You can tell a lot about someone by who they surround themselves with – the company they keep. It speaks to their values, who they might turn to for advice at a difficult time, and who might inform their worldview.

As we begin a New Year, I have been thinking about how the company we keep reflects on us. The year ahead is certain to be a challenging one for our country as we confront issues at all levels of society. It feels important to state clearly what we value at such a contentious moment.

We stand for fairness, justice, and equity. We stand alongside organizations working towards financial justice and inclusion. Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and other nonprofit organizations direct capital at systemic racism and inequity, fund greener, more sustainable communities, and create opportunity in our local economies. We are proud to work alongside organizations like Opportunity Finance Network.

We believe food, nutrition, and health are the natural rights of every person. We stand with organizations striving to provide nourishment and essential services to all who need them. We are proud to work alongside many regional food banks, including The Greater Boston Food Bank.

We believe in safety and security, especially for our school children. We believe we can end gun violence and mass shootings. We are proud to work alongside organizations such as Sandy Hook Promise.

We believe that every person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. We stand against hatred, prejudice, and anyone who would threaten or demean someone for being different. We stand alongside organizations such as The Trevor Project.

We believe there is room for more than one faith, means of worship, or ideology. We believe in an inclusive society that welcomes all people. We stand alongside organizations such as Congregation Beit Simchat Torah.

We believe in science and facts. In this moment, it is telling that we are compelled to state that facts are real and science is not a political issue even as the climate rapidly changes. We stand alongside science-based innovators such as Greentown Labs.

We believe in history. A full accounting of the story does not diminish us – it helps us avoid repeating the same mistakes and ensures we strive for a better future. We stand alongside historic institutions such as the Boston Athenaeum.

We believe in democracy. Our country, well-governed, is a vehicle for good in the world. Given the opportunity, we believe every person in this country has a voice and a right to elect our leaders. We stand alongside organizations striving to ensure free and fair elections such as Voting Rights Lab.

Our country faces very real and pressing issues at all levels of society this year. But, I believe we will come out of this stronger. I believe we will continue to move towards a more fair, just, and equitable society. I believe this, in part, because of the company we keep.

Craftsman Technology Group is an employee-owned small business. It has provided technology services to mission-driven, social sector organizations since its founding in 2015.