Twelve subscribers to my lists offered valuable (positive) feedback to the first two drafts of “A Declaration for Compassionate Community.” Those drafts with revision marks are posted here. A log of the feedback and my responses is posted here.

Those reflections prompted me to make changes and re-organize the document as a pledge (see below) that opens with “next steps” that everyone can take immediately, and concludes with the declaration of support for the growth of a popular movement. The new title is “Americans for Humanity: A Pledge.” Aiming to make it as short as possible, on my own initiative I’ve also deleted some of the initial content.

What do you think of this option? Suggested changes?

My plan is to send this draft to the same subscribers and incorporate suggested changes so long as they are forthcoming.

Then, if and when there’s strong consensus, I’ll seek feedback from many individuals not on those lists — and ask you to do the same with people you know.

The goal is to make the statement as good as possible.

Then, if and when there is strong support for the latest draft and no more substantial suggested changes are being submitted, we can consider whether and how to circulate it for endorsement.

Americans for Humanity: 
A Pledge
(1/10/19 Draft)

As an inhabitant of the United States of America, I will:

• Serve humanity, the environment, and life itself.
• Improve my emotional reactions;
• Examine myself honestly;
• Avoid oppressive or disrespectful behavior;
• Support others with their personal and spiritual growth;
• Welcome support from others.
• Strengthen my sense of myself as a member of the human family.
• Affirm personal identities based on characteristics such as race and gender.
• Oppose efforts to dominate others due to their identity.
• Respect the essential equality of all human beings.
• Rely on love and trust rather than hate and fear.
• Channel anger productively.
• Promote partnerships that empower people.
• Support individual rights and the rule of law.
• Nurture democracy throughout society.
• Honor America’s achievements, criticize its failures, and help realize its ideals.
• Help transform the United States into a compassionate community.
• Encourage the growth of a popular movement that embraces these values and:
  • Fully represents and gives voice to the American people.
  • Attracts people with face-to-face community and caring friendships.
  • Supports members who want to form small teams that share meals, strengthen connections, and plan other activities.
  • Pressures Washington to implement policies supported by strong majorities of the American people.
  • Engages in nonviolent civil disobedience and consumer boycotts when needed.
  • Cooperates with movements in other countries that also serve humanity, the environment, and life itself.

To sign, click here

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NOTES:

1. The latest version of this pledge will always be at https://goo.gl/MYF4s3
2. An archive of email comments without authors identified will be at https://goo.gl/Q8Pj6s.