Aidan’s Values

OATH OF OFFICE

Aidan Hill among a group of people participating in a peaceful protest holding signs, one reading "Black Lives Matter" and another saying "Justice for George Floyd", with trees and a building in the background.

“I, Aidan Hill, do solemnly affirm that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States, and the Constitution of the State of California against all enemies, foreign and domestic.

That I bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of the United States, and the Constitution of the State of California.

I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion, and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties upon which I am about to enter.”

Aidan Hill

Aidan’s Guiding Principles

  • GRASSROOTS DEMOCRACY

    I believe democracy works best when people have a meaningful voice in the decisions that affect their lives. Strengthening public participation and transparency helps ensure government remains accountable to the community it serves.

  • SOCIAL JUSTICE & EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

    I believe everyone should have a fair opportunity to benefit from the resources and opportunities our community provides. That requires recognizing barriers to participation and working thoughtfully to ensure our institutions remain open, fair, and inclusive.

  • ECOLOGICAL WISDOM

    I believe we are part of the natural systems that sustain our community. Responsible stewardship of land, water, and public space should guide how Berkeley grows, while recognizing the history of this land and the Indigenous communities connected to it.

  • NON-VIOLENCE

    I believe public leadership should promote peace, dignity, and respect for all people. Building strong communities means supporting approaches that reduce harm and strengthen trust, fairness, and mutual respect.

  • DECENTRALIZATION

    I believe strong communities deserve a voice in the decisions that shape their future. Public institutions should remain responsive, transparent, and accountable to the people they serve.

  • COMMUNITY BASED ECONOMICS

    I believe our local economy should support workers, small businesses, and community well-being. Cooperative approaches, responsible technology, and sustainable practices can help build a stronger and more resilient local economy.

  • FEMINISM AND GENDER EQUITY

    I believe our community should respect the dignity, autonomy, and equality of every person. Leadership and decision-making processes should reflect the same values of fairness, inclusion, and respect for people of all genders and identities.

  • RESPECT FOR DIVERSITY

    Berkeley’s strength comes from the diversity of its people, cultures, and perspectives. Leadership should reflect the full community, and I support expanding opportunities for those who have historically been excluded from decision-making.

  • PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY

    I believe leadership requires accountability and transparency. I welcome feedback from the community and remain committed to listening, learning, and improving so that my work reflects the values of care, responsibility, and respect. I will continue supporting community efforts that promote peace, economic justice, and environmental stewardship throughout the Bay Area.

  • SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

    I believe we have a responsibility to future generations. Protecting natural resources, supporting education and knowledge, and planning responsibly today helps ensure that Berkeley remains a healthy and sustainable community for years to come.

Campaign Ethics
and Safety

Our campaign is built on trust, respect, and responsibility to the community we serve.

Everyone participating in this campaign—staff, volunteers, and supporters—shares responsibility for maintaining a safe, ethical, and respectful environment. Everyone involved in the campaign must commit to maintaining a culture of safety, respect, and accountability. When concerns arise, they should be addressed responsibly to leadership and staff so that harm will be prevented and trust can be maintained.

Accountability and Campaign Conduct

The values guiding this campaign must also shape how we work together. Building a community rooted in dignity, fairness, and participation requires holding ourselves to the same standards we ask of public institutions. Everyone involved in this campaign—staff, volunteers, and supporters—shares responsibility for maintaining a safe, respectful, and accountable environment.

Accountability is an evolving process dedicated to learning, unlearning and relearning again. The following conduct and safety standards reflect our commitment to protecting participants, supporting ethical engagement, and ensuring that our campaign reflects the principles of respect, transparency, and responsibility we hope to bring to public service.

Participation in this campaign indicates agreement with these conduct and safety standards.

Campaign Conduct & Safety Standards

Our campaign is committed to creating a safe, respectful, and accountable environment for everyone who participates. Staff, volunteers, and supporters are expected to uphold the following standards in all campaign activities.

Respect and Inclusion

All participants must treat others with dignity and respect. Our campaign welcomes people from all backgrounds and lived experiences. We are committed to maintaining an environment where everyone can participate safely and without discrimination.

Harassment and Misconduct

Harassment, intimidation, discrimination, sexual misconduct, or unwanted physical or verbal behavior will not be tolerated.

This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Sexual harassment or assault

  • Unwanted physical contact

  • Persistent unwanted attention

  • Threats, intimidation, or coercion

  • Discriminatory or abusive language

Everyone has the right to feel safe while participating in campaign activities.

Personal Boundaries and Consent

Respect for personal boundaries is essential. Physical contact, private meetings, and personal communication should always be respectful and appropriate. Clear consent and mutual respect are expected at all times.

Reporting Concerns

Anyone who experiences or witnesses harmful behavior should report it to campaign leadership. Reports will be taken seriously and addressed promptly.

Retaliation against anyone who raises concerns or reports misconduct will not be tolerated.

Ethical Campaign Conduct

Participants agree to maintain integrity in both internal work and public engagement. This includes avoiding:

  • Defamation or personal attacks

  • Whisper campaigns or harassment

  • Spreading misinformation about individuals

Privacy and Confidentiality

Campaign work often involves sensitive discussions and personal information. Participants are expected to respect confidentiality and handle private information responsibly.

Responsibility to the Community

This campaign exists to serve the people of Berkeley. Our conduct should reflect the values of fairness, transparency, and respect for the broader community.

Accountability

Campaign leadership reserves the right to remove individuals from campaign activities if they violate these standards or create an unsafe or hostile work environment.

Participation in this campaign indicates agreement with these conduct and safety standards.

Volunteer Safety and Participation Guidelines

To help maintain a safe and respectful campaign environment, volunteers, and organizers are asked to follow these basic guidelines during campaign activities.

Event and Meeting Safety

Campaign activities should take place in appropriate public or professional settings whenever possible.

Participants must respect personal boundaries and maintain a professional atmosphere at campaign events.

Canvassing and Field Work

Volunteers should canvass in pairs or small teams when possible.

Volunteers should avoid entering private residences unless it is a pre-arranged meeting.

If you feel like you are in an unsafe situation,
please contact campaign leadership immediately to order you a ride home.

Communication

Campaign communication should remain respectful and professional.

Organizers and volunteers may not use campaign spaces
or communication channels for harassment or personal conflicts.

Alcohol and Substance Use

Campaign activities should remain safe and professional environments.
Participants should not engage in behavior that could compromise safety or the well-being of others.

Raising Concerns

If a volunteer feels unsafe or observes misconduct and unprofessional behavior, they are encouraged to notify campaign leadership immediately so the situation can be addressed.

Our Commitment

This campaign believes leadership begins with accountability.

By participating in this campaign, we commit to maintaining a culture of respect,
safety, and responsibility while working together to serve the Berkeley community.

Participation in this campaign indicates agreement with these conduct and safety standards.

Campaign Culture

Winning an election is important, but it should never come at the cost of harming others or compromising our principles. Our goal is to build a campaign that reflects the kind of community we want Berkeley to be: safe, respectful, and grounded in shared responsibility.

This campaign is committed to building a culture rooted in respect, responsibility, and care for one another. Political work can be demanding, but it should never come at the expense of people’s dignity or well-being.

We believe that the way we work together should reflect the values we hope to bring to public service. That means listening to one another, resolving disagreements respectfully, and supporting a healthy environment for everyone involved.

Participation in this campaign indicates agreement with these conduct and safety standards.