cornerstone of successful living.
20. We believe that students should learn to have a healthy respect for themselves and others.
21. We believe that there is a core of goodness in every troubled adolescent.
22. We believe that we don’t get right without God in our lives.
23. We believe that leading by example is the single most important way that adults can influence teens.
24. We believe that healing starts with telling the truth.
25. We believe one way that knowledge and wisdom may be gained is through respectful, sincere, and rational conversation.
26. We believe that a strong work ethic is essential for student growth.
27. We believe that our school is a community where all members learn and grow.

Join us over the next six months as we explore and elaborate on these beliefs in a weekly post here at the FFS blog.