Conventional aid typically aims for sustainability, but rarely accomplishes it. When outside experts and resources leave, projects often collapse. Here are some ways that VOCF aims to be different. 1) VOCF starts with a fundamental belief in the local people’s capability. VOCF is not the savior. 2) The VOCF way is community-led, not outsider-led or top-down. 3) VOCF emphasizes mindset first, not outside resources. 4) VOCF’s key role is to be a model and provide training. Projects come naturally. 5) VOCF encourages the community to dream beautiful, but start small with local resources. 6) VOCF training is kept simple so that it can multiply through local teachers. 7) VOCF recognizes that local food security is essential to a sustainable community. 8) VOCF emphasizes business skills that produce local income. 9) VOCF maintains an encouraging relationship with communities long after we physically leave. 10) VOCF ultimately has a different definition of success. Our aim is to empower communities to keep growing themselves. It is a self-growing process, not a static level. When a community can grow themselves, it is time for us to humbly back away.