A Manual for a New Network of Home-based Communities
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Method #1 "What We Stand For"
Network members generally endorse the following “What We Believe” statement -- with the understanding that they might prefer somewhat different language here and there and that this statement might be amended in the future. Proposed amendments can be presented and discussed on this discussion group.
| What We Stand For -- And How We Choose to Live |
Our commitment is to promote the common good of the entire human family, help make the nations of the world more just and democratic, and protect the environment.
Because life is mysterious, wonderful, and awesome, we cherish beauty and the experience of beauty. We encourage everyone to help make the world more beautiful.
The Earth is a living system composed of many interdependent parts. Our responsibility is to safeguard it and participate creatively in its evolution.
We aim to avoid both selfishness and self-sacrifice by loving others as we love ourselves. We enjoy life, spread joy, and assist people who are less fortunate.
Being fully human involves learning how to become a better person. By taking care of ourselves, we can better serve others and help prevent suffering.
We respect others as equals and listen to each other carefully. When we criticize people, we do so constructively without condemning them, for all of us are imperfect.
By coming together freely, we can have better relationships. We should use force only to protect life, prevent physical injury, or impose justified punishment. If and when we use force, we should use the minimal amount necessary.
No words fully express what is true. Ideas only point to truth. So we appreciate what is true about all points of view.
No one person or group monopolizes truth. By sharing facts and opinions, we can better understand reality. So we are willing to experiment with what works best.
As a nation, we are responsible to assure that all of our people have the means to live decently. As individuals, we are responsible to help shape our nation’s policies.
All people are entitled to have a real voice in public decisions that affect them. Our elected officials should listen to their constituents, help them find common ground whenever possible, and support the growth of supportive communities that nurture personal development rooted in shared moral values – so we can better overcome egoism, consumerism, greed, and the temptation to be deadened by passive entertainment.
As well as earning a profit, private businesses should serve the public interest, care for the environment, empower their workers, treat them fairly, and accept their right to organize unions if they so desire.
Strong communities need strong individuals and strong individuals need strong communities, as well as a national government that manages the economy wisely and protects civil and human rights.
The nations and the people of the world must cooperate with one another. By growing a loving, global community based on inclusive, democratic local communities, we can steadily improve the quality of life and eventually transform our social system – including our institutions, our culture, and ourselves – to better serve humanity and protect life on Earth.
| Next: Method #2: Self-Improvement |
Page last modified on March 08, 2008, at 10:19 AM