A.W.A.R.E. is founded on the belief that prejudice and racism are persistent obstacles to the attainment of a just and peaceful society. A.W.A.R.E. recognizes the essential oneness of the human race; that all human beings share common needs and aspirations; and that all of us share the responsibility to realize in our personal and social lives the oneness of all people.

A.W.A.R.E. seeks to create an environment in which men and women of all races can address each other in a spirit of open and honestdiscussion, free of blame and censure. The principles of honest communication and the importance of the unity of all people are fundamental to every aspect of the organization's activities.

A.W.A.R.E. recognizes that prejudice and racism are, above all else, social and spiritual maladies woven into the moral and spiritual fiber of society and are perpetuated in its economic and institutional systems. They are born of ingorance, insensitivity and fear, which feed upon each other in a monstrous cycle. That of which we are ignorant becomes a source of fear. Fear itself breeds greater ignorance, which further magnifies fear, and so on.

The hope of breaking this cycle lies in the recognition that prejudice and racism are moral diseases which take little account of laws and statutes, but which reach deep into individuals' hearts and minds. It is felt that only through addressing prejudice and racism in our own hearts, can men and women of all races generate a compelling power to eradicate these pernitious conditions which so cripple our nation and retard its progress to true peace and justice.

To accomplish its mission, A.W.A.R.E. works to create an understanding of how prejudice and racism affect all people. The organization is based on the notion that socio-economic factors and institutions condition white individuals to acquire subconscious and often overt feeling of superiority, and that ceaseless effort is required to overcome this attitude. In turn, the suspicion harbored by people of color, resulting from a legacy of oppression, must also be addressed. A.W.A.R.E. faces these challenges in a sensitive and non-threatening manner in the belief that honest and frank dialogue involving all races must occur so that individuals may help heal each other. In the process, mutual understanding develops, which evolves into genuine and sincere friendship, authentic respect and ultimately love.

This statement is an adaption of the mission and purpose of the Institute for the Healing of Racism.