Mission, Vision and Values
En Español
Mission
We drive openness, cultivate public participation, and strengthen our nation’s democracy through equitable public access to high-value government records.
Our mission is to provide equitable public access to federal government records in our custody and control. Equitable access to government records strengthens democracy by allowing all Americans of all backgrounds to claim their rights of citizenship, hold their government accountable, and understand their history so they can participate more effectively in their government.
Vision
We will be known for cutting-edge access to extraordinary volumes of government information and unprecedented engagement to bring greater meaning to the many different American experiences.
We collaborate with other federal agencies, the private sector, the public, and diverse communities to offer information—including records, data, and context—when, where, and how it is needed and transform the American public’s relationship with their government. We will lead the archival and information professions to ensure archives thrive in a digital world.
Values
NARA values reflect shared aspirations that support and encourage the agency’s longstanding commitment to public service, openness, and transparency, and the government records that NARA holds in trust.
Collaborate: Create an open, inclusive work environment that is built on respect, communication, integrity, and collaborative teamwork.
Innovate: Encourage creativity and invest in innovation to build our future.
Learn: Pursue excellence through continuous learning and become smarter all the time about what we know and what we do in service to others.
Act with Integrity: Build trust by acting with honesty, fairness, and transparency.
Advance Diversity: Model diversity, inclusion, equity, and accessibility throughout the agency and expand participation by staff and customers of all backgrounds in NARA programs and decision-making.
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