About Us

Mission

We build a better world by creating international, problem-solving partnerships that increase understanding, skills and awareness of the world in which we live based on four principles: 

• People do not develop in a vacuum.
• Ideas can transform people.
• Relationships matter.
• By small actions… great things happen.

The Karadah Project International is particularly focused on Iraq.

Description

After two tours in Iraq as an Army Reserve Civil Affairs officer, LTC Rick Burns concluded that what is needed most in Iraq is not more money, but stronger mentoring and partnering relationships. Building on the Sister Cities International Friendship Partnership he helped establish between Council Bluffs, Iowa and the Karadah District Council, Rick established The Karadah Project International, a 501(c)3 corporation. Our mission is to build long-term partnering and mentoring relationships between individuals and groups in Iraq and the United States.

Vision

We envision a world made better by equal access to ideas and partnering opportunities that empower people and communities to solve their own challenges and create their own destinies where sustainability, growth and innovation build civil, stable and economically productive communities.

Core Values

Integrity

Our partnerships, activities, services, and programs are consistent with our stated mission, compatible with our organizational capacity, respectful of the interests of our partners and sponsors, and managed with the highest level of professionalism.

Accountability

The true measure of our success is whether individual lives and communities change for the better as a result of our work. We are mission-focused, conduct program evaluations, produce measurable outcomes and insure sound financial management.

Stewardship

We are able to accomplish our mission through the generosity of others. We respect donors’ intentions and restrictions on the use of their gifts, and promote responsible stewardship of the resources they entrust to us for the accomplishment of our work. We are transparent in our dealings with others.

Excellence

We support and encourage visionary governance, exemplary management, excellent service and program delivery and exceptional staff. We value and uphold the highest ethical and professional standards in all of our working relations.

Dedication

Our commitment to accomplishing our mission is paramount and drives our daily decisions and our strategic planning. We work passionately toward accomplishing our mandate of a world made better by our efforts.

Innovation  

We strive relentlessly to find new and better answers. We do not believe the best solutions have been found.