Resolution from the Board of Trustees

Charter of Compassion

A New Mission Statement & Vision Statement

August 29, 2020

Whereas, the principle of compassion is at the heart of all the world’s wisdom, spiritual and ethical traditions, calling us all to deep listening, to treat others both as we wish to be treated and as they wish to be treated. Neuroscience, evolutionary biology, and the social sciences confirm that compassion is both innate and can be cultivated.

Whereas, compassion motivates us to alleviate the suffering of others, to honor and respect all life, and to treat everyone with justice, fairness, and respect. Born of our common humanity and our deep interdependence, compassion is essential to human relationships and to the future of humanity.

Whereas, the world is facing a crisis of increased polarization, inequity, and hostility. At the same time, many are waking up to the prevalence of prejudice, bias, and bigotry with violence toward people of different ethnicities, cultures, and religions. Our environment is suffering in catastrophic and near irreversible ways. Now, more than ever, Compassionate Action in all sectors and areas of life is required for our future survival and the welfare of all creation.

Whereas, we know that compassion can be taught, trained, and cultivated. There are extensive resources from both ancient traditions and current science and practice that guide us in developing more compassionate souls throughout the life span. We call upon people of conscience and good will from all societies, cultures, and religions to join us in making this commitment.

Therefore, we the Board of Trustees of the Charter for Compassion hereby

• Commit to restore compassion to the center of morality and social engagement and reject any practice that breeds violence, hatred, or disdain.
• Commit to develop our compassion in ever-widening circles, transcending our individual and collective self-centeredness to create a society characterized by care and concern for all and a devotion to the common good.
• Commit to teach, train, and equip future generations.
• Commit to collaborate locally, nationally and globally to create a shared vision of a compassionate society, to work within our spheres of influence to build compassionate systems and cultures, to openly share information and resources, to highlight best practices, and to celebrate progress.

ADDENDUM

Compassion is a luminous and dynamic force in our polarized world and is the essential and catalytic ingredient to the creation of a just, peaceful, and sustainable world.

Mission

Our mission is to promote and cultivate the principle of compassion and the Compassionate Way of Life (as articulated by the Charter for Compassion) so that it characterizes all human society and all relationships.

Vision

We envision a world in which the darkness of suffering is healed by the light of compassionate action; in which children and adults are literate and skilled in the transformative nature and power of compassion; and in which we treat ourselves, each other, and the natural world with dignity and respect, manifesting the Golden Rule in all relationships.