Over the next four newsletters, we will be sharing what the Charter for Compassion has spent the last 18 months deeply considering: The Ground Upon Which We Stand.
At the heart of this exploration is a central question: What are the principles that underlie the way we think about the world, how we live in it, and how we might flourish within it—while also sustaining and nurturing it for others? This reflection has led us on a journey of learning, unlearning, and seeking wisdom—not only from current perspectives, but from the traditions, ethics, and cultures of our ancestors.
We've asked:
- How do we honor the sacred in one another?
- What are the shared needs that bind us together?
- How do we truly see ourselves in others?
These questions have led us to an exciting moment—one in which we invite you to take part. We are reimagining the Charter for Compassion 2.0 and are inviting you to help shape it.
From Sectors to Pillars
Informed by countless dialogues and reflections, we are moving away from working in siloed sectors and instead reinforcing our efforts around seven foundational pillars—domains of human life that have emerged through our shared journey as a global family. These pillars are not abstract concepts; they are expressions of our interconnectedness, born from the needs that all people share, regardless of place or time.
In the coming weeks, you’ll be introduced to these seven pillars. You’ll also begin to notice dynamic changes to our website and platform, all leading toward a powerful moment on November 12, 2025, when we unveil the Charter for Compassion 2.0.
But first, let’s return to the foundation.
Why the Charter for Compassion Is Built on the Seven Pillars of Shared Humanity
The Charter for Compassion is grounded in a simple but profound truth: We are one human family. Migration is not the exception to our experience—it is the experience. From the first footsteps out of Africa to the peopling of every continent, humanity has always been in motion, carried by necessity, curiosity, survival, and hope.
Our seven pillars are drawn from this shared history and collective future. They reflect the essential ways we live and grow: how we learn, heal, express, cultivate, seek justice, find joy, and create meaning.
In a world fractured by borders and narratives of division, these seven pillars call us to remember:
We are all migrants. We are all kin.
In honoring this interdependence, we can rebuild a world where all life flourishes with compassion.
The Seven Pillars of Shared Humanity and the Values That Uphold Them
1. Education (Lifelong) and Wisdom
Lifelong education nurtures curiosity and reflection. It invites us to continually learn, question, and grow. Wisdom emerges not only from knowledge, but from applying that knowledge with insight, humility, and service to others.
2. Healthcare (Including Mental Health, Nutrition, and Hygiene) and Compassion
Compassion is the heartbeat of true healthcare. From mental and emotional well-being to physical health and access to care, compassion ensures dignity, equity, and care for all.
3. Music & The Arts and Gratitude
The arts awaken gratitude by helping us see beauty, experience emotion, and connect with the sacred. Music and creativity allow us to express thanks for the gift of being alive and to celebrate the human spirit.
4. Environment and Agriculture, and Respect
Respect grounds our relationship with the natural world. Whether through farming, food systems, or environmental stewardship, honoring our planet ensures sustainability and care for future generations.
5. Play, Courage, and Innovation
Play fosters courage—it allows us to imagine boldly, take risks, and grow through creativity. It nurtures resilience and joy, and opens pathways to innovation and personal transformation.
6. Justice (Economic and Social) and Integrity
Justice depends on integrity: a steadfast commitment to fairness, equity, and honesty in systems and relationships. It calls us to create societies where rights are upheld and all can thrive.
7. Spirituality and the Practices of Love, Compassion, and Hope
Spirituality anchors us in love, compassion, and hope. Whether through prayer, meditation, mindfulness, or sacred ritual, it connects us to each other and to something greater than ourselves.
A Unified Framework for a Compassionate World
Together, these pillars create a unified and interdependent framework:
- Education fosters wisdom.
- Healthcare embodies compassion.
- The arts reflect gratitude.
- Agriculture and the environment are grounded in respect.
- Play encourages courage and innovation.
- Justice requires integrity.
- Spirituality sustains love, compassion, and hope.
Each pillar has its own unique strength. But their greatest power lies in their connection to one another. Practiced together, they offer a vision for a just and flourishing world—a world where compassion is not an afterthought but a foundational way of being.
We look forward to continuing this journey with you. And if you haven’t yet, we invite you to help us shape the future:
Contribute to Charter for Compassion 2.0
