To address these underlying causes of poverty, we have defined a program strategy that consists of three key elements that apply to all programs:

• Increase the capacity of key local and national actors
• Support integral development approaches developed by excluded groups
• Influence policies and promote civic and private attitudes and practices at the local, regional and national level that promote equity and inclusion and improved power relations.

To measure progress in advancing this strategy, we have selected the following indicators of success, which again apply to all program initiatives, regardless of their thematic focus:

• Number of strategic alliances, in which CARE plays an active role, that fight poverty, discrimination and social injustice.
• Number and percentage of program initiatives in which the participants (and other actors) are fully involved in the decision making process throughout the program life cycle (analysis, design, implementation and evaluation).
• Number and percentage of program initiatives that demonstrate results in terms of a more equitable distribution of power.
• Number and percentage of program initiatives that demonstrate results in terms of increased equity and reduced discrimination.
• Number and percentage of program initiatives that demonstrate results in terms of fulfilling responsibilities of those who have a duty towards poor and marginal people.
• Number and percentage of program initiatives that demonstrate sustainable effects and impact after an appropriate period of time once the activities have finalized.

To operationalize this strategy, CARE Ecuador will pursue a multi-disciplinary approach to the design and implementation of programs in democracy and governance, education, health, water and sanitation, natural resource management and economic development or any combination of the above.