1. Assertive- We must be proactive and innovative in addressing poverty issues, rather than passively looking to government. Citizen assertiveness is key.
2. Basic- The most foundational institutions, i.e. family, faith community and neighborhood, should be the first avenues people look to for help, followed by outside organizations. Government should only be sought as a last resort and even then, the appeal should be to local and state governments before going to the federal level. However, government should be as supportive as possible in offering protection for volunteers where needed. This might take such forms as providing added police protection for agencies in troubled neighborhoods, as well as better Good Samaritan laws to protect volunteers from frivolous lawsuits.
3. Challenging- A safety net is to be a trampoline, not a hammock. Job training and career building are a key component in Compassionate Conservativism. Poor people should not be treated as pets. The goal is to help them to become everything they were created to be.
4. Diverse- A wide choice of programs should be offered from a variety of viewpoints and with different points of emphasis. People should be offered areas of assistance reflective of their individual beliefs and values.
5. Effective- Services must be constantly monitored in terms of overall effectiveness. How many people are fed and bedded is less important than what happens to them long term.
6. Faith Based- Voluntary religious education contributes greatly to the person s sense of responsibility and self-worth, and should not be denied to those who desire it.
7. Gradual- Compassionate Conservativism is not so much a revolution as it is a pragmatic blueprint for gradual, sustainable change.