Color Wheel - Compassion International

The color wheel is a visual representation of color theory, first proposed by Sir Isaac Newton in the 18th century. More a color chart or color scale than anything else, a color wheel shows the relationship colors have to one another.

The most common version of a color wheel is based on the red yellow blue (RYB) color model. In this model, the primary colors of red, yellow and blue are placed opposite their complementary secondary colors (green, orange and purple) and next to their tertiary color variations (yellow-orange, red-orange, red-purple, blue-purple, blue-green and yellow-green).

If we take the color wheel premise, along with a few conceptual liberties, and apply it to the context of poverty our newly created "poverty color wheel" vividly illustrates that the presence of poverty doesn't mean dignity is absent.

Red symbolizes life. It asserts itself with boldness and daring and expresses itself with pioneering spirit. Red represents the strength and determination of a child fighting the lies of poverty.

Yellow is the color of sunshine. It’s associated with joy, happiness, intellect and energy. It’s an optimistic color, one that communicates a brighter future for children in poverty.

Blue symbolizes trust, loyalty, wisdom, confidence, intelligence, faith, truth and heaven. It is the color of the sky. And it is the color of Compassion. It represents the unlimited potential of the children we serve.

Green is the color of nature. It represents balance and symbolizes self-respect, growth and harmony. It also symbolizes freshness, like a fresh opportunity, a chance to succeed and break the cycle of poverty.

Orange is a bold invigorating color suggesting strength, endurance and success. It represents enthusiasm, encouragement and determination. It is the banner of success carried by children released from poverty in Jesus’ name.

Purple is associated with royalty. It symbolizes wisdom, nobility and ambition. It communicates wealth and extravagance. But it’s also the color of dignity – something you’re helping give to children in poverty.

Pink is associated with purity, love and compassion. It communicates gentleness and freshness. Pink represents good health and life, which you offer to children in poverty.

White symbolizes goodness, innocence and purity. It’s the color of perfection and safety. It’s the color of light — the Light of the World we share through our ministry.