(Including Code of Conduct & Protocols)
Principle 1
If you join AIM then you are there for the duration of the people, “Indian Helping Indian”. AIM membership is a matter of Commitment, not Money.
Principle 2
AIM is for those people who want to see change & willing to commit! You are a Warrior first.
Principle 3
AIM is sober & drug free. AIM supports zero tolerance for abusers of people, drugs & alcohol.
Principle 4
AIM does not get involved with tribal politics or any other community politics unless invited to do so. A written letter must be received by the AIM leadership prior to making any commitment.
Principle 5
AIM is first, a spiritual movement, a religious re-birth of dignity and pride in a people.
Principle 6
AIM philosophy is based on the individual native nations spiritual and cultural norms of the people. The philosophy of AIM is that you work with the people not above the people, stay “humble”. We are proactive when invited to make a stand on any issue and accordingly are willing to make sacrifices and take risks. AIM may participate in activities even when it is unpopular at the time. Understand that Indian wars did not end in 1890, and AIM is ready to battle and risk their lives for their people. It is also AIM’s purpose to educate the youth to secure the future of our people and our relationship to the land.
Principle 7
AIM San Diego has one of the largest urban Indian communities including seventeen reservations. AIM San Diego is a Proactive Advocacy Organization. Our goal is to promote Indian Unity and Spirituality through Indian helping Indian programs and projects.
Principle 8
AIM is not a club, it is a movement and a way of life. If you can put yourself last in your actions and thinking, then you are ready for AIM.
Principle 9
Some will look upon AIM with distain, others with fear and still others with the utmost respect. You are always a diplomat representing AIM, conduct yourself accordingly.
Principle 10
AIM is the political catalyst for Indian sovereignty. AIM is not republicans or democrats, nor liberal or conservative, we are Indian with a unique spiritual culture that conflicts with the dominate American political culture.
Principle 11
The News Media can be AIM’s friend or foe, use with caution." No One” officially speaks for AIM except the Chapter Leadership.
Principle12
AIM leaders are battle tested, respect their leadership position and AIM’s chain-of-command.
Therefore;
We are the American Indian Movement - AIM. We walk into the future in the footsteps of our ancestors, following the principles of our traditional spiritually, sovereignty, self-determination, sobriety, and mutual respect. Hence, we are firmly committed to the time-honored indigenous political perspective of the inalienable and inherent right of the people to decide the nature of their destiny.
It follows that we hereby declare and reaffirm that we are, in the manner of those who have come before us, a Chapter of the American Indian Movement. Remember, AIM was born out of the dark violence of police brutality and voiceless despair who were Indian people without power and rights. Indian people have known the inside of jails, the long wait and the no appeal of courts for Indians.
Accordingly, AIM San Diego members agree to advance the cause of indigenous sovereignty and self-determination within its own context and regional conditions. Decisions of this chapter are the responsibility of the leadership entrusted by the people, and such decisions are to be accorded respect by Chapter members and other chapters.
Let there be no misunderstanding that AIM San Diego will not accept any divisiveness and disruption brought about by Chapter members or any similar entity. AIM will take whatever measures are necessary to maintain the integrity and uphold the principles of the American Indian Movement and the struggle it represents. All those who consider themselves allies, supporters or advocates of indigenous rights will respect our position, and respond accordingly.
