Fremont, CA, USA

Resolution NO. 2016-01

A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Fremont Adopting a Charter of Compassion for the City of Fremont

WHEREAS, the Charter for Compassion, initiated by Ted prize winner Karen Armstrong, was unveiled at the United Nations in 2009 and carries forth the vision of creating a global civil society adhering to the "golden rule," to treat others as you would like to be treated; and

WHEREAS, there is now a growing worldwide network of Compassionate Communities which have signed the Charter for Compassion in 50 countries and over 70 cities globally with many more which are actively organizing to create a compassionate action plan; and

WHEREAS, there has been an active group of Fremont residents which include the Tri-City Interfaith Council, the City's Human Relations Commission and others who have been diligently working to garner support for adoption of a Compassionate Charter by the City of Fremont; and

WHEREAS, adoption of the Fremont Compassionate City Charter is supported by hundreds of Fremont residents and is now being presented to the Fremont City Council on this day, January 12, 2016, for adoption prior to the City's 60th anniversary this month; and

WHEREAS, the City Council encourages all citizens of Fremont to affirm the Charter for Compassion and to strive to live and act more compassionately.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Council of the City of Fremont does hereby adopt the City of Fremont Compassionate Charter as follows:

The principle of compassion lies at the heart of all ethical and spiritual traditions, calling us always to treat all others as we wish to be treated ourselves. Compassion impels us to alleviate the suffering of our fellow creatures, to dethrone ourselves from the center of our world, and to honor the sanctity of every human being, everybody, without exception, with justice, equity and respect.

It is also necessary in both public and private life to refrain consistently and empathically from inflicting pain. To act or speak violently, to deny basic rights, and to incite hatred against others - even our enemies - are denials of our common humanity.

We therefore call upon all people to restore compassion to the center of morality- to ensure that youth are given accurate and respectful information about other traditions and cultures, to encourage a positive appreciation of cultural andh anniversary this month; and ethnic diversity, to cultivate an informed empathy with the suffering of all living beings, and to cherish and respect the precious planet, which is home to all of us.

We urgently need to make compassion a clear, luminous and dynamic force in our polarized world. Rooted in a principled determination to transcend selfishness, compassion can break down political, dogmatic, ideological and religious boundaries - even between those regarded as enemies. Born of our deep interdependence, compassion is essential to human relationships, to a fulfilled humanity, and to the creation of a just and peaceful global community.

ADOPTED January 12, 2016 by the City Council of the City of Fremont by the following vote:

AYES: Mayor Harrison; Vice Mayor Mei; Councilmembers Chan, Bacon and Jones

NOES: None

ABSENT: None

ABSTAIN: None

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